Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner

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

Benefits offered by this job

27 days holiday

Life assurance 2x salary

Pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Enhanced sick pay

Learning & development

Annual salary review

Job summary

Compass Changing Lives seeks a Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner to join its MHSTs, delivering early support to 5–19-year-olds while studying for a funded Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Practice in Education Settings. Training salary starts at £26,182 and rises to £32,921 upon qualification.

You will work with schools, families and staff, balancing study with supervised practice to embed whole-school wellbeing approaches.

Qualifications

• At least two years of experience working with children, young people or families.
• Understanding of the education system in England.
• Ability to study at degree level while working.
• Level 2 English and maths qualifications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proactive and motivated with excellent time management and organisation.
• Confidence using IT and digital tools.
• Access to a car and a full UK driving licence (or alternatives).

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Communication skills

Time management

Organisation

IT proficiency

Driving licence

Education

Level 2 English

Level 2 Maths

Degree-level study eligibility

Job description

About The Role

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.

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 learningExcellent 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.

About Us

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

• 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

Closing Date: 28 .10.2026 at 12pm

Interview Date: Assessment Centre will be taking place 5.11.2026

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