At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with mental health challenges and promote their recovery and independence.
- Company: Join East Lothian's Health and Social Care Partnership, a progressive and supportive service.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive pay, and a focus on staff wellbeing.
- Other info: Opportunities for home or hybrid working available.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Social Work and relevant mental health qualifications required.
The predicted salary is between 54300 - 60500 £ per year.
Hourly rate of pay: £26.09 - £29.14
Days and Hours of Work: Monday - Friday, 09:00-17:00. Starting and finishing times are flexible, and flexi time is applicable. To start 1st August 2026.
Are you passionate about making a real difference in people’s lives? Join East Lothian's Health and Social Care Partnership as a Mental Health Officer and be part of a progressive, supportive service where your skills, judgement and compassion truly matter.
Working in one of Scotland’s most beautiful and diverse local authority areas, you’ll play a key role in promoting recovery, rights and independence for individuals experiencing mental ill health. You’ll work collaboratively with health colleagues, social work teams, families and partner agencies, contributing to high quality assessments, care planning and statutory duties under mental health legislation.
We are proud of our strong partnership working, approachable leadership and commitment to professional development. You’ll be supported with regular supervision, reflective practice, training opportunities and a culture that values staff wellbeing as much as the wellbeing of the people we support. Whether you’re experienced or looking to further develop your MHO practice, East Lothian offers the space to grow, influence and feel valued.
Interviews for this position will take place on the 24th of June 2026.
Home / Hybrid Working Consideration: Applications for home or hybrid working will be considered for this post in accordance with East Lothian Council’s Home Working and Worksmart Policies. Home or Hybrid working options can be discussed with candidates invited for interview.
Please Note: All home/hybrid workers must live in the UK. Where an application for home-working is supported, it will be subject to a satisfactory trial period. Employees will be expected to attend Council offices for the duration of induction, and be on site in East Lothian workplaces, as required. Employees with a hybrid working arrangement in place will be office based and able to work from home, with permission, on an ad hoc basis.
Job Details:
- To work as part of a Mental Health Officers’ team providing a responsive and needs led service.
- To provide a high standard of Mental Health Officer and Social Work practice that ensures appropriate services are provided to meet clients’ needs within the department’s statutory obligations and departmental policies and procedures.
Please download the Job Outline/Person Specification for the full range of tasks and duties associated with this job. You will need to refer to these in order to complete the application form. You must ensure you meet every 'essential' criteria stated on the Person Specification to be considered for interview.
The ‘East Lothian Way’– values and behaviours we expect our employees to demonstrate in their everyday work. Should you be invited to interview, you may be asked questions based on these behaviours.
Job Requirements:
- Relevant Qualifications: Degree in Social Work (or other recognised Social Work Qualification i.e. CQSW, Dip SW, CCETSW) and relevant post qualifying award(s) in Mental Health.
- SSSC registration is an essential requirement of this role. If you are appointed and are not already a member of the relevant section of the SSSC Register, you will be required to apply for registration within 3 months of your start date to ensure that you are registered within the required 6 months.
- Driving Licence: As the duties of this role require you to effectively travel to successfully undertake the full remit of the role, you must hold a current driving licence and have access to a vehicle.
- PVG Membership: This post is considered as a Regulated Role with vulnerable children and/or protected adults, as specified in the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020. All preferred candidates for posts carrying out regulated work with these groups will be required to become a PVG Scheme member, or undergo a PVG Scheme update if they are already a member, prior to any formal offer of employment being made by East Lothian Council.
Please note: PVG member’s records are constantly updated with any new vetting information that arises. Any information that is disclosed on a PVG membership or update check, if relevant to the post being applied for, will be discussed with the applicant and investigated prior to any formal offer being made.
Please note: If you have spent more than 3 months working or living out with the UK in the last 5 years then you will be required to present a copy of an overseas criminal record check.
Additional Information: For additional East Lothian Council employment information please click on the following link: www.eastlothian.gov.uk/nonteachinginfo.
If you have any difficulties creating an account on MyJobScotland or applying for this post please contact the MyJobScotland support team.
If you require further information about this vacancy, please call 01620 827868, or email us on recruitment@eastlothian.gov.uk.
Please note: We do not accept CV's (either electronically or by mail). All our vacancies must be applied for by fully completing the on-line application form.
Mental Health Officer (Senior Practitioner) - EAL12664 employer: East Lothian Council
East Lothian's Health and Social Care Partnership is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and progressive work environment for Mental Health Officers. With a strong emphasis on professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a culture that prioritises staff wellbeing, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those they support while enjoying the stunning backdrop of one of Scotland’s most beautiful local authority areas.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mental Health Officer (Senior Practitioner) - EAL12664
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out East Lothian's values and behaviours. This will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for and show that you’re a great fit.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when discussing your experience and how it relates to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for mental health! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've made a difference in people's lives. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate your commitment to the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Mental Health Officer (Senior Practitioner) - EAL12664
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description and person specification. Make sure you understand what’s required and how your skills match up. This will help you tailor your application to show us why you're the perfect fit!
Highlight Relevant Experience:When filling out the application form, focus on your relevant experience in mental health and social work. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills and how they align with the role. We want to see how you can contribute to our team!
Show Your Passion:Don’t be shy about expressing your passion for making a difference in people’s lives. Share your motivations for applying and how you embody the values of the 'East Lothian Way'. We love to see candidates who are genuinely excited about the role!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through our website and complete the online application form fully. Remember, we don’t accept CVs, so take your time to fill out the form accurately. If you have any issues, reach out to us for help!
How to prepare for a job interview at East Lothian Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the job description and person specification. Understand the key responsibilities of a Mental Health Officer and be ready to discuss how your qualifications and experiences align with these requirements.
✨Embrace the 'East Lothian Way'
Familiarise yourself with the values and behaviours expected by East Lothian Council. Be prepared to provide examples of how you've demonstrated these in your previous roles, as this will show that you’re a good cultural fit.
✨Showcase Your Compassion
As a Mental Health Officer, empathy is crucial. Think of specific instances where you’ve made a positive impact on someone’s life. Sharing these stories can highlight your passion for making a difference and your ability to connect with clients.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions related to mental health legislation and your approach to care planning. Brush up on relevant laws and be ready to discuss how you would handle various scenarios, demonstrating your knowledge and problem-solving skills.
