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- Tasks: Support children and young people with mental health issues in schools through evidence-based interventions.
- Company: Join East Sussex County Council's Mental Health Support Teams, dedicated to improving youth mental health.
- Benefits: Enjoy a funded postgraduate course, clinical supervision, and diverse employee benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree-level education and a passion for working with children and mental health are essential.
- Other info: Training starts September 2025; interviews held in May at County Hall, Lewes.
Do you have experience of working with children and young people and want to move into a rewarding career in mental health? We have an opportunity to join Me & My Mind, Mental Health Support Teams and study with a funded place on the Education Mental Health Practice PGDip with Sussex University.
East Sussex County Council (ESCC) is recruiting Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioners (EMHP) to join our existing Mental Health Support Team (MHST) working with primary and secondary schools in Bexhill and Hastings. The MHS teams deliver evidence-based interventions based on the Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutic (CBT) approach in schools. We work directly with children and young people aged 7-17 with mild to moderate mental health issues, and their parents and carers. We also work with schools to develop or enhance their whole school approach to emotional health and wellbeing and mental health.
As an EMHP you will be working as part of a dynamic integrated mental health team. This approach requires creativity, flexibility, and adaptability, and above all a passion for working with children and young people in educational settings. You will receive clinical supervision to support your interventions and have the opportunity to develop your practice.
The trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner role will:
- Work closely alongside a team of mental health professionals delivering a wide range of evidence informed interventions. This will include working one to one and delivering group work interventions.
- Use evidence-based skills to work directly with children, young people and families.
- Carry out holistic and child-centred mental health assessments, including risk assessments.
- Work within designated schools, developing relationships with the Mental Health lead in the school. Offer consultation on possible referrals to the service.
- Work within the safeguarding protocols of the schools.
We are looking for candidates who have:
- Passion and commitment for working with children and young people
- Understanding of children and young people’s mental health
- Knowledge of school systems
- Commitment to undertaking study at postgraduate level
- Strong organisational skills
This is a post graduate course therefore you are required to meet the criteria under the education requirements for the training post and be educated at degree level. The training is to start in September 2025 and is fixed term until 31 October 2026 or until qualified. The training programme for this post 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 at Sussex University, independent self-guided study days and experience gained in education settings.
To apply for this role please follow the ‘Apply Now’ button above. When completing your application be sure to address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification drawing on any relevant work/life experience, education or personal interests. Interviews will be held in conjunction with Sussex University. Interviews will be held at County Hall in Lewes on the 7, 8 and 16 of May. There will be one interview with representatives from the University for a place on the PGDip EMHP course and ESCC Mental Health Support Teams for full-time employment with East Sussex County Council.
For an informal discussion, please email mhst.info@eastsussex.gov.uk. We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page. This role will be based at Cavendish House in Hastings. For work that makes a difference....
Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner employer: East Sussex County Council
Contact Detail:
East Sussex County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutic (CBT) approach, as this is a key method used in the role. Understanding its principles will not only help you during the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to the position.
✨Tip Number 2
Reach out to current or former Education Mental Health Practitioners to gain insights into their experiences. This can provide you with valuable information about the role and help you articulate your passion for working with children and young people during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your understanding of safeguarding protocols in schools. Being able to talk about how you would handle sensitive situations will show that you are ready to take on the responsibilities of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight any relevant volunteer work or experience with children and young people in your discussions. This practical experience can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your genuine interest in mental health support.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner role. Familiarise yourself with the job description and think about how your experiences align with the expectations.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience working with children and young people, particularly in mental health settings. Emphasise any skills or qualifications that demonstrate your understanding of mental health issues and school systems.
Address the Person Specification: In your application, directly address how you meet each criterion listed in the person specification. Use specific examples from your work or life experiences to illustrate your passion for working with children and your commitment to mental health.
Prepare for the Interview: If selected for an interview, prepare by researching common interview questions for mental health roles. Be ready to discuss your approach to working with children and young people, as well as your understanding of evidence-based interventions like CBT.
How to prepare for a job interview at East Sussex County Council
✨Show Your Passion for Mental Health
Make sure to express your genuine passion for working with children and young people in mental health settings. Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to supporting their emotional wellbeing.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of CBT
Familiarise yourself with the Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutic (CBT) approach, as it is central to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these techniques in real-life scenarios when working with children and young people.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Skills
Since the role requires strong organisational skills, be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects in the past. This could include balancing work, study, or volunteer commitments.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Think of insightful questions to ask the interviewers about the role, the team, and the training programme. This shows your interest in the position and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you.
