Trainee Educational Mental Health Practitioner

About the Role

We invite dedicated and empathetic candidates to join our Mental Health Support Teams as Trainee Educational Mental Health Practitioners (EMHPs). This full-time, one-year training pathway combines academic coursework with supervised practical experience, leading to a professional qualification. The program includes a fully-funded Postgraduate Diploma at University College London (UCL), training individuals to deliver early intervention mental health support for children and young people within schools and educational settings.

Location and Team

The role is situated in Mid Essex, offering services across Braintree, Chelmsford, and Maldon. Trainees will be part of an established team, benefiting from structured supervision, mentorship, and peer support, working on site at educational premises.

Main Responsibilities

• Under supervision, assess and manage a caseload of children and young people.
• Provide low-intensity, evidence-based mental health interventions such as guided self-help, workshops, and group sessions.
• Partner with students, families, and school staff to create and review care plans.
• Conduct risk assessments and adhere to safeguarding protocols.
• Promote inclusive, anti-discriminatory practices within all activities.
• Complete all academic requirements and participate actively in training delivered by UCL and The Anna Freud Centre.
• Apply academic learning to practical clinical work and reflect regularly on practice.
• Engage in service development, audits, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Maintain accurate, confidential records, and manage caseloads effectively.
• Communicate proficiently with children, families, and multidisciplinary professionals.

Training and Development

The program includes a fully funded postgraduate diploma with a requirement for 100% attendance, including some intensive blocks and travel to UCL. Trainees must commit to the training contract, supporting NHS Long Term Plan commitments and service requirements. Employment is fixed-term for 18 months, with career progression into Band 5 EMHP roles upon successful qualification.

Post-Training Role

Success leads to Band 5 qualification, with responsibilities including independent assessment and intervention delivery, promoting mental health in schools, referring complex cases, contributing to service development, and supporting trainees and whole-school mental health initiatives.

Additional Information

• Applicants must be able to travel independently to schools and training venues.
• Face-to-face interviews are scheduled for 21 August 2026; alternate dates cannot be accommodated.
• Commencement date is fixed for 5 October 2026.
• A probationary period applies except for certain internal applicants.
• The role includes an induction period covering mandatory training and systems orientation.
• Applicants who have previously applied unsuccessfully are asked not to reapply.
• Funding support comes with a training contract that may require repayment if the employee leaves for a non-NHS role prematurely.

About the Employer

NELFT NHS Foundation Trust offers community and mental health services across North East London and Essex. The Trust emphasizes equality, diversity, staff wellbeing, and career development. It holds multiple accolades for inclusive policies and workforce support.