Job summary
Trafford 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. We work closely with partner agencies as part of the getting help offer for child mental health.

The team work within education settings, including colleges to improve the whole setting approach to mental health and emotional wellbeing. We 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 borough including Neurodiversity in Schools.

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 well-being 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. As the post holder, you 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 advise 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 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 are 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.

You will be part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary community, working alongside professionals from a wide range of clinical backgrounds. Together, we push boundaries, share knowledge, and deliver care that transforms lives.

At MFT, you will find a workplace where everyone is respected, supported, and encouraged to thrive. We offer clear clinical pathways for professional development, helping you grow your skills and achieve your ambitions.

Details
Date posted: 19 October 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year Per Annum (Pro Rata)
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 349-SHCG-8351069-RL4
Job location: Trafford Thrive in Education, 1st Floor – Sale Waterside, Manchester, M33 7ZF

Essential qualifications

• A recognised qualification: EMHP/CYWP/SWP, Registered Nursing (RMN/RSCN/RNMH), Social Work (CQSW/DipSW), Occupational Therapy, or other relevant accreditable qualification

Desirable qualifications

• Qualifications in Psychological Therapies, e.g. CBT / SFT / IPT

Essential experience

• Proven experience of working effectively with people with mental health difficulties using CBT informed interventions
• Experience of assessing and managing risk, including safeguarding
• Experience of developing and providing evidenced based assessments, formulations, and care plans
• Experience of mentoring and informal supervision of others
• Experience of liaison and working with a range of other relevant agencies and professionals
• Experience of autonomously managing a caseload within a service
• Understanding of the principles of Clinical Governance and a willingness to follow Trust Policy and Procedures

Desirable experience

• Experience of working in Child and Adolescent Mental Health
• Experience of providing clinical supervision and clinical skills
• Experience of providing interventions for children and young people with mental health problems and their families
• Community mental health experience

Essential knowledge, skills and abilities

• Up to date knowledge of child mental health and relevant legislation
• Understanding of evidence-based practice and the ability to demonstrate how this influences clinical practice
• The ability to assess, formulate and manage care appropriately, ensuring discharge is timely
• The ability to use assessment tools and outcome measures / ROMs effectively and in collaboration with the child, young person, and family
• To function as part of a multi-disciplinary team and liaise effectively with other agencies, i.e. education, GPs, maintaining positive working relationships
• The ability to reflect on and critically appraise own practice
• To manage own caseload, time and diary
• The ability to follow policy and make proposals for change
• The ability to work independently with the support of clinical and management supervision
• The ability to maintain clinical records both written and electronic

Desirable knowledge, skills and abilities

• Experience of delivering training
• Demonstrable therapeutic skills
• IT competent
• Knowledge and understanding of the research process

Essential personal attributes

• A commitment to undertake further relevant training and self directed study
• Punctual and flexible across hours of work when required

Essential other requirements

• Ability to travel across the MFT footprint

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions. Roles involving direct patient contact or work with children require a DBS check, with the cost recovered from salary within the first three months of employment.

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.

UK registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see the NHS Careers website.

Apply through our website

MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post.