Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner

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.

Successful candidates will undertake a fully funded, full-time 12-month training programme in partnership with Northumbria University, beginning in September/October 2026. This programme combines academic learning with supervised practice across mental health services and educational settings, including schools and colleges.

Overview

Applicants should demonstrate the ability to work at degree level in a relevant field (e.g. Psychology, Health, Social Care or Youth Work). Experience of working with children and young people (ideally two years or more) and an understanding of education settings are highly desirable.

During training, you will develop the skills and experience needed to deliver high-quality, evidence-based interventions for children and young people experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties. On successful completion, you will be equipped to practise as a qualified EMHP, supporting whole-school approaches to mental health and wellbeing as part of the InsideOut MHST.

Key Deliverables

To develop the knowledge and skills (with supervision) to:

• Deliver evidence-based mental health interventions to children and young people (CYP) in Education settings.
• Support CYP with mild–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.

Qualifications & Experience Required

Essential

• Holds a relevant Degree in Psychology or other Health / Social Care / Youth related subject
• 2 years plus Experience working with children and young people

Desirable

• Successful completion of the HEE-commissioned EMHP training programme
• Obtain accreditation with the relevant bodies such as BACP
• Experience supporting children, young people, families, and multi-agency working
• Experience of working with children and young people in education and healthcare settings
• Experience supporting CYP with social, emotional, behavioural, or mental health needs
• Experience delivering evidence-based interventions (e.g. CBT, solution-focused approaches)
• Experience with outcome measures and complex systems
• Experience supporting vulnerable groups, including looked-after children

Main Responsibilties

Therapeutic Work (Assessment and Intervention)

• Deliver guided self-help and brief interventions under supervision
• Support children, families, and school staff to manage mental health difficulties
• Carry out:
  • Assessments
  • Safety Assessments (self/others)
• Deliver planned targeted whole school approach activities in collaboration with the education settings in small of 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
  • Outcome data
• Manage a caseload safely with supervision
• Participate in meetings and case discussions

Training & 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
  • Development areas
• Contribute to:
  • Service evaluation
  • Research dissemination
• Continuously improve based on supervisor input

Professional Responsibilities

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

Working Hours

37.5 hours per week

Salary Range

£27,485

Full Job Specification

View Full Job Specification PDF