Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP): Sponsorship Available

Job summary

Do you want to be part of an exciting and dynamic children’s & young people’s Mental Health service, in an ‘Outstanding’ rated NHS Trust? We’re looking for people who are passionate about high quality, early intervention mental health care.

The role is an exciting opportunity to deliver evidence-based early interventions for children, young people and their families, working across Educational and Healthcare settings.

You’ll receive training in delivering Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) informed guided self-help for mild to moderate mental health problems.You’ll gain a (funded) Diploma at the University of East Anglia, whilst working clinically within a new or established Mental Health Support Team (MHST).

Clinical work will be with parents/carers and secondary school aged young persons. You’ll work closely with education settings, supporting their ‘Whole School and College Approach’ to Mental Health.

You’ll be employed on a full-time one-year training contract, Band 4. On completion of the training year (passing UEA & service requirements), a permanent Band 5 EMHP contract will be offered. You’ll be required to successfully complete a probation period of 6 months.

This is a two-part interview process. Both parts must be attended in person for consideration for appointment.

Part 1: (Co-production Day, face to face) 29 September 2026 – am or pm

Part 2: – (Interview, face to face) Interviews will take place over a three-week period starting from 5 October 2026

Main duties of the job

Successful candidates will be employed by East of England Community Health and Care NHS Trust who deliver MHST services across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

During the training year you will need to attend 64 University days, mostly in person at UEA.

Successful candidates will be employed on a full time one year training contract at Agenda for Change (AfC) Band 4. Once passing UEA requirements, service requirements and probationary period, a permanent AfC Band 5 EMHP contract will be offered.

Applicants must demonstrate in their application the ability to work at degree level or have an equivalent level of relevant experience, with a record of previous learning or formal study in child development, wellbeing, psychology, mental health or education.

Experience of working with children and young people and an understanding of the educational system in England is highly desirable. Applicants must be able to demonstrate they can balance the conflicting demands of academic study and clinical work.

You must hold a valid driver’s license and have access to a vehicle as regular travel is required to multiple schools.

Positions will be available in the Huntingdon, Fenland and East Cambridge area.

We encourage you to watch these two short videos which give an insight into the role.

If we receive a high number of applications we reserve the right to close this vacancy at any point after 28 August 2026

Person Specification

Qualifications & Training

Essential

• Ability to study at degree level
• Proven record of previous academic attainment
• Good solid basic literacy and numeracy qualifications at a minimum of level 2

Skills & Knowledge

Essential

• Ability to learn in a variety of settings and using a variety of learning methods
• Computer Literate
• Ability to study as a self-motivated learner who can formulate their own progress towards learning objectives and negotiate pathways to achievement with supervisory teams

Experience

Desirable

• Experience of working with children and young people

Closing Date: 6 September 2026