Trainee Educational Mental Health Practitioner

Job summary

In partnership with Derby University, 4 successful candidates will be offered a full-time educational programme, funded at NHS Agenda for Change (AfC) Band 4 level, gaining credits towards a Post-Graduate Diploma qualification, plus employment on successful completion of training, with a starting salary projected to be on the NHS Band 5 scale. These posts will cover the Seisdon area and be based within Seisdon.

All applicants must demonstrate in their application the ability to work at degree level or have an equivalent level of relevant experience, with a proven record of previous learning or formal study in child development, wellbeing or mental health. Further to that experience of working with children and young people and an understanding of the educational system in England is highly desirable.

The training programme for this post starts Jan 2026, is 12 months in duration and consists of academic and supervised practice learning across mental health services and educational settings, such as primary and secondary schools, Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) and further education colleges.

Delivery of the programme will be provided through a combination of in-person learning, independent self-guided study days and experience gained in education wellbeing and mainstream mental health services.

You'll be trained to help children and young people manage common mental health problems, particularly mild to moderate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Main duties of the job

• The trainee Educational Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP) roles are funded through the government's priority to increase access and availability of mental health and wellbeing support for children and young people.
• You will be trained to assess and support children and young people (C&YP) with common mental health difficulties, particularly mild to moderate symptoms of anxiety, depression and behavioural difficulties.
• You will offer a range of low intensity interventions, 1-1 or in groups, primarily in a school or college setting that are based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and guided self-help.
• You will also have the opportunity to develop whole school approaches in collaboration with educational staff and through co-production with children, young people and carers. This focuses on promotion of mental health and wellbeing through delivery of group interventions, assemblies etc.
• The training programme for this post starts in January 2026, is 12 months in duration and will consist of academic and supervised practice. As a trainee you will spend part of your week studying at Derby University and part of your week in service consolidating your learning into practice and developing relationships with schools.
• Delivery of the taught programme will be provided through a combination of taught days at Derby University, independent self-guided study days and clinical experience gained in school settings and within the Mental Health Support Team.

About us

By joining Team MPFT, you will be helping your communities and in return for this, we will support you by;

• Supporting your career development and progression
• Excellent NHS Pension scheme
• Generous maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Options for flexible working
• Up to 27 days annual leave (increasing with service up to 33 days) and the opportunity to purchase additional leave
• Extensive Health and Wellbeing support and resources
• If you work in our community teams, we pay for your time travelling between patients
• Lease car if you complete more than 500 business miles per annum, fully insured and maintained (including tyres), mileage paid at lease car rate
• Salary sacrifice car - fully insured and maintained (including tyres), your gross pay is reduced by the cost of the vehicle before tax, NI and pension deductions are calculated, milage paid at business rates
• Salary sacrifice bikes up to £2k
• Free car parking at all trust sites
• Free flu vaccinations every year
• Citizens Advice support linked with a Hardship Fund for one off additional support up to £250 (if the criteria is met)

And more. We are proud to be a diverse and inclusive organisation and there is a choice of staff networks that help you meet like-minded people.

Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.