Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner

Job summary

Join Us in Transforming Children's Mental Health in Dorset!

Dorset's Mental Health Support Team in Schools (MHST) is on the lookout for passionate, enthusiastic practitioners ready to take the next step in their career as a Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP). This is an incredible opportunity to join our friendly and forward-thinking team based in Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch.

As part of our MHST, you'll play a key role in improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children, young people, and their families across a wide range of education settings. From primary years through to age 18, no two days are the same--and you'll build strong, meaningful partnerships with our fantastic local schools along the way.

If you're motivated, curious, and eager to make a real difference, this is your chance to be part of a dynamic service that's shaping the future of mental health support in Dorset.

Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of. Applicants who subscribe to the DBS update service are able to present a valid DBS certificate instead of requiring a new check.

Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.

Driving is essential for this role. You will be required to have a full and valid UK driving licence and to travel using own vehicle on Trust business.

Main duties of the job

As a Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP), you will embark on a comprehensive year-long training programme delivered by Exeter University. This course will follow a hybrid model, combining both face-to-face and online teaching, and begins with an intensive three-month teaching block based in Exeter from September 2026.

Following the initial teaching period, you will join the team for part of the week, applying your learning directly into practice while continuing to complete academic assignments. Training posts are funded at Band 4, with progression to a Band 5 qualified EMHP role upon successful completion.

Beyond direct therapeutic work, you will play an important part in supporting the whole school approach to mental wellbeing,which may include delivering sessions to classes and school staff, offering consultation, and working closely with education partners, families, local authorities, and other agencies to respond effectively to emerging needs.

We are looking for enthusiastic, motivated individuals who are passionate about children's mental health and excited by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in our local communities.

About us

At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.

We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do, and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities, and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.

Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion, and expertise in all we do.