Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioners

Job summary

In partnership with Derby University, 6 successful candidates will be offered a full-time educational programme, funded at NHS Agenda for Change (AfC) Band 4 level, gaining credits towards a Post-Graduate Diploma qualification, plus employment on successful completion of training, with a starting salary projected to be on the NHS Band 5 scale. These posts will cover the Shropshire & Telford Wrekin area and be based within Shropshire & Telford & Wrekin

All applicants must demonstrate in their application the ability to work at degree level or have an equivalent level of relevant experience, with a proven record of previous learning or formal study in child development, wellbeing or mental health. Further to that experience of working with children and young people and an understanding of the educational system in England is highly desirable.

The training programme for this post starts Jan 2026, is 12 months in duration and consists of academic and supervised practice learning across mental health services and educational settings, such as primary and secondary schools, Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) and further education colleges.

Delivery of the programme will be provided through a combination of in-person learning, independent self-guided study days and experience gained in education wellbeing and mainstream mental health services.

You'll be trained to help children and young people manage common mental health problems, particularly mild to moderate symptoms.

Main duties of the job

Main duties of the job

• The trainee Educational Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP) roles are funded through the government's priority to increase access and availability of mental health and wellbeing support for children and young people.
• You will be trained to assess and support children and young people (C&YP) with common mental health difficulties, particularly mild to moderate symptoms of anxiety, depression and behavioural difficulties.
• You will offer a range of low intensity interventions, 1-1 or in groups, primarily in a school or college setting that are based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and guided self-help.
• You will also have the opportunity to develop whole school approaches in collaboration with educational staff and through co-production with children, young people and carers. This focuses on promotion of mental health and wellbeing through delivery of group interventions, assemblies etc.
• The training programme for this post starts in January 2026, is 12 months in duration and will consist of academic and supervised practice. As a trainee you will spend part of your week studying at Derby University and part of your week in service consolidating your learning into practice and developing relationships with schools.
• Delivery of the taught programme will be provided through a combination of taught days at Derby University, independent self-guided study days and clinical experience gained in school settings and within the Mental Health Support Team.

About us

Come and work with us at our award-winning NHS Trust, leading the way for trying new and better ways of working to help improve life for our local communities.

We have around 9,000 staff who provide physical and mental healthcare, support for people with learning disabilities, and adult social care across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin. We also run regional and national services, including help for new parents (perinatal care), eating disorders, forensic services, sexual health, and support for people in prison with mental health, drug, or alcohol problems.

We offer great career development for both clinical and non-clinical roles, with ongoing training and support to help you learn and grow.

We are 'United in our Uniqueness' and committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and can be themselves, no matter their background or identity. We want our staff to feel supported and valued, and we aim to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard, and every difference is respected.

Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications

Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.