Overview
Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP) – 12 months fixed term post commencing January 2026.
We are seeking motivated individuals with leadership experience to work within Sunderland’s Mental Health Support Team (MHST) in partnership with Northumbria University. This training post supports schools across Sunderland to deliver the MHST model, providing low intensity CBT for mild to moderate difficulties, promoting a whole school approach, and offering consultation, advice and training. EMHPs work 1:1 with young people and with parents/carers, and deliver group work in education settings.
Responsibilities
* Train at Northumbria University while working with schools in the Mental Health Support Team to gain knowledge and clinical experience toward a Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Studies in the Education Environment.
* Support the implementation of the National Mental Health Support Team model in Sunderland schools, including delivery of Low Intensity CBT (LICBT) interventions, and contribute to Whole School Approaches, workshops, assemblies and other school activities.
* Provide regular consultation, advice, signposting and training to educators; engage with children, young people and families from diverse backgrounds; use interpreters where necessary; commit to equal opportunities.
* Meet targets set within the service and complete the Northumbria University postgraduate training within 12 months.
* Work as part of established teams to deliver mental health and emotional wellbeing support within education settings.
* Maintain records and participate in supervision to support clinical development.
Main duties
The post holder will work as a member of the Healthy Minds Team in South Tyneside, providing school-based mental health services to children and young people. Duties include working within the Lifecycle Service and supporting education staff with consultation and training, as part of the overall MHST delivery.
Qualifications and Requirements
Essential
* Degree level education to access the Postgraduate Diploma course (Northumbria University) and willingness to undertake this training within 12 months.
* Experience of working with children and young people, ideally in school or community settings.
* Knowledge of safeguarding and promoting welfare in children and young people.
* Be eligible for professional registration (BABCP/BPS) upon qualification.
Desirable
* Experience in a Children and Young People’s Mental Health Service.
* Experience working in services with defined targets and measurable clinical outcomes.
* Background in psychology or related honors degree; professional qualifications in teaching, nursing, social work, AHP, counseling or related therapies.
Skills and Knowledge
* Knowledge of universal and specialist child mental health service provision.
* Proficient in Microsoft Office and IT tools; strong organizational and time/caseload management skills.
* Ability to write clear reports and letters; strong written and oral communication.
* Ability to engage vulnerable and underserved populations and to work in a multi-disciplinary team; flexible working in various environments.
* Commitment to evidence-based psychological therapies and understanding of anxiety/depression in children and young people.
Physical/Other
* Hold a full UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle.
* Ability to manage time and diary; capable of occasional lifting/moving within Trust guidelines; standard keyboard skills.
Disclosure and Background Checks
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and a Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service will be required to check for any prior convictions.
Employer Details
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
Hetton Centre, Welfare Road, Hetton, DH5 9NE
Website: https://www.stsft.nhs.uk
Additional Details
* Job locations include Hetton Centre and Cleadon Park Primary Care Centre, South Shields, Tyne and Wear.
* Band 4, Fixed term, 12 months, Full-time.
* Salary: £27,485 to £30,162 per year.
EEO Statement: We welcome applications irrespective of race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and particularly those from underrepresented groups. We are committed to staff wellbeing, education, training, career progression and flexible working where possible.
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