Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner

Job overview

As part of the expansion of Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) nationwide, we are delighted that Surrey was successful in obtaining further funding to expand our School Based Needs Service. We therefore invite you to consider being involved in this exciting opportunity to help to deliver the government vision and commitment to developing integrated mental health teams in schools.

We have established MHSTs working within selected groups of schools across each of the 11 Boroughs of Surrey, and are currently expanding across the county as we work towards 100% coverage by 2030. EMHPs are expected to work across multiple schools and their allocated clinic base.

We currently have multiple trainee vacancies across following Hub locations:

• South Hub based in Berkeley House, Godalming and Azalea House, Guildford.
• North Hub based at Unither House, Chertsey
• East Hub based at Gatton Place, Redhill.

Main duties of the job

As a Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP) you will be expected to work under supervision as part of a dynamic integrated mental health team. In your trainee year, you will spend two days a week studying onsite at University of Southampton and three days on placement in schools. Over the course of the training year you will develop knowledge and practice skills to employ a range of evidence based interventions for mild to moderate mental health needs via direct individual and group support for children, young people and their parents, in line with the university expectations. This approach requires creativity, flexibility and adaptability, and above all a passion for working with children and young people in educational settings.

Successful candidates will apply to Southampton University for a place on the 1 year PG Dip in Education Mental Health Practice, starting in January 2027. It is a requirement for this role to complete and pass this course.

The trainee EMHP posts are training positions and during this training period you will be employed as a Band 4. On successful completion of the course and qualification as an EMHP, employee's will have the opportunity to become permanent Band 5 EMHP's within their teams.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see the job description attached.

Please note:

You will be required to travel between various sites within Surrey for this role and twice a week to the University.

Subject to reasonable adjustments in respect of any disability, the post holder must possess a valid driving license and be able to drive and have the unrestricted use of a car or motorcycle for work at all times including community based work.

Due to the funding for the university course, which is completed as part of the role, we can only offer the role to UK residents as we do not have funding in place for overseas students.

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.