Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner

We are currently recruiting for four Trainee EMHP roles as part of the ongoing expansion of the InsideOut MHST:

• 2 roles with Changing Futures North East
• 1 role with The Junction Foundation
• 1 role with Teesside Mind

The successful candidates will be employed by one of the above organisations and will work as part of the InsideOut MHST, alongside a multidisciplinary team of practitioners. The successful candidate will be enrolled on the next Northumbria University programme. The role during the training is hybrid, which includes two days with the university, one day study and supervision meetings and two days with the service.

Main duties of the job:

The Trainee EMHP will contribute to delivering mental health and emotional wellbeing support for children, young people, and families. The role involves undertaking delegated activities, including providing age-appropriate advice and guidance on emotional health, lifestyle, and behavioural concerns. The postholder will also support the InsideOut team in delivering a Whole School Approach, training, and group interventions.

About us:

This is an exciting opportunity to join InsideOut Mental Health Support Team (MHST), delivering evidence-based early interventions for children and young people across education and healthcare sectors in South Tees. InsideOut MHST is a partnership of voluntary and community organisations, including The Link, Teesside Mind, The Junction Foundation, Changing Futures North East, ABC Counselling and Time 4 You. Across the partnership, a total of 4 Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioners (EMHPs) will be recruited by Changing Futures North East, Teesside Mind and The Junction Foundation, working and training together as part of the team.

Application Process:

Applicants should submit a completed application demonstrating their suitability to one organisation only, as recruitment will be conducted jointly. Please indicate within your application whether you are willing to be considered for one or all organisations. Interview dates: Wednesday 29th July, Thursday 30th July, and Friday 31st July. Successful candidates are expected to commence employment by 1st September. Applicants with longer notice periods may not be considered. We reserve the right to close applications early if a sufficient number of suitable candidates is received.

Job responsibilities:

• Deliver evidence-based mental health interventions to children and young people (CYP) in Education settings.
• Support CYP with mild to moderate mental health needs, and ensure those with higher needs are referred to specialist services quickly.
• Conduct a whole school audit to devise a plan to implement, support and maintain a positive emotional well-being and mental health.
• Work with schools, families, and professionals to improve access to mental health support.
• Build understanding of how schools already support emotional wellbeing.
• Evidence progress toward qualification and professional competence.

Therapeutic Work (Assessment and Intervention):

You will:

• Deliver guided self-help and brief interventions under supervision.
• Support children, families, and school staff to manage mental health difficulties.
• Carry out Assessments and Safety Assessments (self/others).
• Deliver planned targeted whole school approach activities in collaboration with the education settings in small or whole class group.
• Deliver Evidence-based Friends programme.
• Plan and deliver school consultation meetings.
• Co-produce intervention plans and outcomes with young people and families.
• Refer/signpost complex cases to specialist services.
• Work collaboratively with Teachers, Parents/Carers, Multi-agency professionals.
• Maintain accurate clinical records, Obtain Paired Routine Outcome Measures and Outcome data.
• Manage a caseload safely with supervision.
• Participate in meetings and case discussions.

Training and Supervision:

Complete a university training programme (academic + practical). Fulfil weekly independent study requirements (one day) to support learning and assessment preparation. Apply theory directly into practice settings. Prepare and attend Clinical and Case Management Supervision. Present caseloads and reflect on Feedback and Development areas. Contribute to Service Evaluation and Research Dissemination. Continuously improve based on supervisor input.

Professional Responsibilities:

You will:

• Work within Professional standards.
• Confidentiality requirements.
• Safeguarding protocols.
• Identify and expedite safety concerns immediately.
• Maintain CPD (Continuous Professional Development) records.
• Participate in Appraisals and objective setting.
• Stay updated on Guidelines and Best Practice.
• Attend relevant learning opportunities.

Person Specification:

Skills and Competencies:

In Training:

• Ability to learn effectively across varied settings and methods.
• Self-directed learner, able to plan and monitor own development.

When Qualified:

• Deliver 1 to 1 mental health interventions with children, young people, and families.
• Conduct mental health and safety assessments and respond appropriately.
• Deliver parenting programmes and support group interventions.
• Promote mental health awareness within educational settings.
• Maintain accurate records and communicate effectively.

Qualifications:

In Training:

• Holds a relevant Degree in Psychology or other Health, Social Care, or Youth related subject.

When Qualified:

• Successful completion of the HEE-commissioned EMHP training programme.
• Obtain accreditation with the relevant bodies such as BACP.

Personal Qualities and Specific Attributes:

• Self-motivated and organised.
• Effective team player.
• Able to travel as required.
• Able to meet the physical requirements of the role (with reasonable adjustments where applicable).
• Ability to manage emotionally demanding work.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Enhanced DBS clearance (Successful candidates will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check with barring list check).

Experience:

2 years or more - experience working with children and young people.

Knowledge:

Understanding of the education system in England. Knowledge of child development, wellbeing, or mental health.

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.