Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner

Compass; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

27 days holiday + bank holidays

Life assurance at 2 x basic salary

Contributory pension scheme

Employee Support Programme

Enhanced sick pay

Learning & development opportunities

Annual salary review

Job summary

Compass is recruiting for Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner in schools. You will study part‑time for a fully funded Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Practice in Education Settings (Level 7) while gaining hands‑on experience in local schools, supporting young people aged 5–19.

You will deliver low‑intensity interventions, contribute to assessments and planning, and help embed a Whole School Approach to emotional wellbeing, working with school staff, families and other

Qualifications

• Experience working with children, young people or families (min 2 years).
• English and maths Level 2 qualifications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to study at degree level while working.

Responsibilities

• Deliver low‑intensity, evidence‑based interventions in schools.
• Contribute to assessments and planning for emotional wellbeing.
• Help embed a Whole School Approach to emotional wellbeing.
• Work in partnership with school staff, families and other professionals.

Skills

Experience with children and families

Strong written and verbal comms

Ability to study while working

Car access & UK driving licence

Education

Level 2 English and maths

Job description

Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner

This is more than a job. It is a chance to train, grow and make a real difference in young lives. As a Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP), you will join one of our innovative and dynamic Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs), helping to shape how schools and colleges support the emotional wellbeing of children and young people aged 5 to 19.

You’ll study part time for a fully funded Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Practice in Education Settings (Level 7)

Delivered by Derby University. Alongside this, you’ll gain hands‑on experience in local schools, working with children and young people who are experiencing issues like anxiety, low mood, emotional regulation, relationship challenges and adjusting to change.

With full supervision and support, you will deliver low-intensity, evidence-based interventions, contribute to assessments and planning, and help embed a Whole School Approach to emotional wellbeing. You’ll work in partnership with school staff, families and other professionals to help young people feel heard, understood and supported.

Salary starts at £26,182 during training and increases to £32,921 (Band E) upon successful qualification.

If you believe every young person deserves someone in their corner, and you are ready to build your future in children’s mental health, this is where it begins.

About you

You believe in the power of early support and want to help children and young people feel safe, seen and understood in school. You bring warmth, integrity and a calm, reliable presence, even when things feel challenging. You are looking for more than just a job. You want to grow, develop and be part of work that really matters.

You recognise that training to become an EMHP is rewarding but also requires real commitment. You will be ready to balance academic study, supervised practice and your own professional development, approaching the experience with curiosity and a positive mindset.

You will need:

• At least two years of experience working with children, young people or families
• A good understanding of the education system in England
• Ability to study at degree level and manage university learning alongside working
• Level 2 qualifications in English and maths
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• A proactive and self-motivated approach to learning
• Excellent time management and organisation
• Confidence using IT and digital tools
• Access to a car and a full UK driving licence (unless this is not possible due to disability, in which case we are happy to talk through alternatives)

You might also bring experience in youth work, education, mentoring or mental health support. But most of all, you bring a values driven mindset and a real desire to help young people thrive.

You are not just starting a job. You are starting a journey that can change lives…including your own.

Benefits

Compass is committed to safeguarding children, young people & vulnerable adults. Established for over 30 years, Compass is a national charity which works in communities providing services spanning substance misuse treatment & rehabilitation, early interventions for vulnerable young people, school-aged health programmes & associated prevention/treatment & health promotion initiatives.

All Compass posts are subject to appropriate level DBS checks.

We positively encourage applications from all members of the community, regardless of gender, race, faith, disability, age, or sexual orientation, & encourage applications from people who have experiences in life which enrich skills & empathy. This is part of our commitment to equality & developing a truly inclusive & representative workforce.

We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments individuals may require in the recruitment process, on commencement, or once in post.

Benefits

We offer a range of benefits including:

• 27 days holiday + bank holidays, rising to 32 days over time (pro rata)
• Life assurance at 2 x basic salary
• Competitive contributory pension scheme
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and OH service
• Enhanced sick pay
• Excellent learning & development opportunities and career progression
• Annual salary review

We may close this advert early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply if this opportunity feels right for you. Please note that we are unable to accept resubmissions at this stage. Thank you for your understanding.

Closing Date

28.10.2026 at 12pm

Interview Date

Assessment Centre will be taking place 5.11.2026

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