Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 6 Senior Mental Health Practitioner to join the CAMHS Single Point of Access (SPA) and Early Intervention Services at the Horizon Centre, Taunton. This role is ideal for experienced mental health professionals looking to develop their career within CAMHS. You'll be part of a supportive, multidisciplinary team working to ensure children and young people across Somerset receive timely, effective mental health support. The post offers a varied caseload, opportunities for direct and group work, and involvement in triage and service development.

Main duties of the job

• Provide comprehensive, holistic psycho-social assessments and interventions for children and adolescents presenting with mental health difficulties.
• Support the screening and triage of referrals into CAMHS SPA across Somerset.
• Deliver therapeutic interventions, including individual and group work, for young people and families.
• Offer signposting and early intervention for moderate mental health/emotional difficulties.
• Work collaboratively with partner agencies such as GPs, schools, social care, and voluntary organisations.
• Maintain accurate patient records in line with Trust policies.
• Participate in service development, audits, and clinical governance activities.
• Supervise and support junior staff and students as required.

About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London. The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future. Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Details
Date posted: 03 July 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time
Reference number: 184-OL-GR-5063
Job locations: The Horizon Centre, Bathpool, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 8BY

Job description
Job responsibilities
As a Senior Mental Health Practitioner within CAMHS SPA and Early Intervention Services, you will:

• Operate from an inclusive values base, promoting recovery and respecting diversity.
• Undertake patient-centred interviews, assess risk, and develop care plans.
• Educate and involve families/carers in treatment where appropriate.
• Attend multi-disciplinary meetings and contribute to collaborative care planning.
• Deliver psycho-educational groups and courses both online and in person.
• Liaise closely with referrers and professionals involved in the child or young person's care.
• Support the Team Manager/Clinical Lead in meeting national guidance and local KPIs.
• Engage in personal development and maintain professional registration.
• Contribute to service evaluation and improvement initiatives.
• Provide specialist advice and consultation to colleagues and partner agencies.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• A recorded/registered qualification in one of the following - nursing, social work or occupational therapy.
• OR
• A recorded/registered doctoral level qualification in clinical or counselling psychology with current HCPC registration.
• Evidence of continuing professional development and maintenance of relevant professional qualification

Desirable

• Professional knowledge acquired through degree/diploma.

Experience
Essential

• Demonstrable experience of working in CYP mental health services
• Have worked in a service where agreed targets are in place demonstrating clinical outcomes.
• Experience of providing evidence based psychological therapies.
• Experience of teaching and liaising with other professional groups.
• Experience in establishing diagnosis / psychological formulation.
• Extensive experience in carrying out risk assessments and supervising others in undertaking risk assessment and management plans.

Desirable

• Experience of working in Primary Care Services.
• Experience of working with diverse communities.

Additional Criteria
Essential

• Must be a car driver with a valid driving licence or have access to transport with appropriate business insurance in order to travel throughout the Trust, to meet the needs of the service.

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.

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.

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.

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

Employer details
Employer name: Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Address: The Horizon Centre, Bathpool, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 8BY
Employer's website: https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Hiring Manager
Emma Higgins
emma.higgins@somersetft.nhs.uk
03001245012