Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioners

Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust; Shrewsbury; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization in the UK is seeking trainee Educational Mental Health Practitioners to provide mental health support for children and young people. Successful candidates will undergo a 12-month training program starting in January 2026, gaining practical experience in schools while studying at Derby University. This role emphasizes collaboration with educational staff to enhance mental wellbeing and involves delivering therapeutic interventions.

Benefits

Career development opportunities

Ongoing training and support

Qualifications

• Demonstrate ability to work at degree level or equivalent experience.
• Proven record of learning in child development or mental health.
• Experience working with children and understanding the educational system.

Responsibilities

• Assess and support children and young people with mental health difficulties.
• Deliver low intensity interventions primarily in a school setting.
• Collaborate with educational staff to promote mental health and wellbeing.

Skills

Experience working with children and young people

Understanding of mental health issues

Ability to work at degree level

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Overview

The trainee Educational Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP) roles are funded through the government's priority to increase access and availability of mental health and wellbeing support for children and young people (CYP).

You will be trained to assess and support CYP with common mental health difficulties, particularly mild to moderate symptoms of anxiety, depression and behavioural difficulties. You will offer a range of low intensity interventions, 1-1 or in groups, primarily in a school or college setting, based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and guided self-help. You will also have the opportunity to develop whole school approaches in collaboration with educational staff and through co-production with CYP and carers. This focuses on promotion of mental health and wellbeing through delivery of group interventions and assemblies, etc.

The training programme for this post starts in January 2026, is 12 months in duration, and will consist of academic and supervised practice. As a trainee you will spend part of your week studying at Derby University and part of your week in service, consolidating your learning into practice and developing relationships with schools.

Delivery of the taught programme will be provided through a combination of taught days at Derby University, independent self-guided study days and clinical experience gained in school settings and within the Mental Health Support Team.

In partnership with Derby University, 6 successful candidates will be offered a full-time educational programme, funded at NHS Agenda for Change (AfC) Band 4 level, gaining credits towards a Post-Graduate Diploma qualification, plus employment on successful completion of training, with a starting salary projected to be on the NHS Band 5 scale. These posts will cover the Shropshire & Telford Wrekin area and be based within Shropshire & Telford & Wrekin.

All applicants must demonstrate in their application the ability to work at degree level or have an equivalent level of relevant experience, with a proven record of previous learning or formal study in child development, wellbeing or mental health. Further to that, experience of working with CYP and an understanding of the educational system in England is highly desirable.

The training programme for this post starts Jan 2026, is 12 months in duration and consists of academic and supervised practice learning across mental health services and educational settings, such as primary and secondary schools, Pupil Referral Units (PRU) and further education colleges. Delivery of the programme will be provided through a combination of in-person learning, independent self-guided study days and experience gained in education wellbeing and mainstream mental health services.

You'll be trained to help CYP manage common mental health problems, particularly mild to moderate symptoms.

Come and work with us at our award-winning NHS Trust, leading the way for trying new and better ways of working to help improve life for our local communities. We have around 9,000 staff who provide physical and mental healthcare, support for people with learning disabilities, and adult social care across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin. We also run regional and national services, including perinatal care, eating disorders, forensic services, sexual health, and support for people in prison with mental health, drug, or alcohol problems.

We offer great career development for both clinical and non-clinical roles, with ongoing training and support to help you learn and grow. We are 'United in our Uniqueness' and committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and can be themselves, no matter their background or identity. We want our staff to feel supported and valued, and we aim to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard, and every difference is respected.