Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner - MHST
Closing date: 28 June 2026
As part of Hertfordshire CYPMHS transformation, our priority is to increase access and availability of mental health and wellbeing support for children and young people through the implementation of Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs).
Training will be at the University of Reading (UoR) and requires travel to Reading. When not at the university, you will work on school sites or at your office base.
This is an NHS England funded position. To access funding, you must not have benefited from another funded position within the last two years.
Band 4 start, progressing to Band 5 upon successful completion of training, placement and professional registration.
Over the training year, under supervision you will develop knowledge and practice skills to deliver evidence-based interventions for common mental health problems, including individual and group support for children, young people and their families.
Planned interview dates: 13th, 14th and 15th July.
Please note: Due to high volume of applications, the advertisement may close early. Apply promptly.
Main duties of the job
* Work closely alongside a team of mental health professionals delivering a wide range of evidence-based interventions, under supervision.
* Develop and practice evidence-based skills to work directly with children, young people and families.
* Carry out holistic, child-centred mental health assessments, including risk assessments.
* Study alongside other trainee EMHPs at the University of Reading, and be based and work with qualified EMHPs, Senior Practitioners, SWPs and a Team Leader. Support well‑being and mental health needs identified by schools and colleges.
* Work with young people with mild to moderate mental health presentations in schools in the south of Hertfordshire.
Please note this role requires a commitment to travel.
As a trainee EMHP you will work under supervision as part of a dynamic mental health team in a creative environment that encourages low-intensity CBT, evidence-based interventions, and new ideas for children and young people.
Job responsibilities
* Provide low-intensity CBT and evidence-based interventions for mild to moderate mental health issues.
* Support the mental health lead in each education setting to develop whole‑school or college approaches.
* Offer timely advice to school and college staff, and liaise with external specialist services to ensure children and young people receive appropriate support and stay in education.
* HPFT is committed to staff career development, training, health and wellbeing, and job satisfaction.
* Apply for a career in children and young people’s mental health in schools.
* Continued employment is conditional on successful completion of the training course. Successful candidates must be available to commence training in September 2026.
There are postgraduate (Level 7) or graduate (Level 6) study routes.
* Applicants with an Honours degree 2.2 or above should apply for the Postgraduate route.
* Applicants without an Honours degree or with a Third Class degree or below must evidence ability to study at Level 6 (e.g., previous successful Level 5 study, successful part completion of an Honours degree, or a pre‑entry essay for the University of Reading that achieves a passing standard; an academic reference may be required).
The planned programme start date is 22 September 2026, with Trust employment and induction starting towards the end of August 2026.
Person Specification
QUALIFICATIONS / EDUCATION / TRAINING
* Graduate route (Level 6): must have proven successful study at Level 5 or successful part completion of an Honours degree; Postgraduate route (Level 7): Honours Degree graded 2.2 or above.
* Good basic literacy and numeracy qualifications at minimum Level 2.
* Relevant Honours Degree (e.g., psychology, mental health, sociology, education) graded 2.2 or above.
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
* Proven experience working with children and young people.
* Knowledge of the Education system.
* Experience of working with children and their families in a mental health or care setting.
* Experience of working with children and their families in an education setting.
* Experience of working with looked‑after children or other vulnerable groups of CYP.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* Able to write clear reports and letters.
* Ability to work within a team and foster good working relationships.
PHYSICAL SKILLS
* Car driver (unless a disability under the Equality Act 2010 prevents driving).
* Able to travel to meet the requirements of the post.
MENTAL EFFORT
* Manage own caseload and demonstrate good time management and prioritisation skills.
EMOTIONAL EFFORT
* Regularly deal with distressing or emotionally charged situations.
VALUES / MOTIVATIONAL / PERSONAL QUALITIES / DIVERSITY
* Examples of kindness, welcoming, positivity, professionalism, respectfulness.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Salary
£29,812 to £32,715 per annum, pro rata + 5% HCAS included.
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full‑time
Reference number
367-SS-101338
Job location
The Colonnades, Beaconsfield Road, Hatfield AL10 8YE
J-18808-Ljbffr