About this role
Job summary
In line with the government's priority to increase access and availability of mental health and wellbeing support for children and young people, there are new recruit to train positions within the children's mental health services; Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP) roles.
These posts are held within Kent and Medway Mental Health Support Teams (MHST). For further information, please use the link below:
Kent emotional wellbeing team and Medway emotional support team - Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS...
EMHPs within these teams provide low-intensity interventions based on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and guided self-help. Trainee EMHPs are taught these interventions while also learning more about the MHST programme and children and young people's mental health.
Advertised EMHP training roles will be within MHST, based in Folkestone, Canterbury and selected positions across Kent.
Applicants need to be ready to start work on 4th January 2027, and posts cannot be offered to candidates unless they can guarantee this start date.
All candidates will need to undertake an initial application process with Kent and Medway Mental Health Trust. If successful in this first stage, then candidates will need to apply to the King's College London University EMHP training programme before the job offer is made.
Please use the link below for course information/entry requirements and the King's College London portal:
Education Mental Health Practice PGDip (EMHP)
Main duties of the job
Throughout the training year and under clinical supervision, you will develop knowledge and practice skills to employ a range of evidence-based interventions for mental health difficulties. This is delivered via direct individual and group support for children, young people and their families, in line with NHS and University expectations.
The NHS team uses a blend of face-to-face interventions along with online/digital support as part of what is offered (e.g. support via video and telephone calls). As an NHS employee, you will record your outcomes and contribute to the growing national dataset on what works to support children and young people with their emotional wellbeing and mental health.
During the training year, the role will have both academic and practical elements. These will include face-to-face work in different settings across Kent and Medway, which can include schools and other settings accessed by young people.
Candidates will need to travel between school sites/clinical sites as well as to King's College London in order to undertake the university course and practical elements of the job role (business travel will be reimbursed).
On successful completion of training, Trainee EMHPs will be equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge and capabilities to work as a qualified EMHP as autonomous and responsible practitioners within their scope of practice, alongside their clinical team (MHSTs).
About us
We are Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust. We care for the mental health and wellbeing of people across Kent and Medway and are rated 'Good' by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Our teams support children, young people and adults with a wide range of mental health needs. We also provide specialist services, including all-age eating disorder services and neurodevelopmental assessments for children and young people, such as autism and ADHD.
Because we work across the whole county and across hospital and community settings, we can make care more joined up and easier to access for the people we serve.
Our vision is simple: we are here to help communities not just live with mental illness, but live well. It's why we're passionate about working with communities to make mental health care better for everyone. Everything we do is guided by our values: caring, inclusive, curious and confident.
Join us if you share our passion for better mental health care and want to be part of a team that's working well together.
Job description Job responsibilities
In the training year you will adhere to the Band 4 trainee Job Description attached as well as attending King's College London to undertake the academic elements of the training. A combination of both University taught days and placement work will provide the basis of your initial qualification.
On successful completion of the EMHP training, you will be slotted into a permanent role within your MHST. Once qualified you will be expected to register with either BABCP/BPS. This registration will be supported by the service and must be maintained throughout employment.
Please refer to the attached job descriptions for the full details on the responsibilities and person specification
Please note that successful applicants will be required to complete all mandatory tasks associated with applying for professional registration and submit the required information to the relevant registered body within the six-month probationary period.
The post holder must hold a full, valid, UK driving licence and have access to a car/vehicle to use for business purposes (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010).
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
A minimum of a second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard in a relevant academic subject (e.g. Psychology, Education, Childhood Development, Social Work, etc), OR any subject with further training or experience in a relevant field (e.g. Teaching/TA; Learning Support; HCA; Youth Work; Counselling)
Desirable
Relevant professional experience in CYP Mental Health/Education/Mentorship (to be considered on a case-by-case basis) Child development qualification
Knowledge & Experience Essential
Knowledge of children and young people regarding child development, child well-being or mental health
Desirable
Knowledge of the UK educational system Worked in a Educational setting or Mental Health setting 18 months (+) previous experience of working with children and young people
Attitude Essential
To be able to travel efficiently throughout the area
Desirable
Commitment to the training course and working within children's mental health services
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details Employer name Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust
Address George Turle House (Canterbury) and Cherry Tree House (Folkestone)
54 London Road
Canterbury, Kent
CT2 8JY
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.kentmedwaymentalhealth.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)