Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioners

Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust; West Midlands Combined Authority; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An NHS Trust in the West Midlands is seeking trainees for the Educational Mental Health Practitioner programme in partnership with Derby University. This full-time role focuses on training to support children and young people's mental health, particularly addressing mild to moderate issues. Successful applicants will gain a Post-Graduate Diploma and practical experience in educational settings, with a projected salary on the NHS Band 5 scale.

Benefits

Ongoing training and support

Career development opportunities

Inclusive workplace culture

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills to interact with children and young people.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in educational settings.
• Experience in applying low-intensity mental health interventions.

Responsibilities

• Assess and support children and young people with mental health difficulties.
• Offer low-intensity interventions based on CBT.
• Develop collaborative approaches with educational staff and promote mental health.

Skills

Support for mental health difficulties

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

Group interventions

Education

Post-Graduate Diploma qualification

Job description

Overview

In partnership with Derby University, 6 successful candidates will be offered a full-time educational programme, funded at NHS 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.

Programme structure

The training programme starts Jan 2026, lasts 12 months, and combines academic study with supervised practice learning across mental health services and educational settings (primary and secondary schools, Pupil Referral Unit, and further education colleges). Delivery will include in-person learning, self-guided study days, and practical experience in education wellbeing and mainstream mental health services. Part of the week will be spent studying at Derby University and part in service practice, consolidating learning in schools.

Role purpose

You will be trained to help children and young people manage common mental health problems, particularly mild to moderate symptoms. The trainee Educational Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP) role is funded to improve access to mental health and wellbeing support for children and young people.

Responsibilities

• Assess and support children and young people (C&YP) with common mental health difficulties, particularly mild to moderate symptoms of anxiety, depression and behavioural difficulties.
• 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.
• Develop whole school approaches in collaboration with educational staff and co-produce with children, young people and carers; promote mental health and wellbeing through group interventions and assemblies.

Programme delivery

The training will be conducted via taught days at Derby University, independent self-guided study days, and clinical experience in school settings and within the Mental Health Support Team. A portion of the programme involves working in educational and clinical settings to apply learning.

Who we are and where

We are an NHS Trust supporting around 9,000 staff delivering physical and mental healthcare, support for people with learning disabilities, and adult social care across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin. We run regional and national services, including perinatal care, eating disorders, forensic services, sexual health, and mental health support in carers and prisons.

Development and culture

We offer strong career development for clinical and non-clinical roles, with ongoing training and support. We strive to create a welcoming, inclusive workplace where every voice is heard and differences are respected.

Important notes

• We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications.
• The use of AI in completing applications will be monitored; if you have used AI, you must state this in your application.

Attachments and further information: Please find attached the job description and person/role specification. Further information on the role is available here: https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/psychological-therapies/roles-psychological-therapies/education-mental-health-practitioner

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