Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP)
We are recruiting a full-time Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP) to work with young people in our Mental Health Support Team (MHST). Applicants should have an undergraduate degree (2:2 or above) in a mental health, child development, or related subject, or any subject with relevant training or experience in a related field. We value an open and flexible attitude, excellent engagement skills, and a passion for working with children and young people around mental health.
Responsibilities include offering CBT-based self-guided mental health interventions to primary and secondary aged children and young people and their families, including individual and group-based support, workshops, crisis support, and mental health themed activities. Posts are based on-site (office/school) and may require flexibility to work across different service areas and interventions. Some evening and/or weekend work may be necessary.
This is a training position. The post holder will undertake training at Kings College London alongside working in service for Off The Record. Applicants should be ready to start in early/mid January 2026. Posts cannot be offered unless the start date can be guaranteed. Shortlisted candidates will need to submit an application to KCL for a place on the Diploma in Education Mental Health Practice.
Main duties
* Offer a range of flexible, compassionate and engaging mental health interventions for young people in schools, including individual support, group work, counselling and psycho-educational activities.
* Support the delivery of the Whole School Approach across the school cluster.
* Build relationships with schools by liaising with key staff and offering consultations and signposting to other borough-wide services.
* Monitor effectiveness of interventions using outcome monitoring tools reviewed with young people.
* Maintain safeguarding awareness and respond to risk while respecting young people’s autonomy where possible.
* Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all work delivered.
* Ensure young people’s voices are central to service developments and contribute to participation and engagement activities within the charity.
* Promote the charity’s services to young people, communities and professionals.
* Attend regular clinical and line management supervision and other team/charity meetings, including occasional Saturday meetings/training days.
* Actively implement the charity’s equalities and diversity and user engagement policies.
Training and Supervision
* Attend and fulfil all training requirements to complete the PG Diploma as part of becoming a fully qualified EMHP.
* Fulfil private study requirements to enhance learning and prepare assignments, at least one day per week.
* Apply learning to practice and receive supervision to support professional development.
* Prepare and present case load information to supervisors to ensure safe practice and governance.
* Engage in personal development supervision to improve competencies and practice.
Job Details
Location: Across schools within the borough of Croydon, and office bases in Croydon, Merton or Sutton service premises or other in-borough venues.
Job Summary: In line with government priorities to increase access to mental health support for children and young people, this role delivers evidence-based early interventions across educational settings and healthcare sectors in England.
Salary: NHS Band 4 FTE (£32,199), inclusive of Outer London Weighting
Hours: Full-time (35 hours per week) with occasional evening work and attendance at Saturday meetings (TOIL provided).
Contract: Training
Application Start Date: January 2026 (start date must be guaranteed).
About Us
Off The Record is an award-winning young people’s mental health charity offering a range of support services for children and young people across the London Boroughs of Croydon, Sutton and Merton. The charity emphasises engagement with young people and aims to deliver flexible, accessible, and relevant support. The charity’s work has been recognised with a national GSK Impact Award.
Requirements
* Essential Qualifications: Undergraduate degree, upper second class or above, in Psychology or related subject, or any subject with relevant training/experience (e.g., Teaching, Learning Support, HCA, Youth Work, Counselling).
* Knowledge of the education system in England and safeguarding responsibilities related to working with young people under 16.
* Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, including serving LGBTQ+ and neurodiverse young people and those with disabilities.
How to Apply/Notes
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit an application to KCL for the Diploma in Education Mental Health Practice. The provided application details are attached/linked with the post and should be completed alongside your application for this post.
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