The role of Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP) involves training with the University of East Anglia (UEA) while working within Mental Health Support Teams (MHST) to enhance mental health support for children and young people in Hertfordshire. This is a funded, full-time position starting at Band 4, progressing to Band 5 upon course completion.
Key responsibilities include:
- Working under supervision alongside mental health professionals to deliver evidence-based interventions for mild to moderate mental health issues.
- Conducting holistic and child-centered mental health assessments, including risk assessments.
- Collaborating with school staff and external services to ensure children and young people receive appropriate support.
Candidates must be willing to travel, particularly to UEA in Norwich, and will start training in January 2024. Continued employment is contingent upon successful completion of the training program. Applicants should ideally have an Honours degree or, if lower, demonstrate capability for Level 6 study. The position is part of a broader initiative to improve mental health care in educational settings.
Please be advised, the base location of this role is subject to change within the county of Hertfordshire.
As part of Hertfordshire CAMHS transformation, our priority is simple: to increase access and availability of mental health and wellbeing support for children and young people through the implementation of Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs).
Driven by this goal and in line with NHS long term plan, we have exciting new opportunities for Trainee Educational Mental Health Practitioners (EMHP). Training will be with the University of East Anglia (UEA) and therefore travel to Norwich will be required, and when not in University you will be in placements working predominantly in schools or from your work base.
Please note that this is an HEE funded position and to access this funding you must have not benefited from another funded position within the last two years. This role will start at Band 4 with progress to Band 5 upon completion of the course and placement.
Over the course of the training year, the post-holder will, under supervision, develop knowledge and practice skills to employ a range of evidence-based interventions for common mental health problems via direct individual and group support for children, young people and their parents, in line with the university expectations.
The Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner will:
- Work closely alongside a team of mental health professionals delivering a wide range of evidence informed interventions, under supervision.
- Develop and practice evidence-based skills under supervision to work directly with children, young people and families.
- Develop and practice evidence-based skills under supervision to carry out holistic and child-centred mental health assessments, including risk assessments. You will study alongside other trainee EMHPS at the University of East Anglia; and be based and work with EMHPs, Mental Health Practitioners and a Senior Clinical Practitioner to support the wellbeing and mental health needs identified schools and colleges.
- HPFT MHST trainee roles will work with Young people with mild to moderate mental health presentations attending school in the East Herts area.
Please note that this role requires a commitment to travel in the first year and beyond.
As a Trainee EMHP you will be expected to work under supervision as part of a dynamic mental health team in a creative environment where evidence-based interventions, new ideas, ways of working and supporting children and young people are actively encouraged. This approach requires flexibility, dynamism and above all a passion for working with children and young people in educational settings.
About us
The purpose of the team is to
- Provide evidence-based interventions for mild to moderate mental health issues.
- Support the mental health lead in each education setting to introduce or develop their whole school or college approach.
- Give timely advice to school and college staff, and liaising with external specialist services, to help children and young people to get the right support and stay in education. HPFT are committed to progressing and supporting their staff with career development and training, and ensuring staff health and wellbeing and job satisfaction. This post is designed to open up a new and exciting opportunity for a career in childrens and young peoples mental health in schools.
- Please note: Continued employment in this post is conditional on the successful completion of the course. The successful candidates are required to be available to commence training from January 2024. The successful candidates will be expected to attend university in Norwich with the potential for blended remote learning and travel to the University site will be required in the first year to complete their training.
Please note: If you do not hold an Honours degree or hold a degree of Third Class Honours standard or below you will be required to evidence your ability to study at Level 6 (e.g. previous successful study at level 5, or successful part completion of an Honours degree level 6, or a pre-entry essay for the University that achieves a passing standard). If completing a pre-entry essay a 4 week period for this to be completed and marked will be required before an offer of employment can be made.
Be the catalyst to inspire future generations and make a difference - join the HPFT MHSTs today!
The Programmes planned start date is Tuesday 14th January 2025, with Trust employment and induction starting Monday 6th January 2024.
