Therapy Team Manager and Practice Lead(UK visa sponsorship available)

Job Description

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced clinical and managerial lead to join our Wellbeing Services, which brings together Therapeutic Services, Residential Life, and Chaplaincy.

This year marks an exciting step forward as we move into a new purpose-built Wellbeing Centre, co-located with the campus GP practice. We are looking for a qualified mental health practitioner with significant experience in managing practitioners, alongside strong administrative skills, ideally gained within an acute mental health or therapeutic environment.

Our services currently support over 1,800 students annually through a range of interventions, including psychodynamic therapy, CBT, psychoeducational workshops, outreach, and tailored living support.

As Therapy Team Manager and Practice Lead, you will:

Oversee caseload allocation and management.

Supervise therapists, wellbeing practitioners, trainees, and locums.

Support escalation and resolution of complex and critical cases.

Work collaboratively with colleagues across Wellbeing Services, Advice & Guidance, Disability Services, and external NHS partners.

Review and improve team systems and processes to strengthen efficiency and risk management.

Contribute to proactive mental health and wellbeing initiatives aligned with the University’s wider strategy.

You will be a key member of the Wellbeing Services leadership team, reporting to the Head of Service and working alongside Senior Wellbeing Managers, Senior Mental Health Nurses, Residential Life Managers, and the Lead Chaplain.

About You

You will be a qualified, accredited, and experienced mental health professional (e.g. therapist, social worker, or mental health nurse). In addition to managing staff and clinical cases, you may retain a small personal caseload if required for professional accreditation.

Essential attributes include:

Strong leadership and team management skills.

Excellent administrative and digital skills, with the ability to develop case management systems and streamline processes.

A risk-aware, innovative, and solution-focused approach.

Outstanding interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust, manage sensitive situations, and maintain confidentiality.

Highly developed written and verbal communication skills.

A flexible, collaborative, and positive outlook.

About the Division

The Student Experience Division is dedicated to ensuring students are fully supported and can thrive at Sussex. Led by the Student Experience Director, our services cover:

Academic Quality

Student Data & Records

Careers & Entrepreneurship

Advice & Guidance

Complaints & Conduct

Student Wellbeing

We work closely with Schools and Divisions across the University to create an environment where every student can reach their potential.

Find out more: Student Experience – University of Sussex

Why Work Here?

Our 150-acre campus is set beside the South Downs National Park and offers:

Excellent public transport links (Falmer train station five minutes away).

Cycle-to-work scheme and dedicated cycling routes.

A welcoming and supportive working environment.

The University of Sussex is an internationally recognised, research-led institution. Our staff and students are at the heart of what we do, and we are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion for all.

Learn more about our rewards and benefits
and our commitment to equality and diversity

Key Information

Closing date: 5 October 2025, 3:59 PM

Interview date: To be confirmed

Start date: As soon as possible

Visa sponsorship: This role may be eligible. See our Skilled Worker Visa information