Mental Health Practitoner

Role Attachments About Us Safeguarding To save jobs please log in"> Our School Apply Now Key Role Information Salary JC scale column points 32 to 36 £44,253 - £48,738 FTE (£38,063 to £41,921 actual pro rata) Job type Full Time Contract type Fixed Term Closing 23/10/2026 09:00 Interview 6 November 2026 Start 1 January 2027 Contract term TTO Plus - Term time only plus weeks Pay grade NJC Payscale | NJC32 - NJC36 Department Trust Other Key stage Not Applicable Hours per week 37.00 Weeks per year 44.850 Visa sponsorship No Your Role Are you a passionate and skilled Mental Health Practitioner dedicated to making a profound difference in the lives of vulnerable young people? We are seeking an exceptional individual to become our in-house Mental Health Practitioner across schools in the Stoke and Staffordshire area. This is an exciting opportunity to support students in Primary, Secondary and Special school settings, both delivering interventions and upskilling staff. Our ambition is for the In-House Mental Health Practitioner to shape the strategic direction of our mental health provision, in partnership with the central Social Inclusion Director team. This vital role will provide therapeutic support to high-need students on a 1:1 basis, as well as group sessions for early intervention and to smooth transitions between Primary and Secondary phases. What Makes This Opportunity Unique? Sector-Leading Initiative You will be at the forefront of a groundbreaking, sector-leading mental health initiative (and potentially also research) within Co-op Academies Trust. This isn't just a role; it's a chance to shape best practice nationally. Networking: You will join a supportive network of Mental Health Practitioners working in Co-op Academies Trust across the North of England, providing unparalleled opportunities for collaborative practice, shared learning, and professional development. Supporting Staff to have Impact We understand the emotional labour involved in supporting vulnerable and at-risk students. A key part of your role will be to upskill teaching and pastoral staff to maximise their capacity to help our young people. Coaching: We are looking for a practitioner who utilises a solution-focused approach to staff coaching, helping colleagues find practical, sustainable ways to manage challenges and build resilience.Facilitation: Convene discussions with staff around mental health first and and/or self care to address potential burnout that leads to staff turnover. Ideal Candidate Profile We are looking for individuals with the following essential qualities and experience: A recognised professional qualification and registration (e.g., CBT Therapist, Counsellor, Psychotherapist, Mental Health Nurse).Experience in working effectively with adolescents, particularly those who are marginalised or facing complex social and emotional challenges.A compassionate, trauma-informed approach to practice.Strong group facilitation skills and experience in staff support/debriefing.A proactive, solution-focused mindset in both therapeutic and consultative work. If you have the passion, expertise, and drive to shape mental health provision and contribute to a sector-defining initiative across our Stoke and Staffordshire academies, we want to hear from you. How To Apply To apply, please follow our online application process, ensuring your supporting statement demonstrates how your experience aligns with the job description and person specification, specifically highlighting your work with vulnerable young people, trauma-informed practice, and staff upskilling. Closing Date: 9am on Friday 23rd October. Interviews are scheduled to take place onsite on Friday 6th November Attachments Job Description & person specJob description MH Practitioner Stoke & Staffs.pdf download About Us Co-op Central Team Dan Conley daniel.conley@coopacademies.co.uk 1 Angel Square Manchester Lancashire M60 0AG Dan Conley daniel.conley@coopacademies.co.uk 0161 413 3649 visit our website Safeguarding Information Co-op Academies Trust as an aware employer is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults as its number one priority. This commitment to robust recruitment, selection and induction procedures extends to organisations and services linked to the Trust on its behalf. Co-op Academies Trust is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children and young people and expects all its employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced check by the DBS and satisfactory references. All our colleagues are expected to demonstrate a commitment to co-operative values and principles. Key Role Information Salary JC scale column points 32 to 36 £44,253 - £48,738 FTE (£38,063 to £41,921 actual pro rata) Job type Full Time Contract type Fixed Term Closing 23/10/2026 09:00 Interview 6 November 2026 Start 1 January 2027 Contract term TTO Plus - Term time only plus weeks Pay grade NJC Payscale | NJC32 - NJC36 Department Trust Other Key stage Not Applicable Hours per week 37.00 Weeks per year 44.850 Visa sponsorship No