Could you be an education mental health practitioner?
Training for the next cohort of new roles to support mental health in schools and colleges starts in September 2019.
As part of the development of mental health support teams, new education mental health practitioners (EMHPs) will work across education and healthcare settings to provide early intervention mental health support for children and young people in schools and colleges. These new roles support the Government's priority of increasing access to and availability of mental health and wellbeing support for children and young people. The first intake of training proved very successful.
The year-long course
Successful candidates will be offered a 12 month full-time education programme through a combination of study at university and supervised practice learning experience, gaining knowledge and understanding across both education and mental health services.
Trainees will be supervised and supported to gain the necessary skills and abilities to deliver high-quality, evidence-based early interventions for children and young people experiencing mental health problems within their educational setting, and referring on to specialist support as necessary.
The training will be funded at the equivalent of Agenda for Change Band 4 and you will gain academic credit at postgraduate level. Once you've successfully completed the training, you'll be:
- qualified as an EMHP
- guaranteed a job as part of a mental health support team working in education settings
What you'll learn
Eight universities across the country are providing the training course, and applications are open for programmes starting in September 2019.
The course will be divided into six modules so that candidates develop skills and knowledge in areas such as:
- working with children, young people and their parents/carers to support self-management, including development of plans for specific interventions and agreeing outcomes
- learning to manage a caseload, gaining the necessary skills to practise a range of interventions such as guided self-help
- preparing and presenting caseload information to supervisors
- working with colleagues to provide better access to specialist mental health services and supporting referrals where required
- supporting colleagues in education to identify and manage issues related to mental health and wellbeing
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements are set by each university so it's important to check carefully. However, all applicants must demonstrate 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.
Experience of working with children and young people and a good understanding of the education system in England is highly desirable.
Find a course
The *eight universities delivering the training in September 2019 are outlined below. Please follow the links to the NHS Jobs website for more information on the training in each area and to apply.
South
London
Midlands and east
North
Further information
From the NHS Jobs website, you will be able to find contacts for the university you are applying to if you need to ask for further information.
*Please note some of the job advertisements may have expired if the closing date for applications has passed. Recruitment will open again in autumn 2019 for courses starting in January 2020.