Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner
This is more than a job. It is a chance to train, grow and make a real difference in young lives. As a Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP), you will join our expanding innovative and dynamic Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs), helping to shape how schools and colleges support the emotional wellbeing of children and young people aged 5 to 19.
You’ll study part time for a fully funded Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Practice in Education Settings (Level 7), delivered by one of our university partners. Alongside this, you’ll gain hands‑on experience in local schools, working with children and young people who are experiencing issues like anxiety, low mood, emotional regulation, relationship challenges and adjusting to change.
With full supervision and support, you will deliver low‑intensity, evidence‑based interventions, contribute to assessments and planning, and help embed a Whole School Approach to emotional wellbeing. You’ll work in partnership with school staff, families and other professionals to help young people feel heard, understood and supported.
Salary starts at £26,182 during training and increases to £32,921 (Band E) upon successful qualification.
If you believe every young person deserves someone in their corner, and you are ready to build your future in children’s mental health, this is where it begins.
Successful candidates will join either our September 2026 or January 2027 cohort. Please let us know in your application if you are interested in a specific start date.
About You
You believe in the power of early support, and you want to help young people feel safe, seen and understood in school. You bring warmth, integrity and a calm, reliable presence even when things are tough. You are looking for more than just a job. You want to grow, challenge yourself and be part of something that matters.
You will need:
* At least two years of experience working with children, young people or families
* A good understanding of the education system in England
* Ability to study at degree level and manage university learning alongside working
* Level 2 qualifications in English and maths
* Strong written and verbal communication skills
* A proactive and self‑motivated approach to learning
* Excellent time management and organisation
* Confidence using IT and digital tools
* Access to a car and a full UK driving licence (unless this is not possible due to disability, in which case we are happy to talk through alternatives)
You might also bring experience in youth work, education, mentoring or mental health support. But most of all, you bring a values driven mindset and a real desire to help young people thrive.
You are not just starting a job. You are starting a journey that can change lives...including your own. If you're onboard, lets talk.
Benefits
We offer a range of benefits including:
* 27 days holiday + bank holidays, rising to 32 days over time (pro rata)
* Life assurance at 2x basic salary
* Competitive contributory pension scheme
* 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and OH service
* Excellent learning & development opportunities and career progression
* Annual salary review
EEO Statement
We positively encourage applications from all members of the community, regardless of gender, race, faith, disability, age, or sexual orientation, and encourage applications from people who have experiences in life which enrich skills & empathy. This is part of our commitment to equality & developing a truly inclusive & representative workforce.
We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments individuals may require in the recruitment process, on commencement, or once in post.
All Compass posts are subject to appropriate level DBS checks.
Compass is committed to safeguarding children, young people & vulnerable adults. Established for over 30 years, Compass is a national charity which works in communities providing services spanning substance misuse treatment & rehabilitation, early interventions for vulnerable young people, school‑aged health programmes & associated prevention/treatment & health promotion initiatives.
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