Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner University of East Anglia

NHS North East London; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Chelmsford is seeking a Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP) to join their team. This position offers a comprehensive training program in mental health support for children, preparing candidates for work within educational settings across Essex. Ideal applicants will have a relevant degree or equivalent experience and be committed to working with children and families dealing with mental health challenges. This role will also provide a pathway to a post-graduate qualification and stable employment upon completion.

Benefits

Guaranteed employment upon qualification

Fully funded course fees

Salary support at NHS AfC Band 4

Qualifications

• Ability to work at university degree level.
• Experience working with children and families.
• Experience liaising with various stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Deliver evidence-informed interventions under supervision.
• Conduct holistic mental health assessments.
• Engage in multidisciplinary collaboration.

Skills

Working with children

Understanding mental health

Communication skills

Ability to collaborate

Education

Degree or equivalent in child development or mental health

Job description

Overview

Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP) Mid Essex. If successful, you will be offered employment with NELFT on a 2-year fixed term contract and undertake a 1-year EMHP training programme at the University of East Anglia to qualify as an EMHP. During training you will apply knowledge and skills in existing Mental Health Support Teams, based in education settings across Essex, delivering brief Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) informed treatments and support. More information on the MHST programme can be found here: NHS England Mental health support in schools and colleges.

Across Essex & Kent NELFT are the largest providers of MHST services. You will join a large and experienced team that can support your development. More information about us: Essex schools mental health support teams | NELFT NHS Foundation Trust.

Responsibilities

• Work as part of a team of mental health professionals delivering a range of evidence-informed interventions under clinical supervision (e.g., guided self-help, parenting interventions, working with teaching staff).
• Develop and practice evidence-based skills to work directly with children, young people and families under supervision.
• Carry out holistic and child-centred mental health assessments, including risk assessments, under supervision.
• Learn and apply behavioural and cognitive behavioural guided self-help techniques to assist children, young people and families.
• Engage with education settings and participate in multidisciplinary collaboration for delivery of services.

Who we are looking for (Qualifications and Experience)

• Demonstrate ability to work at university degree level or have equivalent relevant experience, with learning or study in child development, wellbeing or mental health.
• Experience of working with children, young people and their families.
• Experience of liaising with a wide variety of agencies and stakeholders.
• Experience of working with children and young people who have social, emotional and/or mental health difficulties.

Training, Induction and Programme Details

NELFT places importance on welcoming and inducting new starters. All new starters join on the first Monday of each month and undertake a comprehensive induction of up to two weeks, including mandatory training, systems training and equipment allocation. Induction includes opportunities to meet the executive team and senior managers and attend drop-in sessions focusing on engagement, health and wellbeing, and key processes. Induction will be held at the head office in Rainham, Essex.

Introduction to the EMHP Programme at UEA: The EMHP Programme uses blended learning with face-to-face teaching at UEA and online teaching, self-directed study days, and supervised practice within employing MHSTs. The teaching team includes lecturers with experience in delivering low-intensity mental health interventions and others with experience in children and young people’s mental health and education.

Assessments, modules and portfolio: Trainees complete six modules and a portfolio evidencing clinical practice competencies. Modules are:

• Module 1: Children and Young Peoples Mental Health Settings: Context and Values
• Module 2: Assessment & Engagement
• Module 3: Evidence-based Interventions for Common Mental Health Problems with Children and Young People (Theory and Skills)
• Module 4: Working, Assessing and Engaging in Educational Settings
• Module 5: Common Problems and Processes in Educational Settings
• Module 6: Interventions for Emerging Mental Health Difficulties in Educational Settings

On successful completion, trainees qualify as an Educational Mental Health Practitioner with a Diploma/PG Diploma (120 credits).

Key dates and attendance: There are 70 teaching days per year with intensive blocks. Employment with NELFT begins on Monday 5 January 2026, with a two-week induction. The course start date for 2026 is to be confirmed. Timetable details will be provided for interviews to discuss annual leave and commitments.

Please read the attached Job Description. Successful candidates will be offered a full-time educational programme for the role. The course fees are fully funded (with employees signing a training contract). Salary support is funded at NHS Agenda for Change (AfC) at starting Band 4. You will gain credits toward a postgraduate degree/diploma and have guaranteed employment on successful completion, with a starting salary projected to be based on NHS AfC Band 5. For the training year, successful candidates will be employed by NELFT in educational settings across Essex (location to be determined). Independence of travel to school sites and the university is essential.

Please note: The EMHP posts are training positions on a 2-year fixed term contract. Successful candidates will be expected to travel throughout MHST localities and to the UEA for face-to-face training days.

Training delivery note: The training will be provided by the University of East Anglia (UEA). 100% attendance is required to complete the course; only proceed to application if you can meet this requirement.

Funding and contract: NELFT signs a training contract for staff receiving funding support. If staff leave the Trust to work outside the NHS, you may be liable to repay some training costs. Face-to-face interviews will be conducted by NELFT and UEA staff. The planned interview date is 16 October 2025. Roles may close early if applications are high. Applicants should detail the top 3 reasons for applying in their statement.

AI note and sponsorship: Applications should be written by the applicant. If AI is used, the application may be rejected. We are a registered sponsor organisation but cannot sponsor all roles; check UKVI eligibility. LNKD1_UKTJ.