At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and young people’s mental health through assessments and interventions.
- Company: Join Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, a leader in community health.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and impactful work.
- Why this job: Transform lives by supporting mental health in schools and communities.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and a willingness to complete EMHP qualification.
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is situated on the west coast of Lancashire, with services covering the local authority areas of Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre. The Trust is part of the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care System (ICS) supporting a population of around 1.6 million people.
We welcome and encourage applications from anyone with protected characteristics, as well as supporting reservists and veterans who are looking for a rewarding and challenging career within the NHS.
Support and Help In Education (SHINE) mental health support teams have an exciting opportunity to join the team providing support across the Fylde Coast. Assisting with transforming children and young people’s mental health and emotional wellbeing services, providing early intervention and faster access to the right support at the right time.
The practitioner will work in both education and healthcare settings to support children and young people with emotional wellbeing and mental health needs, along with their families and carers. The postholder will work under the direction of the Service Lead and other senior staff within the team across primary schools, secondary schools, special schools and our Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) within the Fylde Coast footprint. Joint working with Options4CYP (Children and Young People) and other teams in the wider Fylde Coast system will be essential, to support the emotional wellbeing and mental health needs of the children and young people.
Main duties of the job:
- Assess and deliver 1‑to‑1 and group interventions for children and young people experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties.
- Work with families and carers to increase good mental health.
- Deliver and integrate a whole‐school approach into the ethos of allocated schools.
- Complete consultations to advise staff on how to support children and young people and signpost to relevant services.
- Engage in regular caseload management supervision and clinical skills supervision.
- Use electronic clinical systems to keep accurate notes and other records.
Some evening and weekend work will be needed to meet the needs of the service. As this is a school‑based service, the postholder will be expected to take their annual leave predominantly in the school holidays.
Person specification:
- Education & Qualification: Successful completion of the NHS commissioned Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP) or willingness to complete the PG Cert in EMHP at a designated HEI. Professional registration with an approved organisation such as BABCP or BPS. Proven record of previous academic attainment. Good solid basic literacy and numeracy qualifications at a minimum of level 2.
- Experience & Knowledge: Experience of working with children and young people, their families and others. Experience of working and liaising with a wide variety of agencies and stakeholders. Experience of working with children and young people who have social, emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. Experience of delivering low‑intensity cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to children/young people. Knowledge of the educational system in England. Knowledge of children and young people, gained through academic study in child development, child wellbeing or mental health. Experience of working in or with school/education settings. Experience of working with anxiety disorders. Experience of working with affective (mood) disorders. Experience of providing specific therapeutic interventions to children, young people or their families (e.g. high‑intensity CBT, solution‑focused brief therapy). Knowledge of educational environments. Knowledge of safeguarding issues. Knowledge of capacity and consent issues including Gillick competence.
- Skills & Ability: Experience of working with children and young people. Ability to learn in a variety of settings and using a variety of learning methods. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Excellent time management and organisational skills. Self‑motivated. Team player. Ability to keep clinical records to a high standard in line with policies. Ability to carry out 1:1 therapeutic mental health interventions with families. Ability to conduct mental health assessments of children and young people. Ability to undertake and record routine outcome measures. Ability to make an assessment of risk and to record and communicate it appropriately in line with school/college and Blackpool Teaching Hospitals policies and procedures. Ability to personally manage a sensitive, traumatic and potentially emotionally distressing caseload. Able to travel to meet the requirements of the post. Able to meet the physical requirements of the role after reasonable adjustments have been made for any illness or disability. Ability to conduct group parenting programmes. Ability to work within educational settings to increase mental health awareness within the staff group. Ability to take appropriate action to mitigate or manage risk.
Education Mental Health Practitioner employer: Blackpool Teaching Hospitals
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the mental health and wellbeing of both staff and the community. With a commitment to professional development, employees have access to training opportunities such as the Postgraduate Diploma in Education Mental Health Practitioner, ensuring career growth while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people in the Fylde Coast area. Located just a short drive from Manchester, the Trust provides a dynamic environment where teamwork and collaboration are at the forefront of delivering high-quality mental health support.
Contact Details:
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Education Mental Health Practitioner
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like Blackpool Teaching Hospitals.
We think you need these skills to ace Education Mental Health Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for Blackpool Teaching Hospitals:Take some time to research Blackpool Teaching Hospitals and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for Blackpool Teaching Hospitals's values and approach.
