Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner

We are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity to train as an Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP). This training post is part of the national initiative to expand access to mental health support in educational settings. As a trainee EMHP, you will work under supervision within our Mental Health Support Teams, delivering evidence-based interventions to children and young people aged up to 18, helping to shape emotionally healthy school environments and provide direct support to those who need it most. You will be co-located in schools across your locality, working collaboratively with education staff to promote a whole-school approach to emotional wellbeing and mental health. The role requires creativity, flexibility, and a strong commitment to improving outcomes for young people. Successful candidates will be offered a full-time educational programme specifically for the role. On successful completion of the year long programme trainees will qualify as an EMHP. Please note you will be required to sign a learning agreement before your employment starts. Upon completion of your training, you will work within your locality as a qualified EMHP.

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 as well as a desire to work in children's mental health. Experience of working with children and young people and an understanding of the educational system in England is highly desirable. We encourage people to apply if they do not meet requirements for the level 7 postgraduate route(i.e. typically those who have a degree). If you would like to apply via this route, you will need to provide evidence of:

• your ability to study at Level 6 (e.g. previous successful study at level 5, or successful part completion of an Honours degree - level 6, or a pre-entry essay for the University of Reading that achieves a passing standard). Please note, an academic reference may besought;
• good/solid basic literacy and numeracy qualifications at a minimum of level 2.
Please note that candidates who hold an Honours degree of 2.2 or above should apply for the Postgraduate route. The training programme for this post starts inSeptember2026and is12 months in duration. Delivery of the programme will be provided through a combination of taught days within a university; independent self-guided study days and experience gained in education wellbeing and mainstream mental health services.

Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a specialist mental health and community health services trust. Rated 'outstanding' by the CQC, we're committed to providing the best possible care to people across Berkshire. As an employer, we're committed to offering an inclusive and compassionate environment where our people share in a sense of belonging and are supported to flourish. Our values at Berkshire Healthcare are:
• Caring for and about you is our top priority
• Committed to providing good quality, safe services
• Working Together with you to develop innovative solutions
  
  Your wellbeing is important to us. Some of the benefits of working for us include:
• Flexible working options to support work-life balance
• 27 days' annual leave rising with service + opportunity to buy and sell
• Generous NHS pension scheme
• Excellent learning and career development opportunities
• 'Cycle to Work' and car leasing scheme including electric vehicles
• Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services
• Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants
• Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities, the environment and armed forces community to support equality
• Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave
• Free parking across Trust sites