Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner

Job overview

In partnership with Derby University, successful candidates will be offered a full-time training programme, funded at NHS Agenda for Change (AfC) Band 4 level, to complete the Post-Graduate Diploma to qualify as an Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP). On successful completion of the training and professional registration, we anticipate being in a position to offer a full-time position as a fully qualified EMHP. EMHPs work in Mental Health Support Teams covering the Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin region and we have a number of roles within new and existing MHSTs.

All applicants must be able to work at degree level, with a proven record of experiential learning or formal study in child development, wellbeing or mental health. Experience of working with children and young people and an understanding of the educational system in England is also highly desirable.

The course starts in January 2027, is 12 months in duration and consists of academic study and supervised practice across mental health services and educational settings, such as primary and secondary schools, Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) and further education colleges.

Delivery of the programme will be provided through a combination of in-person learning, independent self-guided study days and practical placement experience.

You'll be trained to help children and young people manage common mental health problems and to support education settings with the Whole School/College Approach to promote wellbeing.

Main duties of the job

• The trainee Educational Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP) roles are funded through the government's priority to increase access and availability of mental health and wellbeing support for children and young people.
• You will be trained to assess and support children and young people (C&YP) with common mental health difficulties, particularly mild to moderate symptoms of anxiety, depression and behavioural difficulties.
• You will offer a range of low intensity interventions, 1-1 or in groups, primarily in a school or college setting that are based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and guided self-help.
• You will also have opportunity to develop whole school approaches in collaboration with educational staff and through co-production with children, young people and carers. This focuses on promotion of mental health and wellbeing through delivery of group interventions, assemblies etc.
• The training programme starts in January 2027, is 12 months in duration and will consist of academic and supervised practice. As a trainee you will spend part of your week studying at Derby University and part of your week in service consolidating your learning into practice and developing relationships with schools.
• Delivery of the taught programme will be provided through a combination of taught days at Derby University, independent self-guided study days and clinical experience gained in school settings and within the Mental Health Support Team.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please find attached the job description and person/role specification.

Please find further information on the role here: https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/psychological-therapies/roles-psychological-therapies/education-mental-health-practitioner

You will need to be able to drive and have access to a vehicle with business insurance cover due to the travel requirements of the training and the service we offer.

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. If it is identified that you require sponsorship to undertake this role your application may be withdrawn

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.