Job summary
In line with the government's priority to expand access to mental health and wellbeing support for children and young people, we are recruiting Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioners (EMHPs) to join local Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) in Havering and Waltham Forest.
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a national programme combining academic study with hands-on experience in schools and community settings. The training year is fully funded, with employment at NHS Agenda for Change Band 4, rising to Band 5 on successful completion.
EMHPs deliver low-intensity, evidence-based interventions for children and young people with common mental health difficulties, as well as offering support to parents and carers. Using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approaches and guided self-help, interventions are delivered individually and in groups.
Teaching is provided by UCL in partnership with the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, alongside supervised practice within MHSTs and educational placements. The programme includes a mix of face-to-face and digital delivery.
On graduation, EMHPs will be equipped with the skills and confidence to work as autonomous practitioners within MHSTs, making a meaningful difference to the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people in their communities.
Main duties of the job
As a Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner, you will:
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Work under supervision as part of a multidisciplinary Mental Health Support Team.
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Deliver a range of evidence-based early interventions to children, young people, and families.
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Provide direct support in both group and individual formats.
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Contribute to holistic and child-centred assessments, including risk assessments.
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Collaborate closely with schools, colleges, families, and other agencies to ensure joined-up support.
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Record outcomes and contribute to the national dataset on what works in improving CYP emotional wellbeing and mental health.
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Attend academic teaching at UCL, self-directed study days, and supervised practice sessions.
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Travel between educational settings, community sites, and the university as required.
About us
Our Values 2025 - 2030
Working with our colleagues, patients and carers we have co-produced three new values that we aim to embed within our culture here at NELFT.
They are:
We are kind.
We are respectful.
We work together with our communities.
These three values help us to strive to provide the best care by the best people.
Starting with NELFT
NELFT place a great deal of importance on new starters being properly welcomed and inducted into the Trust. All new starters will join the Trust on the first Monday of each month and will undertake a comprehensive induction of up to two weeks which will include mandatory training, systems training and the allocation of equipment. As part of the process new starters will have the opportunity to also meet the executive team, senior managers, and attend a number of drop-in sessions focusing on engagement, health and wellbeing and key processes. The induction will be held at our head office in Rainham, Essex.
Probationary Period
This post will be subject to a probationary period.
High Cost Area Supplement - Outer London
This post also attracts payment for High Cost Area Supplement of 15% of the basic salary (minimum payment of £4,714 and a maximum payment of £5,941 - per annum, pro rata for part time)
Job description
Job responsibilities
Successful candidates will be offered a full-time educational programme specifically for the role. The course fees are fully funded, and the salary support for the job post will be funded at NHS Agenda for Change (AfC) beginning Band 4. You will gain credits towards completing the course with a postgraduate degree diploma level qualification, plus guaranteed employment on successful completion of training and registration with a professional body with a starting salary projected to be based on the NHS AfC Band 5 scale. For the training year, successful candidates will be employed by Havering MHST, and you will be located in educational settings for your placement schools.
For any questions, more information and a confidential discussion please contact:
Diana Daniel-Dawson diana.daniel-dawson@nelft.nhs.uk - Havering MHST
Rebecca Scalzo rebecca.scalzo@nelft.nhs.uk - Waltham Forest MHST
PLEASE NOTE:
Dual Application Process
To apply for the Education Mental Health Practitioner Programme, it is essential that you secure a place on the Educational Mental Health Practitioner PG Dip course at UCL. Therefore, you are required to complete a separate application for the university course via the provided portal link
Direct UCL application link: https://evision.ucl.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login_enc?0qhYzuG1h9udTFM8i9sPhtGiUgIR6D6iP0QBDHq24aUE7Anl4FtDGBDmc3LlBtzaVi6cWmaNYWo=
Application guidance document for candidates with direct application link includedhttps://drive.google.com/drive/folders/17bbinRzAlIfH8SKe3t18I2m14L7sli5e?usp=drive_link We urge you tosubmit your course application as soon as possible.
Data Protection Notice
PRIVACY NOTICE: As part of your application process for the training course delivered by the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families and UCL, please be aware that your data may be shared with them. This is necessary to facilitate the processing of your application, including shortlisting and enrolment onto the Education Mental Health Practitioner Programme.
