Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP)

Job summary

This job is currently only open to people who already work for the NHS in Cornwall or the Isles of Scilly.We are committed to supporting our dedicated staff, so only current employees of the following organisations can apply:

• Cornwall Foundation Trust
• Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
• Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board

If you do not currently work for one of these NHS organisations, your application will not be considered at this time.

In line with the government's priority to increase access and availability of mental health and wellbeing support for children and young people, the Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP) role is an exciting opportunity to deliver evidence-based early interventions for children and young people, working across both educational settings and healthcare sectors in England.

Successful candidates will be employed initially on a two year fixed term contract, providing an expansion to existing provision of mental health support across a range of educational settings in the west and mid Cornwall region). As part of this role there will be a requirement to travel to Exeter University for an element of the training from the service where the candidate is based. We are currently recruiting to bolster our team and roles are in locations across Cornwall (this includes a particular focus on the Penwith and Restormel areas.

Proposed interview date: to be confirmed

Main duties of the job

Successful candidates will undertake a full-time educational programme delivered in partnership with the University of Exeter, based in the Exeter area. The post is funded at NHS AfC Band 4, leading to credits towards a degree or diploma (depending on prior study).

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to study at degree level or equivalent, with relevant experience or formal learning in child development, wellbeing, or mental health. Experience of working with children or young people and an understanding of the English education system are highly desirable.

The 12-month training starts in January 2026 and combines university teaching, self-guided study, and supervised practice in mental health and educational settings, including schools and colleges.

Trainees will gain experience delivering early interventions for children and young people with mild to moderate mental health difficulties. Modules include working with families, managing caseloads, delivering guided self-help, supporting access to specialist services, and helping education staff manage wellbeing concerns.

On completion, trainees will qualify as Education Mental Health Practitioners, working autonomously within Mental Health Support Teams to promote positive mental health in schools.

About us

We're an NHS community and mental health provider Trust based in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We deliver community and hospital-based care to improve people's physical and mental health.We also provide specialist support to people with dementia or a learning disability.

We are a people organisation and people matter to us. As part of the team, you'll help support the health and wellbeing of the people who live and visit this beautiful part of the UK.

Over 4,000 people make up the Trust. This includes doctors, nurses, therapists, plus admin and support staff.

We work in people's homes, in community clinics and bases.Some staff work from one of our 13 community hospitals. Our aspiration is to have great people, provide great care, be a great place to work and a great partner.

Approximately 568,000 people live here. A third of people who live in Cornwall are supported by acute hospital services in Devon.As a result, we also work closely with our partners in Devon. In the summer, and during other holidays lots of people choose to visit the area. This increases the numbers of people who use our services.