Join to apply for the Trainee Education MH Practitioner role at Barnet Council.
About Barnet Council
Barnet is a borough with much to be proud of. Our excellent schools, vibrant town centres, vast green spaces and diverse communities make it a great place to live and work. As a council we aim to build on these strengths into the future, growing and developing to meet the challenges facing our borough. We are committed to working with partners and residents to make Barnet even better. Our staff share the values of learning to improve, caring, inclusive, collaborative – which drive everything we do.
Job Description
In line with the government’s priority to increase access and availability of mental health and wellbeing support for children and young people, the new Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) provide an exciting opportunity to deliver evidence‑based early interventions for children and young people across educational settings and healthcare sectors in England.
Barnet Council’s Family Services has secured additional funding to expand existing MHSTs. This is part of the government's green paper ambitions to transform mental health support in England, building on the prevention and early intervention work in schools and forming a permanent part of the Integrated Clinical Services (BICS) for children and young people’s mental health.
BICS provides the MHSTs. The successful applicant will be part of a multidisciplinary team of clinicians offering mental health and wellbeing interventions to children, young people, and their families in one of Barnet’s Child & Family Early Help Hubs and will be primarily based in schools in the East of the London Borough of Barnet.
Our new MHST will include four Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP) trainees. They will play a key role in delivering schools’ overarching approach to providing mental health and wellbeing support for children and young people. EMHPs report to Higher Level Therapists/Supervisors and are supported by a Clinical Manager, Administrator and Assistant Psychologist.
Successful candidates will receive a fully funded full‑time educational programme, gaining credits towards a diploma‑level qualification and guaranteed employment upon completion of training. The starting salary will be based on the NHS AfC Band 5 scale (Band 4 during the training year). Candidates must pass the training course to remain employed as qualified EMHPs.
Please click here to download the Job description for this role.
About You
* Evidence degree level or equivalent and relevant experience with a proven record in child development, wellbeing or mental health.
* Experience working with children and young people and a strong understanding of the educational system in England.
* 12‑month training programme: academic and supervised practice across mental health services and educational settings.
* Training delivered through taught days at UCL in partnership with The Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, placement with BICS and independent study.
* Four modules covering:
1. Working with children, young people and carers to support self‑management and develop intervention plans.
2. Managing a caseload and practicing interventions such as guided self‑help.
3. Preparing and presenting caseload information to supervisors.
4. Collaborating with colleagues to improve access to specialist mental health services and supporting referrals.
5. Supporting education colleagues in recognising and managing mental health and wellbeing issues.
On successful completion, trainee EMHPs will be qualified practitioners, capable of autonomous practice within their scope alongside education colleagues.
Barnet is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. It operates stringent safer recruitment procedures.
What We Offer
* 31 days annual leave, plus public and bank holidays
* Local Government Pension Scheme
* Work‑life balance options including hybrid working, flexitime, job share, home working, part‑time
* Vast range of lifestyle discounts from major retailers, supermarkets, energy suppliers and more
* Payroll benefits such as cycle to work, eye care vouchers, travel and gym membership
* Excellent training and development opportunities
* Employee well‑being training programmes, including confidential employee assistance
How To Apply
Read the job description and person specification before clicking ‘Apply’ to commence the online application. If you would like any further information, contact Sarah Konn at sarah.konn@barnet.gov.uk.
Barnet Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults; all staff pledge this commitment. We also value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Barnet is a Disability Confident and Committed Employer. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply.
All posts have a six‑month probationary period. Due to high numbers of applications some vacancies may close before the stated closing date; please apply promptly. We will contact shortlisted candidates electronically. If you do not hear from us within four working weeks after the closing date, you have not been shortlisted.
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