Please see the attached job description and person specification for more information about this role and working at North East London NHS Foundation Trust. We encourage you to refer to this when completing your application.
We welcome your application even if you do not meet all the criteria listed in the person specification. Please apply as soon as possible as some posts close early to limit the number of applications.
Certificates of Sponsorship
Although we are a registered sponsor organisation, we are unable to offer sponsorship for all job roles. Please check your eligibility under the UKVI points-based system. When calculating the basic salary for sponsorship, HCAS (High-Cost Area Supplement) is not included to ensure fairness and consistency within our Trust.
Use of AI
Please see attached document regarding acceptable use of AI during the recruitment process.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Successful candidates will be offered a full-time educational programme specifically for the role. The course fees are fully funded, and the salary support for the job post will be funded at NHS Agenda for Change (AfC) beginning Band 4. You will gain credits towards completing the course with a postgraduate degree diploma level qualification, plus guaranteed employment on successful completion of training and registration with a professional body with a starting salary projected to be based on the NHS AfC Band 5 scale. For the training year, successful candidates will be employed by Havering MHST, and you will be located in educational settings for your placement schools.
For any questions, more information and a confidential discussion please contact:
Diana Daniel-Dawson diana.daniel-dawson@nelft.nhs.uk - Havering MHST
Rebecca Scalzo rebecca.scalzo@nelft.nhs.uk - Waltham Forest MHST
PLEASE NOTE:
Dual Application Process
To apply for the Education Mental Health Practitioner Programme, it is essential that you secure a place on the Educational Mental Health Practitioner PG Dip course at UCL. Therefore, you are required to complete a separate application for the university course via the provided portal link
Direct UCL application link: https://evision.ucl.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login_enc?0qhYzuG1h9udTFM8i9sPhtGiUgIR6D6iP0QBDHq24aUE7Anl4FtDGBDmc3LlBtzaVi6cWmaNYWo=
Application guidance document for candidates with direct application link includedhttps://drive.google.com/drive/folders/17bbinRzAlIfH8SKe3t18I2m14L7sli5e?usp=drive_link We urge you tosubmit your course application as soon as possible.
Data Protection Notice
PRIVACY NOTICE: As part of your application process for the training course delivered by the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families and UCL, please be aware that your data may be shared with them. This is necessary to facilitate the processing of your application, including shortlisting and enrolment onto the Education Mental Health Practitioner Programme.
Please see the attached job description and person specification for more information about this role and working at North East London NHS Foundation Trust. We encourage you to refer to this when completing your application.
We welcome your application even if you do not meet all the criteria listed in the person specification. Please apply as soon as possible as some posts close early to limit the number of applications.
Certificates of Sponsorship
Although we are a registered sponsor organisation, we are unable to offer sponsorship for all job roles. Please check your eligibility under the UKVI points-based system. When calculating the basic salary for sponsorship, HCAS (High-Cost Area Supplement) is not included to ensure fairness and consistency within our Trust.
Use of AI
Please see attached document regarding acceptable use of AI during the recruitment process.
Person Specification
Qualification
Essential
- Degree Qualification
- Worked with children
Desirable
- Child development qualification
- Relevant mental health experience
- 18 months plus experience of paid employment working with children
Knowledge/Experience
Essential
- oKnowledge of the educational system in England
- oKnowledge of children and young people gained through academic study in child development, child wellbeing or mental health.
Desirable
- Has worked within an Education Setting or Mental Health Setting.
Attitude/other
Essential
- Commitment to the training course and working within children's mental health services
Desirable
- Holds a full driving licence and has access to a vehicle/able to effectively travel across the required geographical area
Person Specification
Qualification
Essential
- Degree Qualification
- Worked with children
Desirable
- Child development qualification
- Relevant mental health experience
- 18 months plus experience of paid employment working with children
Knowledge/Experience
Essential
- oKnowledge of the educational system in England
- oKnowledge of children and young people gained through academic study in child development, child wellbeing or mental health.
Desirable
- Has worked within an Education Setting or Mental Health Setting.
Attitude/other
Essential
- Commitment to the training course and working within children's mental health services
Desirable
- Holds a full driving licence and has access to a vehicle/able to effectively travel across the required geographical area
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
