Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner

Job description

Job responsibilities

The must haves for this role:

1. Work at degree level or have an equivalent level of relevant experience: An honours degree graded at 2.2 or above. If a candidate has a degree graded 2.3, they will be asked to provide evidence of successful study at Level 6 or equivalent and be required to pass a pre-entry essay, marked at masters level prior to acceptance on the training programme
2. Evidence of ability to study at Level 6 (i.e. previous successful study at level 5; or successful part completion of an Honours degree level 6).(Must not have started or completed a HEE funded role in the previous 2 years, in line with the 2-year psychological professions funding rule)
3. Experience of working with children and an understanding of how to talk with them.
4. Some experience of working within a mental health setting or in an education setting.
5. Strong communication, IT & organisational skills.

For further information about the role, please see attached job description and person specification.

We strongly encourage you to review how you meet the criteria in the person specification and write about this point-by-point in your supporting statement for the best chance of being shortlisted. For further application tips see the help with your application document attached once you click apply.

If you are someone who shares our passion for excellence and care, you belong at Berkshire Healthcare!

We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics. Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled applicants where required.

We welcome a conversation about flexibility and any other questions you may have. Please don't hesitate to call: Jo Cocksey, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, 07866 787757 or email: Joanne.cocksey@berkshire.nhs.uk who will be delighted to help.

Please note, if we receive a high number of applications, we may close this role earlier than the advertised closing date, so please submit your application as soon as possible.

Successful candidates will be offered a full-time educational programme specifically for the role. On successful completion of the year long programme trainees will qualify as an Educational Mental health Practitioner (EMHP). Please note that this position is offered on a fixed-term basis, aligned with the duration of the training programme and you will be required to sign a learning agreement before your employment starts. Trainees will be employed by Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust for the duration of the training at the University of Reading and will be on placement during this time.

The training programme for this post starts in January 2026, is 12 months in duration and will consist of academic and supervised practice learning across mental health services and educational settings, such as primary and secondary schools, and further education colleges. Delivery of the programme will be provided through a combination of taught days within a university; independent self-guided study days and experience gained in education wellbeing and mainstream mental health services. (please see the course details and dates for further information about the training)

Person Specification

Education/Qualifications/Training

Essential

• To complete the postgraduate diploma: an honours degree graded at 2.2 or above. If a candidate has a degree graded 2.3, they will be asked to provide evidence of successful study at Level 6 or equivalent and be required to pass a pre-entry essay, marked at master's level prior to acceptance on the training programme.
• To complete the graduate diploma: evidence of ability to study at Level 6 (i.e. previous successful study at level 5; or successful part completion of an Honours degree - level 6). (Must not have started or completed a HEE funded role in the previous 2 years, in line with the '2-year psychological professions funding rule)
• Numeracy and literacy qualification at a minimum of level 2

Desirable

• Relevant Honours degree (e.g. psychology, mental health, sociology, education etc.)
• Other relevant degree or training e.g., counselling

Continuous Professional Development

Essential

• Commitment to ongoing training and development
• Able to complete academic components of the course
• Able to attend the formal training as required and able to integrate training into clinical practice

Previous Experience

Essential

• A minimum of one year's experience of working with children and young people (CYP)

Desirable

• Experience of working with CYP and their families in either a health, social care, or education setting
• Experience of working with looked after CYP or other vulnerable groups of CYP
• Experience of working in or with a diverse or multi-cultural community
• Experience of providing 1-1 support to CYP in the community

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Essential

• Knowledge of educational systems in England
• Knowledge of CYP gained through academic study in areas related to child development, child wellbeing or mental health
• Ability to study as a self-motivated learner and effectively implementing training into practice
• Excellent IT skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office including high standard of letter and report writing

Desirable

• Knowledge of mental health problems/ illness in CYP and evidence-based treatments
• Understand why it is essential to use evidence-based interventions when possible
• Understanding of child protection, policy, and legislation
• Received risk training (either formal or through experience) and carried out risk assessments within scope of practice

Additional Requirements

Essential

• Excellent organisational and time management skills with ability to work under pressure managing competing demands and changing priorities within the team
• Able to work flexibly, outside of office hours, when required and willingness to travel independently between locations (including schools, NHS premises and home etc)

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust

Address

MH Support Team - Wokingham, Reading or West Berks

Reading

RG6 6BZ

Employer's website

https://www.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)