Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioners
Band 4
Main area: Children's Mental Health. Grade: Band 4. Contract: Fixed term for 18 months. This training contract leads to a permanent Band 5 post upon successful completion (see Band 5 JD). Our service operates in schools; all staff are asked to use their Annual Leave mainly during school holidays, with 80% in holidays and the remainder during term time to minimize disruption to treatment.
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Full Time). Job ref: 395-KM149-25
Site: Dartford, Dartford Outskirts, Sevenoaks, Maidstone, and surrounding areas. Salary: £26,530 - £29,114 per annum, pro rata. Salary period: Yearly. Closing date: 06/05/2025 23:59
Joining #TeamNELFT means becoming part of a supportive environment. We’re CQC rated Good, aiming for Outstanding. NELFT provides community and mental healthcare services across North East London, Essex, Kent, and Medway.
We value diversity and invest in staff development, offering numerous initiatives and training opportunities. We are a Level 3 Disability Confident Leader, recognized as a Top 10 Employer by Working Families, and hold a Carers UK Level 1 Accreditation.
Find out more about NELFT careers in this video
Job overview
In line with government priorities to improve mental health support for children and young people, we are recruiting for Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP) roles within the Kent and Medway MHST. EMHPs provide low intensity interventions based on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and guided self-help. Trainee EMHPs will learn these interventions and gain knowledge about the MHST programme and youth mental health.
Positions are based in Dartford, Sevenoaks, Maidstone, and nearby areas in Kent and Medway. Candidates must be ready to start on 1st September 2025; no offers will be made to those unable to guarantee this start date.
Applicants will undergo an initial application process with NELFT, followed by an application to the University of Sussex EMHP training program. The training involves developing skills in evidence-based interventions, delivered through face-to-face and digital support, with outcomes recorded for national datasets.
The role includes academic and practical components, such as placements in schools and other settings across Kent and Medway, including travel to the University of Sussex (business travel reimbursed).
Upon successful completion, trainees will be qualified EMHPs, capable of working autonomously within their scope of practice in clinical teams.
Working for our organisation
Probationary Period
This post has a probationary period. Internal applicants are exempt unless they are currently in probation or are bank staff. The initial contract is fixed-term, supporting course completion, after which a permanent position is offered without interview.
Starting with NELFT
New starters join on the first Monday of each month, undergoing a two-week induction including mandatory training, system training, and equipment allocation. They will meet senior staff and participate in wellbeing sessions. Induction occurs at our Rainham, Essex office (note ULEZ charges and Dartford crossing; travel expenses are reimbursed).
Responsibilities
Trauma trainees will undertake a postgraduate program funded by NHS England, gaining credits towards a diploma, with guaranteed employment upon completion. They will work under supervision, delivering evidence-based interventions to children and young people in educational settings, supporting those with mild to moderate issues, and facilitating access to specialist services. They will also support staff in schools to identify and manage mental health issues and work across diverse settings.
Application process and requirements
Applications should be written by the applicant, with AI use discouraged as it may lead to rejection. Candidates must be available to start on 1st September 2025. A full driving license and access to a vehicle are desirable for travel across the area.
Person specification
* Degree qualification
* Experience working with children (minimum 18 months paid employment)
Knowledge of the educational system in England and child development or mental health is required. Local knowledge of Kent and Medway is preferred. Candidates should be committed to working in children’s mental health and hold a valid driver’s license with travel capability.
Additional information
We promote equality, diversity, and flexible working. We support military personnel and are a Disability Confident employer. For accessible applications, contact the recruitment team. Regular email checks are advised, and data sharing may occur for fraud prevention. This role requires a DBS check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.
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