JOB SUMMARY

Are you a passionate and experienced mental health professional with a drive to make a meaningful difference? We are seeking a Specialist Practitioner to join our highly specialist National Deaf Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) in the South West, delivering a high-quality mental health service for Deaf children, young people, and their families.

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.

JOB DESCRIPTION

• Deliver specialist, evidence-based assessment and treatment for Deaf children and young people with complex mental health, neurodevelopmental, and communication needs.
• Provide consultation, supervision and support to other professionals (education, social care, CAMHS).
• Act as care coordinator or keyworker where appropriate, ensuring integrated and person-centred care.
• Promote mental health inclusion, Deaf awareness and cultural sensitivity across settings.
• Work as part of a bi-lingual, bi-cultural team alongside Deaf and hearing colleagues.
• Develop your BSL skills (Level 1 required within one year, Level 2 within three years - training funded and completed in work time).
  Please see the attached job description for full responsibilities.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is a 12-month fixed-term post (maternity cover) working 30 hours per week, with flexibility to work from home and regular travel across the South West to schools, colleges, and community settings.
You will be part of a bi-lingual (British Sign Language and English), bi-cultural multidisciplinary team providing specialist assessment, intervention, consultation, and training. Our team includes professionals from both Deaf and hearing communities and is psychology-led.
No previous British Sign Language (BSL) experience is required - just a strong commitment to learning, with paid training provided during work hours.

MAIN DUTIES, TASKS & SKILLS REQUIRED

As a Specialist Practitioner in the South West Deaf CAMHS team, your core responsibilities will include:

• Clinical Work: Conducting specialist mental health assessments and providing psychological and therapeutic interventions adapted to the linguistic and cultural needs of Deaf young people. You’ll also contribute to risk assessments, safety planning, and safeguarding processes.
• Multi-Disciplinary Collaboration: You will liaise with colleagues across mental health, education, and social care to develop and deliver holistic care packages and support joined-up service delivery.
• Leadership and Supervision: Supporting and mentoring junior staff, providing clinical supervision where required, and contributing to team development and training.
• Service Development: Participating in audits, evaluations and quality improvement projects in collaboration with the wider national Deaf CAMHS network.
• Professional Development: You will receive ongoing clinical supervision and access to training, including BSL courses, to support your development and role effectiveness.