Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP)

We are pleased to offer an exciting opportunity to train as an Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP), supporting children and young people (CYP) through early intervention mental health services. You will work within the Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) helping to improve access to evidence-based mental health support for CYP. Under supervision, you will deliver interventions and contribute to whole-school approaches to mental health. Based across Berkshire (West Berkshire, Reading and Bracknell- further locations to be confirmed), you will work closely with education staff and MHST colleagues while undertaking training through the Uni of Southampton. In this role you will:

• Work within a cluster of schools and colleges
• Deliver early mental health interventions under supervision
• Support schools to promote emotional wellbeing
  
  Are passionate about improving mental health outcomes for children and young people
• Can work effectively across education and healthcare settings
• Enjoy working collaboratively
• Are committed to a full-time training programme
Successful candidates will complete a one-year training programme leading to qualification as an EMHP. A learning agreement must be signed before employment commences. Following successful completion of training, you will work within your locality as a qualified EMHP. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to work at degree level, with previous learning in child development, wellbeing or mental health, and a strong interest in supporting children and young people's (CYP) mental health. Experience working with CYP is essential, and knowledge of the English education system is desirable. Applications are welcomed from those who do not meet the requirements for the Level 7 postgraduate route. Applicants for this route must provide evidence of:
• Ability to study at Level 6 (for example successful Level 5 study, partial completion of an Honours degree, or a University of Southampton pre-entry essay that achieves a pass standard). An academic reference may be requested.
• Literacy and numeracy qualifications at a minimum of Level 2., The ability to work at degree level with an honours degree graded at 2.2 or above. If a candidate has a degree graded 2.3, they will be asked to provide evidence of successful study at Level 6 or equivalent and be required to pass a pre-entry essay, marked at master's level prior to acceptance on the training programme.
• If they do not have a degree, candidates must provide evidence of ability to study at Level 6 (i.e. previous successful study at level 5; or successful part completion of an Honours degree - level 6). Candidates may be required to pass a pre-entry essay. Candidates must not have started or completed a HEE funded role in the previous 2 years, in line with the '2-year psychological professions' funding rule.
• Experience of working with children/ young people for at least one year and an understanding of how to talk with them.
• Some experience of working within a mental health setting or in an education setting.
• Strong communication, IT & organisational skills.
  
  The 12-month training programme begins in January 2027 and combines academic study with supervised practice in schools, colleges and mental health settings. Training includes university teaching, self-directed learning and practical experience. Further course information can be found here: PGDip Education Mental Health Practitioner | University of Southampton
During training, trainees will develop the skills needed to deliver evidence-based early interventions for CYP experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties. Successful trainees will qualify as EMHPs, able to work autonomously within their scope of practice alongside education colleagues. 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
The "must haves" for this role