Educational Mental Health Practitioner

Salary: NJC 12-19 £28,598 - £32,061 (FTE) £19,855 - £22,259 (Actual) + well-being cash plan + pension scheme (LGPS) + additional Lift School benefits

Hours: 30 per week, 39 weeks per year

Contract: Permanent

Closing date: 22nd January

Interview date: 29th January

Start date: February/March 2026

Help shape young lives with compassion, clarity and care.

At Lift Unity City, we're looking for a skilled and empathetic Education Wellbeing Mental Health Practitioner to join our pastoral team. Working 30 hours a week, you'll play a key role in supporting students' mental health and wellbeing; providing therapeutic and emotional support through one-to-one and group work, and helping us create a school culture where every young person feels seen, safe and supported.

About the role

You'll be at the forefront of student welfare, offering a confidential space for young people to talk, reflect and heal. You will support the delivery of therapeutic programmes, helping students with a wide range of social, emotional, and mental health needs.

Day-to-day, you'll:

• Deliver one-to-one and group therapeutic sessions
• Create a calm and caring environment where students feel supported
• Monitor patterns of concern and highlight emerging issues
• Liaise with teaching staff, parents and external professionals as needed
• Maintain accurate and confidential records in line with safeguarding policies
• Complete external referrals
• Manage own case load
• Plan and deliver a therapeutic session
• Employ outcome measures
• Work within the remits of confidentiality

Skills and experience we are seeking

• A recognised qualification in child/youth mental health, counselling or a related field, with experience supporting young people individually and in groups
• Experience of working with young people in a; wellbeing, mental health or pastoral capacity
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, trauma-informed practice, and the school context
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and listen with empathy
• Confident in identifying patterns of concern, maintaining accurate records, and writing clear reports
• Highly organised, resilient and able to manage sensitive situations calmly and professionally
• Committed to student welfare, personal development, and inclusive practice within a school setting

This role is not eligible for sponsorship.

Please note that for consistency across our school(s) the contracted job title for this role will be: School Counsellor

About our school:

Lift Unity City is a thriving and diverse school in Middlesbrough, known for its sharp focus on student success. Awarded a 'Good' rating by Ofsted, we are proud of our supportive community and collaborative culture. Our school vision is simple, yet powerful- 'everyone has a determination to succeed, a love of learning, pride in their school and a strength of character.' Alongside excellent leadership and teaching, we will help children to go on to lead successful and happy lives.

At Lift Unity City, we whole-heartedly believe all young people deserve a well-rounded, culturally rich education that fully prepares them to be confident in their ability to prosper in tomorrow's world. To be a part of their life changing journey is a privilege and a pleasure.

Who is Lift Schools?

We're a diverse and inclusive network of schools with one clear mission; to provide an excellent education to every child - in every classroom, every day. And we do this across each of our 58 schools. As with our students, we want our team to be empowered to do their best work, supported by the best leadership they've ever had.

We acknowledge and appreciate the exceptional efforts of everyone here in making this an incredible organisation.

We offer you:

• Comprehensive training: Access a wide range of developmental training to boost your career.
• Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we've got you covered.
• Lifestyle perks: Enjoy discounted gym memberships, travel deals, and even electric vehicle incentives.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.

Lift Schools are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process which is inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.

Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.