Overview
In line with the government’s priority to expand access to mental health and wellbeing support for children and young people, we are recruiting Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioners (EMHPs) to join local Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) in Havering and Waltham Forest. This is a national programme combining academic study with hands-on experience in schools and community settings. The training year is fully funded, with employment at NHS Agenda for Change Band 4, rising to Band 5 on successful completion. EMHPs deliver low-intensity, evidence-based interventions for children and young people with common mental health difficulties, and provide support to parents and carers. Interventions use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approaches and guided self-help, delivered individually and in groups. Teaching is provided by UCL in partnership with the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, alongside supervised practice within MHSTs and educational placements. The programme includes a mix of face-to-face and digital delivery. On graduation, EMHPs will be equipped with the skills and confidence to work as autonomous practitioners within MHSTs, making a meaningful difference to the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people in their communities.
Responsibilities
* Work under supervision as part of a multidisciplinary Mental Health Support Team.
* Deliver a range of evidence-based early interventions to children, young people, and families.
* Provide direct support in both group and individual formats.
* Contribute to holistic and child-centred assessments, including risk assessments.
* Collaborate closely with schools, colleges, families, and other agencies to ensure joined-up support.
* Record outcomes and contribute to the national dataset on what works in improving CYP emotional wellbeing and mental health.
* Attend academic teaching at UCL, self-directed study days, and supervised practice sessions.
* Travel between educational settings, community sites, and the university as required.
Training and Placements
Teaching is delivered by UCL in partnership with the Anna Freud Centre, with supervised practice within MHSTs and educational placements. The programme combines face-to-face and digital delivery.
Starting Details and Benefits
NELFT values new starters and provides a comprehensive induction up to two weeks, including mandatory training and systems training. Induction is held at the Trust head office in Rainham, Essex. The post includes a probationary period. This role attracts a High Cost Area Supplement (Outer London) of 15% of the basic salary (minimum £4,714 and maximum £5,941 per annum, pro rata for part-time).
Successful candidates will be offered a full-time educational programme specifically for the role. The course fees are fully funded, with salary support at AfC Band 4 during the training year. You will gain credits towards a postgraduate degree/diploma and, on successful completion and registration with a professional body, a starting salary at AfC Band 5. During the training year you will be employed by Havering MHST and located in placement schools.
Eligibility and Process
For questions, please contact:
* Diana Daniel-Dawson – diana.daniel-dawson@nelft.nhs.uk – Havering MHST
* Rebecca Scalzo – rebecca.scalzo@nelft.nhs.uk – Waltham Forest MHST
Dual application process: To apply for the Education Mental Health Practitioner Programme, you must secure a place on the Educational Mental Health Practitioner PG Dip course at UCL. A separate application for the university course is required via the provided portal link.
Direct UCL application link: https://evision.ucl.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login_enc?0qhYzuG1h9udTFM8i9sPhtGiUgIR6D6iP0QBDHq24aUE7Anl4FtDGBDmc3LlBtzaVi6cWmaNYWo=
Application guidance document for candidates with direct application link included: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/17bbinRzAlIfH8SKe3t18I2m14L7sli5e?usp=drive_link
Data Protection Notice: Your data may be shared with the Anna Freud Centre and UCL as part of the application process for processing, shortlisting and enrollment onto the Education Mental Health Practitioner Programme. See the job description and person specification for more information.
We welcome your application even if you do not meet all criteria. Some posts close early to limit applications. Certificates of Sponsorship: We are a registered sponsor, but sponsorship is not guaranteed for all roles. Check eligibility under the UKVI points-based system. High-Cost Area Supplement is not included when calculating sponsorship salary.
Use of AI: Please see the attached document regarding acceptable use of AI during the recruitment process.
Advert closes on Sunday 12 Oct 2025.
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