Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Trainee Educational Mental Health Practitioner
Closing date is 04 May 2026
In partnership with a local university, a successful candidate 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 Lichfield district and be based in Rugeley.
Applicants must demonstrate 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. Experience working with children & young people and an understanding of the educational system in England is highly desirable.
The training programme for this post starts September 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 Unit (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 children and young people manage common mental health problems, particularly mild to moderate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Main duties of the job
* 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.
* You will be trained to assess and support children and young people 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 that are 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 children, young people and carers. This focuses on the promotion of mental health and wellbeing through delivery of group interventions, assemblies, etc.
* The training programme for this post starts in September 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 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 university, independent self‑guided study days and clinical experience gained in school settings and within the Mental Health Support Team.
Person Specification
Skills and Knowledge
* Knowledge of the educational system in England
* Knowledge of children and young people gained through academic study in child development, child wellbeing or mental health.
* Knowledge of safeguarding
* Knowledge of capacity and consent when working with young people
* Knowledge of / experience in educational providers/systems
* Knowledge of NHS Mental Health priorities
Experience
* Previous experience of working with children and young people in an education or mental health setting
* Experience of higher level / university study
* Experience of working as part of a multi‑agency team / MDT
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
#J-18808-Ljbffr