Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner

NHS; City Of London; On-site; GBP 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A mental health organization in London seeks graduate-level practitioners to provide evidence-based interventions for children and young people experiencing mild to moderate mental health issues. The role involves delivering guided self-help and collaborating with educational staff. Applicants should have a relevant Bachelor's degree and a passion for supporting youth mental health. The position is full-time on a one-year training contract.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a second-class Bachelor’s degree from a UK university or equivalent qualification.
• Prior experience working with children and young people is desirable.
• Understanding of child development, wellbeing, or mental health.

Responsibilities

• Deliver evidence-based interventions for children experiencing mental health difficulties.
• Support staff in education settings to manage mental health and wellbeing issues.
• Maintain professional standards and confidentiality.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Ability to learn in diverse settings

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field

Job description

Overview

We are seeking to recruit 2 graduate level (or equivalent) practitioners to provide guided self-help (CBT based) and parenting interventions to children and young people. The post holder will deliver evidence-based 1:1 and group interventions for children and young people experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties, under supervision to support professional development.

Applicants must be ready to start by early January 2026. Posts cannot be offered unless the start date can be guaranteed. Applicants should include a supporting statement addressing the role requirements in the person specification. Candidates must also submit an application to Kings College London (KCL) for a place on the Diploma in Education Mental Health Practice; guidance and programme brochure are attached. Submit the KCL application at the same time as your post application. If you have questions regarding the KCL application, contact KCL directly.

Please read the Job Description and Person Specification before applying and address how you meet these criteria in your application.

Post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons from all backgrounds.

Salary: £26,530 per year (NHS AfC Band 4). Contract: Training, Duration: 1 year. Working pattern: Full-time, Flexible working. Location: 309 Lillie Road, Fulham, London, SW6 7LL.

Main duties of the job

Under supervision and with support, to develop knowledge and practice skills in:

• Delivering evidence-based interventions for children and young people in education settings with mild to moderate mental health problems as part of the broader, developing mental health support team (MHST).
• Helping children and young people within these settings who present with more severe problems to access or be signposted to more specialist services.
• Supporting and facilitating staff in education settings to identify and, where appropriate, manage mental health and wellbeing issues.
• Developing awareness of and engagement with issues of power, discrimination and diversity throughout the systems where the work is carried out.
• Fulfilling the requirements of and completing a PG Diploma at Kings College London (remote or at Denmark Hill campus) to enable progression to a fully qualified EMHP; developing clinical skills and knowledge and recording progress toward this award.

Training & Supervision

• Attend and fulfil all training requirements, including practical, academic and practice-based assessments and assignments, to successfully complete the PG Diploma as part of becoming a fully qualified EMHP.
• Fulfil private study requirements to enhance learning, prepare assignments, and attend University training as required.
• Receive supervision and tutoring from educational and clinical providers; prepare and present caseload information to supervisors; respond to feedback and engage in personal development supervision.

Professional

• Maintain professional standards as required by the employer and the Higher Education Institution; ensure confidentiality is protected.
• Communicate safety and wellbeing risks to appropriate parties to maintain safety and public interest.
• Keep records up to date for Continuous Professional Development and participate in performance reviews.
• Attend relevant educational opportunities aligned with professional objectives.

Schools-based Work (Key Responsibilities)

• Be supervised as a trainee and then as a qualified EMHP to assess and deliver evidence-based interventions in educational settings for CYP with mild to moderate mental health difficulties.
• Support CYP and families in self-management of presenting difficulties and develop intervention plans with agreed outcomes.
• Collaborate with teachers and educators to enhance access to mental health services and signpost referrals for more complex needs.
• Maintain inclusive practice, reflect diversity, and work collaboratively with schools, families and communities.
• Under supervision, undertake risk assessment and adhere to service protocols; participate in multi-disciplinary and multi-agency meetings as appropriate.
• Maintain coherent records of training and clinical activity and contribute to data collection and service evaluation.

Training & Supervision (Specific)

• Complete all PG Diploma requirements; attend University training and complete private study to support coursework (minimum one day per week).
• Provide caseload information to supervisors, respond to feedback, and participate in ongoing supervision and course evaluation.

Person Specification

Experience and Qualifications

• Essential: Normally a minimum of a second-class Bachelor’s degree from a UK university or an equivalent qualification in a relevant field (e.g., Psychology, Education, Childhood Development, Social Work) or relevant professional experience in CYP Mental Health/Education/Mentorship (case-by-case).
• Desirable: Prior experience of working with children and young people; knowledge of the English educational system; understanding of child development, wellbeing or mental health; ability to manage a sensitive caseload; data-informed practice; strong communication skills; ability to learn in diverse settings; computer literacy; autonomous working style; good time management and organisational skills; ability to meet physical requirements with reasonable adjustments.

Safeguarding and Recruitment

• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check required.
• We are an equal opportunities employer; safeguarding and safer recruitment practices are followed.

Employer details

Employer: Hammersmith & Fulham, Ealing & Hounslow Mind

Address: 309 Lillie Road, Fulham, London, SW6 7LL

Employer website: https://www.hfmind.org.uk/