Education Mental Health Practitioner
Location: South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
Closing date: 28 April 2026
We are looking for 2 qualified Education Mental Health Practitioners to work within our Mental Health Support Teams across South Tyneside and Sunderland. One post is available in our Healthy Minds Team (South Tyneside) and one in our Healthy Heads Team (Sunderland).
We seek a qualified EMHP who has completed the Post Graduate Diploma in Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Studies in the Education Environment and is registered with the BABCP/BPS or will achieve registration within six months of employment.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will be a qualified LICBT practitioner and will fulfil all three functions of the Mental Health Support Team as per the National MHST model. The Healthy Minds aims to:
* Support children and young people within an education setting by delivering low‑intensity CBT (LICBT) evidence‑based interventions for anxiety and low mood.
* Collaborate with schools to implement a Whole School Approach to mental health, building a positive mental health culture and promoting emotional resilience through workshops, assemblies and whole‑school activities.
* Provide regular consultation and timely advice to school professionals on children and young people’s mental health.
* Deliver high‑quality general and targeted training to parents and professionals, and run groups for children, young people and parents.
Job responsibilities
As a member of the Mental Health Support Team, the Education Mental Health Practitioner will:
* Deliver evidence‑based interventions and outcome‑focused care to children and families.
* Provide high‑quality training, consultation and support to other education staff.
* Implement a Whole School Approach to foster a positive mental health culture within schools.
* Work within the agreed iTHRIVE multi‑agency model of Children and Young People’s Mental Health service provision.
* Collaborate with multi‑professional teams to ensure practice is efficient, effective, evidence‑based and safe.
* Listen to and understand the community, link with Community Mental Health Services (CYPS, IAPT, CTT), and empower local solutions.
* Uphold the Trust’s vision, values and behaviours, promoting a positive image of children and young people with mental health conditions as well as the specialist service area and the wider Trust.
Physical skills
* Holds a full UK driving licence and has access to a vehicle.
* Can manage own time and diary and meet requirements of the training course and work within the service.
* Can sit, stand and walk as required across the full working day.
* Can move and handle objects in line with Trust guidelines using appropriate aids, on occasion.
* Willing to work flexibly, including additional or unsocial hours, to meet service needs.
Skills and Knowledge
* Knowledge of universal and specialist children’s mental health service provision.
* Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and related IT packages.
* Proven organisational and time/caseload management skills.
* Clear writing and oral communication skills, demonstrated by high standards in reports and letters.
* Ability to engage vulnerable and underserved populations.
* Ability to work as part of a multi‑disciplinary team.
* Experience of undertaking risk assessments.
* Ability to work flexibly in various settings.
* Effective use of supervision for personal and clinical development.
* Understanding of anxiety and depression presentation in children and young people.
* Understanding of the need for evidence‑based psychological therapies.
* Working knowledge of child development and its links to mental health.
* Knowledge of relevant guidance, policy and best practice.
Qualifications
* Qualified Education Mental Health Practitioner (Post Graduate Diploma in Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Studies in the Education Environment).
* Registered with the appropriate governing body (BABCP/BPS) as an Educational Mental Health Practitioner, or working towards registration and successfully registered within the first six months of appointment.
* Additional postgraduate qualification in Child and Adolescent Mental Health, therapeutic training or another relevant area (desirable).
Experience
* Experience supporting the mental health needs of children, young people and families.
* Experience working within a community/education context.
* Experience delivering low‑intensity psychological interventions.
* Experience collaborating within a multi‑agency context.
* Knowledge and experience of safeguarding and promoting child welfare.
* Facilitating teaching or delivering training.
* Experience working in a service with agreed targets demonstrating clinical outcomes.
* Experience supporting the mental health needs of CYP and their families.
* Experience working in community or education settings.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required to assess any previous criminal convictions.
Equal Opportunities
We welcome all applications irrespective of race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, and especially those from under‑represented groups. Looking after our workforce health and wellbeing is a priority for us. We also provide access to high‑quality education, training, career progression and support. Flexible working is supported via our Flexible Working Policy.
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
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