Job summary
Manchester Thrive in Education is a Mental Health Support Team (MHST) developed as part of the national project to increase access to psychological support in education settings for children and young people. The service was established in 2020 and works closely with partner agencies as part of the getting help offer for child mental health.

The team works within education settings, including colleges, to improve the whole setting approach to mental health and emotional wellbeing. Practitioners deliver CBT informed interventions for mild to moderate mental health difficulties individually and in groups. We are an innovative team involved in a variety of exciting projects across the city including Neurodiversity in Schools and Alternative Provision targeted task force.

There are multiple positions across North and South Manchester MHST.

As all MHSTs are expanding at this time, there may be opportunities in other MHSTs across the MFT footprint, including Salford and Trafford.

Main duties of the job
As an autonomous practitioner you will play a key part in the delivery of high-quality service provision that promotes and improves the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people, their families, and carers. In an education based team you will provide direct intervention for young people presenting with mild/moderate mental health difficulties within professional practice guidelines and a structured supervision framework. The post holder will be required to adapt to and undertake different or new duties in line with professional and service developments.

Within a systemic and holistic framework, you will undertake needs led, evidence based, skilled assessments and provide therapeutic interventions, ensuring this is done evidencing shared decision making and partnership working with children and young people, their families and carers.

As part of working together you will offer quality consultation and advice to schools and support schools in developing their Whole School Approach to mental health and emotional wellbeing. You will actively liaise and support robust partnership working arrangements between MHST and community partners. You will undertake lead responsibilities for specific projects in the service.

About us
Join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and become part of a 30,000 plus strong team, delivering exceptional care to over 1 million people every year. As the largest provider of specialist services, and home to our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe, we are forward-thinking, committed to clinical excellence and driven to deliver innovation and continuous improvement. Whether you're beginning your career or taking the next step, MFT offers a stimulating and supportive environment where your contribution truly matters. Our Hive Electronic Patient Record system enables safer, smarter, and more efficient ways of working.

Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year per annum (pro rata)
Band: Band 6
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 349-SHCG-8356731-RL4
Closing date: 26 October 2026

Essential qualifications and experience

• You must be registered/accredited (or, if EMHP/CWP, in the process of becoming accredited) with a professional body: e.g. NMC, SW England, UKCP, HCPC, BABCP, BPS
• You must have a recognised qualification: EMHP/CYWP/SWP, Registered Nursing: RMN/RSCN/RNMH, Social Work (CQSW/DipSW), Occupational Therapy, Speech & Language Therapy, or Other relevant accreditable qualification
• Proven experience of working effectively with people with mental health difficulties
• Experience of assessing and managing risk, including safeguarding
• Experience of developing and providing evidence based assessments, formulations, and care plans
• Experience of liaison and working with a range of other relevant agencies and professionals
• Experience of autonomously managing a caseload within a service
• Experience of mentoring and supervision of others
• Understanding of the principles of Clinical Governance and a willingness to follow Trust Policy and Procedures

Desirable

• Qualifications in Psychological Therapies e.g. CBT / SFT / IPT
• Experience of working in Child and Adolescent Mental Health
• Experience of providing interventions for children and young people with mental health problems and their families
• Community mental health experience
• Experience of delivering training
• Demonstrable therapeutic skills
• IT competent
• Knowledge and understanding of the research process

Personal attributes

• A commitment to undertake further relevant training and self-directed study
• Punctual and flexible across hours of work when required
• Ability to travel across the MFT footprint

Applicants who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity and eliminating unlawful discrimination.