At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable young people with mental health needs through tailored interventions.
- Company: Esland Grantham School, dedicated to changing children's lives for the better.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, life insurance, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Join a team that values professional growth and promotes equal opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Relevant qualification and experience working with children with SEMH or SEND.
The predicted salary is between 23520 - 27247 £ per year.
Are you an experienced children's mental health/therapeutic practitioner who is looking for the next step in their career? Would you like to be part of a highly valued, child-focused team? If so, we would love to hear from you.
Location: Esland Grantham School
Contract: permanent, full time
Hours: full time, Monday to Friday (core hours between 8:30am and 4:30pm)
Salary: £23,520 to £27,247 depending on experience and qualifications
Role Start Date: September 2026
Esland are driven to changing children’s lives for the better by providing best-in-class specialist services. We are excited to announce that due to growth, we are seeking a Mental Health Practitioner to support the pupils of our Grantham school. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a dedicated, specialist provision supporting vulnerable young people aged 8 to 18 years who have SEND and SEMH needs. The successful candidate will be seeking a long-term career within the school and will work therapeutically with our children, providing support and assessing their emotional, developmental and daily needs.
Key Responsibilities for a Mental Health Practitioner:
- Build safe, trusting and therapeutic relationships with children and young people.
- Deliver individual and group interventions tailored to the emotional, developmental and relational needs of pupils.
- Use trauma-informed, attachment-aware and evidence-informed approaches to support emotional wellbeing and regulation.
- Support children and young people to develop emotional literacy, resilience, self-awareness and coping skills.
- Adapt interventions according to developmental stage, neurodiversity and individual needs.
- Participate in the school referral process and clinical meetings.
- Maintain accurate record keeping in line with legislation and school policy.
- Work collaboratively with teachers, pastoral staff, families and external professionals.
- Ensure safeguarding and child protection considerations underpin all aspects of practice.
- Maintain a commitment to continued professional development.
What we can offer a Mental Health Practitioner:
- A competitive annual salary between £23,520 and £27,247 (reviewed annually).
- Enrolment into the Esland education pension scheme, which is double matched up to 20%, meaning a total pension contribution of up to 30%.
- Company sick pay.
- Life insurance to the value of 4 times your basic salary.
- Comprehensive, paid induction training and ongoing training within the role.
- Fantastic opportunities for career development; we promoted over 100 colleagues last year.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) including our Online GP 24/7, 365 days a year.
- Access to our Green Hybrid and EV car scheme.
- A £500 bonus via our 'Refer a Friend’ scheme.
- Monthly recognition awards.
- Access to big-brand deals and discounts via our employee benefits scheme E-Together.
- The opportunity to make a real difference to a child's life!
Requirements for a Mental Health Practitioner:
Essential:
- A relevant qualification (higher education) in a related field (Counselling, Therapeutic Counselling, Youth Work, Mental Health, Social Care, Education, Child Development, Play Therapy, Creative Therapy, ELSA etc.).
- Paid, professional experience of working with children and young people with SEMH, SEND or trauma histories.
- Understanding of attachment, trauma and child development.
- Ability to build therapeutic relationships.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- A full, UK driving licence.
Desirable:
- TISUK Diploma.
- Therapeutic counselling qualification.
- Experience working in therapeutic schools.
- Knowledge of PACE, Polyvagal Theory or Dyadic Developmental Practice.
- Experience delivering individual and group interventions.
Successful employment is subject to satisfactory Full Enhanced Disclosure, right to work and reference checks in line with government regulations and Safer Recruitment Practices. All young people are equally entitled to have their needs met in a fair and balanced way. Esland employees are responsible for promoting equal opportunities for all and for challenging any behaviour or practice which discriminates against any young person or colleague on the grounds of race, religion, disability, age, gender, sexual orientation, or any other perceived difference.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your teaching career and want to be part of a supportive, forward-thinking team, apply today!
Mental Health School Practitioner employer: Esland
Esland Grantham School is an exceptional employer dedicated to transforming the lives of vulnerable young people through best-in-class specialist services. With a strong focus on employee development, we offer comprehensive training, competitive salaries, and a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying benefits like a generous pension scheme, life insurance, and opportunities for career advancement in a nurturing environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mental Health School Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the mental health and education sectors. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet people who might know about job openings. Remember, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to mental health practices. Think about how you would build therapeutic relationships with children and young people. We want you to shine, so rehearse your answers and maybe even do a mock interview with a friend!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for making a difference! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, share your experiences and stories that highlight your commitment to supporting vulnerable young people. Let them see your enthusiasm for the role!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. So, hit that apply button and let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Mental Health School Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and skills that match the role of a Mental Health Practitioner. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission to support vulnerable young people.
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for working with children and young people shine through in your written application. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in their lives!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your qualifications and experiences, as we appreciate clarity and directness in communication.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Esland
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of mental health practices, especially those related to children and young people. Familiarise yourself with trauma-informed approaches and attachment theory, as these are key in the role. Being able to discuss these concepts confidently will show that you're serious about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've successfully built therapeutic relationships or delivered interventions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you demonstrate your skills and how they align with the responsibilities of the Mental Health Practitioner role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the school's approach to mental health, team dynamics, or professional development opportunities. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity goes a long way in interviews, especially in a role focused on building relationships. Let your passion for supporting vulnerable young people shine through. Share your motivations and why you want to be part of their team. Remember, they’re looking for someone who fits into their child-focused culture!
