Senior Educational Mental Health Practitioner

NHS; Houghton-le-Spring; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Houghton-le-Spring is seeking a Senior Education Mental Health Practitioner to support children's mental health in educational settings. This role involves delivering low-intensity therapeutic interventions and working closely with schools to promote emotional wellbeing. The ideal candidate will have relevant qualifications and experience in mental health, providing support to children, young people, and their families. Competitive salary and benefits are offered in this rewarding position.

Qualifications

• Qualified Education Mental Health Practitioner (Post‑Grad Diploma in Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing in Education).
• Registered with an appropriate governing body as an Educational Mental Health Practitioner.
• Significant experience working as an EMHP within an MHST.

Responsibilities

• Support children and young people in education settings by delivering therapeutic interventions.
• Deliver evidence‑based group programmes of low‑level and preventative support for children.
• Champion specialist areas of interest within MHST.

Skills

Knowledge of universal and specialist child mental health service provision

Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office

Proven organisational skills

Ability to engage vulnerable populations

Ability to work as part of a multi‑disciplinary team

Education

Post‑Grad Diploma in Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing in Education

Recognised EMHP supervision qualification

Job description

Job Summary

We have an exciting opportunity to be part of Sunderlands Mental Health Support Team (MHST) The Health Heads Team as a Senior Education Mental Health Practitioner. You will work collaboratively with our education sites across the city to provide early intervention and preventative evidence‑based interventions to children and young people to promote resilience and support their emotional wellbeing. You will build positive relationships with schools, deliver consultation and training, and serve as a professional role model for the service. You will also provide clinical and caseload supervision, training and clinical leadership to trainees, newly qualified and existing EMHPs.

Responsibilities

• Support children and young people in education settings by delivering Low‑Intensity CBT based therapeutic interventions.
• Deliver evidence‑based group programmes of low‑level and preventative support for children and young people.
• Provide evidence‑based support to parents.
• Support school professionals with advice, consultation and training.
• Work collaboratively with schools to deliver a Whole School Approach to mental health, including workshops, assemblies and class‑based activities.
• Reach children and young people who find it difficult to access services.
• Deliver clinical and caseload supervision and oversee junior team members.
• Offer support and guidance to the team and engage in further training as required.
• Lead and coordinate activity within your local area and act as a cluster lead for a group of schools.
• Champion specialist areas of interest within MHST and support service development and innovative models.
• Audit and monitor clinical governance, quality and research activities.
• Work autonomously to assess needs, implement care plans and provide holistic, research‑based information and care.

Qualifications (Essential)

• Qualified Education Mental Health Practitioner (Post‑Grad Diploma in Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing in Education).
• Registered with an appropriate governing body (e.g., BABCP/BPS) as an Educational Mental Health Practitioner.
• Recognised EMHP supervision qualification or willingness to complete training at Northumbria University.
• Completed the Senior Wellbeing Practitioner course or willingness to complete training at Northumbria University.

Qualifications (Desirable)

• Additional postgraduate qualification in Child and Adolescent Mental Health, therapeutic training or a related area.
• Evidence of further study to enhance practice.
• Evidence of providing supervision.
• Evidence of leadership responsibilities.

Experience (Essential)

• Significant experience working as an EMHP within an MHST.
• Experience supporting the mental health needs of children, young people and families.
• Experience working within a community/education context.
• Experience delivering low‑intensity psychological interventions.
• Experience collaborating within a multi‑agency context.
• Knowledge and experience of safeguarding and the promotion of welfare in children.

Experience (Desirable)

• Facilitating teaching or delivering training.
• Experience in a service with agreed targets demonstrating clinical outcomes.
• Experience supporting CYP and their families.
• Experience working in community and/or education settings.

Physical Skills (Essential)

• Holds a full UK driving licence and has access to a vehicle.
• Ability to manage own time and diary and meet training and service demands.
• Ability to sit, stand and walk as required throughout the working day.
• Ability to move and handle objects in line with Trust guidelines using appropriate aids.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional unsocial hours, as required.

Skills and Knowledge (Essential)

• Knowledge of universal and specialist child mental health service provision.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and related IT packages.
• Proven organisational, time and caseload management skills.
• Able to write clear reports and letters with a high standard in written and oral communication.
• Ability to engage vulnerable and underserved populations.
• Ability to work as part of a multi‑disciplinary team and undertake risk assessments.
• Ability to work flexibly across varied environments and under supervision.
• Understanding of anxiety, depression and evidence‑based psychological therapies in children and young people.

Skills and Knowledge (Desirable)

• Working knowledge of child development and its links to child mental health.
• Knowledge of relevant guidance, policy and good practice.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a disclosure submission to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information, visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information, see the NHS Careers website.

Contact Information

For an informal discussion about this post please contact Lisa Mundell (Clinical Lead) on 0191 2832936 or email [e-mail].

Equal Opportunities

We welcome all applications irrespective of race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and, in particular, those from under‑represented groups. Looking after our workforce’s health and wellbeing is a priority for us.