Mental Health Practitioner
The closing date is 24 September 2026
Job summary
Are you an experienced mental health practitioner looking for a new challenge? If so, we would love for you to join us in supporting children, young people and families known to Suffolk Youth Justice!
The base for this role can be either West Suffolk House (Bury St Edmunds) or Constantine House (Ipswich) depending on candidate preference.
Children involved in the Justice system have often experienced life events and circumstances which detrimentally affect their mental health; the prevalence of mental health need amongst Justice involved children tends to be higher than the general population, and early intervention is key. We are seeking a pro‑active, passionate and experienced mental health practitioner to work within the West/East Suffolk Youth Justice team, to provide consultation, training and direct work to meet this need.
If you have the drive to provide excellent care, can demonstrate high quality clinical skills and are willing to go the extra mile to help make a difference to young people’s lives then we would love to hear from you.
Please see the attached recruitment letter for further information.
Main duties of the job
Key Responsibilities:
- Providing consultation to SYJS practitioners where mental health concerns are identified for children and young people open to the service. Consider young peoples' presenting mental health needs and the most suitable response.
- Provide advice and guidance to the SYJS practitioner for working with a young person presenting with emotional wellbeing or mental health needs.
- Undertaking direct assessments with children, young people and their families. Determining appropriate treatment response plans, whether that be a time‑limited intervention the post holder delivers (typically limited to 12 weeks) or consider the most suitable onwards service to meet the young person's needs
- Supporting the SYJS team through the provision of training and development opportunities.
Key Service Aims
- To ensure that vulnerable children aged 0‑18 years experiencing emotional or mental health problems have access to timely, integrated, high quality, support from a mental health professional and/or access to suitable referral pathways to specialist mental health assessment, treatment and support for them and their families.
- Assessment for those with mild‑moderate mental health difficulties based upon an outline of concerns identified by Suffolk Youth Justice Service practitioner and in collaboration with the young person and their family/carer network.
About us
At Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, inclusion is at the heart of how we work. We are committed to creating a fair, transparent and accessible recruitment process where every candidate has the opportunity to succeed.
We actively encourage applications from people from all backgrounds, particularly those currently underrepresented in our workforce. We recognise that not everyone has equal access to opportunities and are working to address this.
We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and ensuring all candidates receive a positive and equitable experience.
Here at NSFT we pride ourselves on being a welcoming, talented, friendly and supportive team who like nothing better than sharing experiences and learning from each other. In addition to ongoing training and development opportunities, we are committed to providing an environment in which you can thrive.
Why work for us?
We have challenges as a Trust, but we have ambitious aspirations, are pushing ahead with exciting transformation work and we need dedicated individuals to support us on our journey. We have strong, established professional networks coupled with an exceptional leadership team who will ensure you are truly cared for and cared about.
Details
Date posted: 09 September 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Part‑time
Reference number: 246-ESU8114814-B
Job locations: West Suffolk House, Western Way, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3YU, United Kingdom
Job responsibilities
Here at NSFT we pride ourselves on being a welcoming, talented, friendly and supportive team who like nothing better than sharing their experiences and learning from each other and are looking forward to welcoming you!
Previous Applicants Need Not Apply
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Registered Mental Health or Learning Disability Nurse, Occupational Therapist OR Social Worker with the relevant professional registration
- Ongoing professional development working towards degree level ( if professional registration is following a diploma level course)
Desirable
- Recognised Leadership/Management training
Experience
Essential
- Demonstrate effective risk assessment and risk management experience
- Experience in the delivery of clinical interventions
Desirable
- Experience of interagency working
Knowledge
Essential
- An understanding of the policies and guidelines both local and national e.g. National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidelines (Government initiative)
- Up to date knowledge of legal and ethical frameworks including Mental Health Act.
Desirable
- Knowledge of medication and the monitoring of its effects
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name: Norfolk & Suffolk Foundation NHS Trust
Address: West Suffolk House, Western Way, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3YU, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.nsft.nhs.uk/Pages/Home.aspx (Opens in a new tab)
Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Operational Manager
Agi Huszcza
agi.huszcza@nsft.nhs.uk
07956839291
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Mental Health Practitioner Bury St Edmunds employer: Meeveem Limited
Meeveem Limited is an excellent employer for general practitioners, offering a supportive and flexible work environment that prioritises professional growth and work-life balance. With full indemnity cover, NHS Pension, and generous leave, our team members enjoy a culture of collaboration and continuous development across our two sites, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
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We think this is how you could land Mental Health Practitioner Bury St Edmunds
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Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
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How to prepare for a job interview at Meeveem Limited
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Meeveem Limited. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
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