About this role
Job summary
As part of the expansion of Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) nationwide, we are delighted that Surrey was successful in obtaining further funding to expand our School Based Needs Service. We therefore invite you to consider being involved in this exciting opportunity to help to deliver the government vision and commitment to developing integrated mental health teams in schools.
We have established MHSTs working within selected groups of schools across each of the 11 Boroughs of Surrey, and are currently expanding across the county as we work towards 100% coverage by 2030. EMHPs are expected to work across multiple schools and their allocated clinic base.
We currently have multiple trainee vacancies across following Hub locations:
South Hub based in Berkeley House, Godalming and Azalea House, Guildford. North Hub based at Unither House, Chertsey East Hub based at Gatton Place, Redhill.
Main duties of the job
As a Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP) you will be expected to work under supervision as part of a dynamic integrated mental health team. In your trainee year, you will spend two days a week studying onsite at University of Southampton and three days on placement in schools. Over the course of the training year you will develop knowledge and practice skills to employ a range of evidence based interventions for mild to moderate mental health needs via direct individual and group support for children, young people and their parents, in line with the university expectations. This approach requires creativity, flexibility and adaptability, and above all a passion for working with children and young people in educational settings.
Successful candidates will apply to Southampton University for a place on the 1 year PG Dip in Education Mental Health Practice, starting in January 2027. It is a requirement for this role to complete and pass this course.
The trainee EMHP posts are training positions and during this training period you will be employed as a Band 4. On successful completion of the course and qualification as an EMHP, employee's will have the opportunity to become permanent Band 5 EMHP's within their teams.
About us
Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is the leading provider of health and social care services for people of all ages with mental ill-health and learning disabilities in Surrey and North East Hampshire. We also provide social care services for people with a learning disability in Croydon and ASD and ADHD assessment services in Hampshire.
We actively seek to engage people who use our services and our communities in improving the mental wellbeing of the local population. We work closely with other NHS and voluntary sector organisations who provide services and support people who use services and carers.
Surrey is a beautiful county lying just 30 minutes away from Central London and from the South Coast.
Our historic market towns and bustling districts are enveloped in wonderful countryside, and our excellent road and rail networks bring the rest of the country within easy reach.
For international travel, both Gatwick and Heathrow airports are nearby.
Please note that we reserve the right to close posts as soon as sufficient applications are received.
Working from home contracts do not attract high cost area payments.
We look forward to receiving your application!
Job description Job responsibilities
Please see the job description attached.
Please note:
You will be required to travel between various sites within Surrey for this role and twice a week to the University.
Subject to reasonable adjustments in respect of any disability, the post holder must possess a valid driving license and be able to drive and have the unrestricted use of a car or motorcycle for work at all times including community based work.
Due to the funding for the university course, which is completed as part of the role, we can only offer the role to UK residents as we do not have funding in place for overseas students.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
An undergraduate degree at a 2.2 or above have an equivalent level of relevant experience/qualification (i.e. A Levels at ABB or above or equivalent), with a proven record of previous learning or formal study in child development, wellbeing or mental health.
Experience Essential
Experience of working with children and young people, their families and carers. Experience of working collaboratively with a range of agencies and stakeholders, including schools. Experience of supporting children and young people with social, emotional and/or mental health difficulties. Knowledge and understanding of the educational system in England. Experience of working within educational, healthcare or community settings
Driving Essential
Subject to reasonable adjustments in respect of any disability, the post holder must possess a valid driving license and be able to drive and have the unrestricted use of a car or motorcycle for work at all times including community based work.
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 Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Address 18 Mole Business Park
Randalls Road
Leatherhead
KT22 7AD
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.sabp.nhs.uk/working-for-us (Opens in a new tab)