Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is recruiting an experienced Senior Mental Health Practitioner to join its Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) Single Point of Access (SPA) Team in Chandlers Ford, Hampshire.
This is a permanent, full-time Band 7 position offering £49,387 to £56,515 per year.
The successful applicant will provide senior clinical leadership within the CAMHS SPA, supporting the safe and effective triage, assessment and management of referrals involving children and young people with mental health needs.
Closing date: 4 October 2026
Job Details
- Job title: Senior Mental Health Practitioner
- Employer: Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
- Service: Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
- Team: Single Point of Access (SPA)
- Band: Band 7
- Salary: £49,387 – £56,515 per year
- Contract: Permanent
- Working pattern: Full-time
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm
- Location: New Kings Court, Tollgate, Chandlers Ford, Hampshire, SO53 3LG
- Reference: 348-CFS-12568
- Posted: 18 September 2026
- Closing date: 4 October 2026
About the Role
The CAMHS Single Point of Access is the first point of contact for young people, families and professionals seeking mental health support.
As a Senior Mental Health Practitioner, you will provide clinical leadership and oversight at the front door of CAMHS. You will help ensure referrals are managed safely and appropriately, with decisions based on clinical need, risk and service thresholds.
The role involves complex clinical decision-making, risk assessment, crisis intervention, demand and capacity oversight, care planning and close collaboration with colleagues across the multidisciplinary team.
You will also help identify appropriate support for young people through CAMHS services and wider community resources.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Team Manager with clinical leadership within the SPA team.
- Provide day-to-day operational and clinical oversight of referral triage and assessment.
- Conduct comprehensive assessments to determine the urgency and nature of referrals.
- Use clinical judgement to prioritise cases according to risk and clinical need.
- Gather information about young people’s mental health history, current concerns and psychosocial circumstances.
- Complete comprehensive risk assessments, including consideration of self-harm, harm to others and safeguarding concerns.
- Ensure appropriate action is taken where significant risks are identified.
- Provide crisis intervention for young people experiencing acute distress or mental health crises.
- Use appropriate de-escalation techniques to promote safety.
- Develop crisis management plans for young people and their families.
- Explore appropriate support through wider community services.
- Develop plans for access and management within CAMHS, including Getting Help, Getting More Help and Specialist Services.
- Provide consultation, support and advice to promote early identification of mental health concerns and improve wellbeing.
- Work closely with colleagues across the multidisciplinary team.
- Support effective communication and coordinated care for young people and their families.
Requirements / Person Specification
Applicants must have current UK professional registration with one of the relevant professional bodies:
- Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
- Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
- Social Work England (SWE)
You should also have substantial post-qualification experience in the relevant mental health service area.
Essential requirements include:
- Current professional registration with an approved professional body.
- Evidence of continuous professional development.
- Degree or diploma-level qualification supplemented by relevant specialist training, qualifications or experience.
- Relevant post-registration training.
- Completion of a Mentorship Course or Practice Supervisor Course.
- Extensive post-qualifying experience in the relevant service area.
- Experience supervising staff and students.
- Ability to manage a caseload involving children and young people with complex mental health needs.
- Comprehensive knowledge of interventions relevant to the service area.
- Awareness of Trust policies and service specifications.
Salary & Benefits
The role offers a Band 7 salary of £49,387 to £56,515 per year under the NHS Agenda for Change pay scheme.
The Trust also states that flexible working options can be discussed during the interview process.
The organisation describes its CARE values as:
- Compassion
- Accountability
- Respect
- Excellence
Working Pattern
This is a full-time permanent position.
The CAMHS Single Point of Access operates Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
The role is based at:
New Kings Court
Tollgate
Chandlers Ford
Hampshire
SO53 3LG
Visa / Right-to-Work
This vacancy requires current UK professional registration with the NMC, HCPC or Social Work England.
The advert does not state that visa sponsorship or a Certificate of Sponsorship is available for this specific position. Applicants who require sponsorship should confirm their eligibility and sponsorship position directly with the Trust before applying.
International applicants should also note that holding the relevant professional qualification alone does not replace the requirement for current UK professional registration.
Application / Selection Process
Applications should be submitted through the official NHS Jobs vacancy.
The Trust states that its recruitment processes are intended to be accessible and inclusive. Candidates who believe a person specification may create an unintended barrier to applying are encouraged to contact the Recruitment team.
Flexible working requests can also be discussed as part of the interview process.
For questions about the vacancy, the listed hiring manager is Clair Lockyer.
Apply through the official NHS Jobs vacancy:
https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/candidate/jobadvert/C9348-26-2033/ats-direct-apply
Deadline
The closing date for applications is 4 October 2026.
Applicants should submit their application before the deadline and ensure they meet the professional registration and experience requirements.
FAQs
What is the salary for the Senior Mental Health Practitioner role?
The salary is £49,387 to £56,515 per year, depending on experience and the applicable Band 7 pay point.
Is this a permanent position?
Yes. The vacancy is a permanent, full-time position.
Where is the job based?
The role is based at New Kings Court, Tollgate, Chandlers Ford, Hampshire, SO53 3LG.
What are the working hours?
The CAMHS SPA operates Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
What professional registration is required?
Applicants must hold current UK professional registration with the NMC, HCPC or Social Work England.
Is visa sponsorship available?
The vacancy advert does not confirm visa sponsorship or a Certificate of Sponsorship. Candidates requiring sponsorship should verify this directly with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust before applying.
Does the role involve working with children and young people?
Yes. The position is within CAMHS and involves supporting children and young people with complex mental health needs, including triage, risk assessment, crisis intervention and care planning.
Is there flexible working?
The Trust states that flexible working options can be discussed during the interview process.
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