Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP)

Job overview

In line with the government’s priority to increase access and availability of mental health and wellbeing support for children and young people, there are new recruit to train positions within the children’s mental health services; Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP) roles.

These posts are held within Kent and Medway Mental Health Support Teams (MHST). For further information, please use the link below:

Kent emotional wellbeing team and Medway emotional support team - Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS…

EMHPs within these teams provide low-intensity interventions based on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and guided self-help. Trainee EMHPs are taught these interventions while also learning more about the MHST programme and children and young people’s mental health.

Advertised EMHP training roles will be within MHST, based in Medway and its surrounding areas.

Applicants need to be ready to start work on 1st September 2026, and posts cannot be offered to candidates unless they can guarantee this start date.

All candidates will need to undertake an initial application process with Kent and Medway Mental Health Trust. If successful in this first stage, then candidates will need to apply to the University of Sussex EMHP training programme before the job offer is made.

Please use the link below for course information/entry requirements and the University of Sussex  portal:

Education Mental Health Practice PGDip : University of Sussex

Main duties of the job

Throughout the training year and under clinical supervision, you will develop knowledge and practice skills to employ a range of evidence-based interventions for mental health difficulties. This is delivered via direct individual and group support for children, young people and their families, in line with NHS and University expectations.

The NHS team uses a blend of face-to-face interventions along with online/digital support as part of what is offered (e.g. support via video and telephone calls).  As an NHS employee, you will record your outcomes and contribute to the growing national dataset on what works to support children and young people with their emotional wellbeing and mental health.

During the training year, the role will have both academic and practical elements. These will include face-to-face work in different settings across Kent and Medway, which can include schools and other settings accessed by young people.

Candidates will need to travel between school sites/clinical sites as well as to the University of Sussex in order to undertake the university course and practical elements of the job role (business travel will be reimbursed).

On successful completion of training, Trainee EMHPs will be equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge and capabilities to work as a qualified EMHP as autonomous and responsible practitioners within their scope of practice, alongside their clinical team (MHSTs).

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

In the training year you will adhere to the Band 4 trainee Job Description attached as well as attending Sussex University to undertake the academic elements of the training.  A combination of both University taught days and placement work will provide the basis of your initial qualification.

On successful completion of the EMHP training, you will be slotted into a permanent role within your MHST. Once qualified you will be expected to register with either BABCP/BPS. This registration will be supported by the service and must be maintained throughout employment.

Please refer to the attached job descriptions for the full details on the responsibilities and person specification

Please note that successful applicants will be required to complete all mandatory tasks associated with applying for professional registration and submit the required information to the relevant registered body within the six-month probationary period.

The post holder must hold a full, valid, UK driving licence and have access to a car/vehicle to use for business purposes (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010).