Lead Practitioner Uk Visa Sponsorship
Job Description
Location: Brighton, UK
Hours: Full-time (1.0 FTE / 37.5 hours per week)
Core working hours: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (in-person attendance required; flexible or part-time working options cannot be considered)
Salary: Grade 8, starting at £46,735 to £55,755 per annum (pro rata if part-time)
Contract Type: Permanent
About the Role
We are excited to offer an opportunity for an experienced clinical and managerial lead to join our Wellbeing Services department (Wellbeing, Therapeutic, Residential Life, and Chaplaincy). We are particularly seeking a mental health practitioner with extensive experience in managing teams within an acute mental health or therapeutic setting.
Our Wellbeing Services currently support over 1800 students each year, providing a range of interventions including psychodynamic therapy, CBT, psychoeducative workshops, and proactive outreach and living solutions. As a Lead within the team, you will work alongside Senior Wellbeing Managers, Senior Mental Health Nurses, and the Lead Chaplain, under the direction of the Head of Service.
Your responsibilities will include overseeing caseload allocation and management, supporting staff with the resolution and escalation of critical cases, and collaborating with other divisional teams such as Advice & Guidance, Disability Support, and the NHS. You will also play a key role in delivering proactive initiatives as part of the broader mental health strategy, contributing to the ongoing development of the service.
About You
We are looking for a qualified and experienced therapist, social worker, or mental health nurse. You will be responsible for managing the day-to-day activities of part-time and full-time therapists, locums, trainees, psychological wellbeing practitioners, and their clinical caseloads. If necessary, you will also have the opportunity to retain up to 20% of your time to manage your own clinical caseload to maintain professional accreditation.
Strong administrative and technological skills are essential, as you will oversee and develop our case management systems and administrative processes, identifying more efficient ways of working. A risk-conscious, innovative approach, sound judgment, and the ability to manage people and work under pressure within a complex organisational structure are key attributes for success in this role.
You will need excellent interpersonal skills to build relationships, respect confidentiality, manage teams effectively, and navigate complex situations with sensitivity and professionalism. Strong written and oral communication skills are crucial, as is a flexible, positive approach to the role and the service.
About Our Division
The Student Experience division is focused on ensuring that every student has a positive and fulfilling experience at our University. Led by the Student Experience Director and her leadership team, our services encompass Academic Quality, Student Data & Records, Careers & Entrepreneurship, Advice & Guidance, Complaints & Conduct, and Student Wellbeing. We work closely with our Schools and Divisions to create an environment that enables students to reach their potential and pursue their goals.
Why Work Here?
The University of Sussex is situated just off the A27, nestled next to the beautiful South Downs, offering a vibrant 150-acre campus. We are easily accessible by public transport, with a 5-minute walk from the train station and bus stops within the campus. We also offer a Cycle to Work scheme to encourage staff to cycle to campus, supported by dedicated cycling paths.
Sussex is a renowned, research-led international university, and our success is driven by the people who work here. Whether you’re part of the faculty, a student, or a member of the Professional Services team, we believe it’s our people who make us great – and we want you to be part of that.
Additional Information
For informal enquiries, please contact Amanda Griffiths, Head of Wellbeing Services, at a.griffiths@sussex.ac.uk. Please ensure you have read the full job description and person specification before reaching out.
For full details and to apply, please visit our [vacancies page].
This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Visa route. For more information on visa sponsorship, please consult our [Skilled Worker Visa information page].
The University of Sussex values the diversity of its staff and students and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.
Please note: Work undertaken for the University must be performed from the UK.
Closing Date: May 31, 2025, 5:59 PM
Expected Interview Date: To be confirmed
Expected Start Date: To be confirmed
Fixed Term Contract Duration: Not applicable
