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- Tasks: Support children and young people with mental health issues in schools through evidence-based interventions.
- Company: Join East Sussex County Council's dedicated Mental Health Support Team in Hastings & Bexhill.
- Benefits: Enjoy diverse benefits, clinical supervision, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives while working in a supportive and dynamic team environment.
- Qualifications: Must have a relevant mental health qualification and a passion for supporting youth.
- Other info: Interviews will be held in person; apply now to start your rewarding career!
Have you got experience of working with children and young people and want to move into a rewarding career in mental health?
East Sussex County Council (ESCC) is recruiting 4 Senior Mental Health Practitioners (SMHP) to join our existing Mental Health Support Team (MHST) in Hastings & Bexhill.
The MHST teams deliver evidence-based interventions based on the Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutic (CBT) approach in schools. We work directly with children and young people aged 7-17 with mild to moderate mental health issues, and their parents and carers. We also work with schools to develop or enhance their whole-school approach to emotional health and wellbeing and mental health. As a Senior Mental Health Practitioner (SMHP), you will be working as part of a dynamic integrated mental health team. This approach requires creativity, flexibility, and adaptability, and above all a passion for working with children and young people in educational settings. You will receive clinical supervision to support your interventions and have the opportunity to develop your practice.
The Senior Mental Health Practitioner will focus on providing day to day clinical and supervisory support for the Education Mental Health Practitioners (EMHPs), maintain a caseload and deliver group interventions. The post-holder will also provide training and support to school staff, helping to embed whole-school approaches to mental health.
The role will be working alongside community partners and developing relationships between the new MHST and educational settings and the post-holder will be responsible for supporting the development of the MHSTs and embedding their services within educational settings across Hastings.
We are looking for candidates who have:
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Core professional qualification relevant to mental health e.g. nursing with specialism in mental health or learning disability nursing, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, Educational Psychology, PWP, CWP, CBT or Low intensity Psychological Practitioner
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A qualification in leadership or supervision, or a willingness to commence if successful.
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Registration with a relevant Professional body.
- Have a full driving licence or the ability to demonstrate how meet the travel requirements of the role
Our office base is Cavendish House, Hastings.
To apply for this role please click the \’apply now\’ button and upload a CV and covering letter outlining how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as set out in the attached job description and person specification. You may wish to draw on any relevant work/life experience, education or personal interests.
Please download the Job Description & Person Specification.
Interviews will be held in person at Cavendish House, Hastings, TN34 3AA on 08 August 2025.
The team is always committed to the development of our staff, and is a lovely place to work.
We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.
Please contact MHST.info@eastsussex.gov.uk for any questions about the post or if you wish to arrange an informal discussion.
For work that makes a difference
Senior Mental Health Practitioner employer: East Sussex County Council
Contact Detail:
East Sussex County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Mental Health Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutic (CBT) approach, as this is a key component of the role. Understanding how CBT works will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the methodologies used by the Mental Health Support Team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the mental health field, especially those who work with children and young people. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to build connections and gain insights into the latest practices and challenges in the sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in providing clinical supervision or leadership. Think of specific examples where you've successfully supported others in their roles, as this will be crucial for the Senior Mental Health Practitioner position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research East Sussex County Council and their Mental Health Support Team. Understanding their values, mission, and recent initiatives will allow you to tailor your conversation during the interview and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Mental Health Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Senior Mental Health Practitioner position. Make sure you can relate your experience with children and young people to the role.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant qualifications and experiences that align with the job requirements. Emphasise your core professional qualification in mental health and any leadership or supervisory experience.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines how you meet both the essential and desirable criteria mentioned in the job description. Use specific examples from your work or life experience to demonstrate your passion for mental health and working with young people.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In both your CV and cover letter, make sure to showcase skills such as creativity, flexibility, and adaptability. These are crucial for the role and will help you stand out as a candidate who is well-suited for the dynamic environment of the Mental Health Support Team.
How to prepare for a job interview at East Sussex County Council
✨Show Your Passion for Mental Health
Make sure to express your genuine passion for working with children and young people in mental health settings. Share personal experiences or motivations that led you to this field, as it will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of CBT
Since the role involves delivering interventions based on the Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutic approach, be prepared to discuss your understanding of CBT principles. You might want to provide examples of how you've applied these techniques in previous roles.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Mental Health Practitioner, you'll be expected to provide clinical supervision and support to Education Mental Health Practitioners. Be ready to discuss any leadership or supervisory experience you have, and how you can foster a supportive environment for your team.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare thoughtful questions about the Mental Health Support Team's approach and the specific challenges they face. This shows your interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
