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, the Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP) role is an exciting opportunity to deliver evidence-based early interventions for children and young people, working across both educational settings and healthcare sectors in England.
Successful candidates will be employed initially on a two year fixed term contract, providing an expansion to existing provision of mental health support across a range of educational settings in the west and mid Cornwall region). As part of this role there will be a requirement to travel to Exeter University for an element of the training from the service where the candidate is based. We are currently recruiting to expand new teams into Kerrier ( west Cornwall) and also North East Cornwall. We also anticipate that there will be vacancies in mid Cornwall. Please indicate if you have a preference of geographical area ( mid, east or west) on your application form.
Proposed interview date: to be confirmed
Main duties of the job
Successful candidates will undertake a full-time educational programme delivered in partnership with the University of Exeter, based in the Exeter area. The post is funded at NHS AfC Band 4, leading to credits towards a degree or diploma (depending on prior study).
Applicants must demonstrate the ability to study at degree level or equivalent, with relevant experience or formal learning in child development, wellbeing, or mental health. Experience of working with children or young people and an understanding of the English education system are highly desirable.
The 12-month training starts in October 2026 and combines university teaching, self-guided study, and supervised practice in mental health and educational settings, including schools and colleges.
Trainees will gain experience delivering early interventions for children and young people with mild to moderate mental health difficulties. Modules include working with families, managing caseloads, delivering guided self-help, supporting access to specialist services, and helping education staff manage wellbeing concerns.
On completion, trainees will qualify as Education Mental Health Practitioners, working autonomously within Mental Health Support Teams to promote positive mental health in schools and paid on a Band 5 on successful registration with either the BABCP or BPS as a Education Mental Health Practitioner.
About us
We're an NHS community and mental health provider Trust based in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We deliver community and hospital-based care to improve people's physical and mental health.We also provide specialist support to people with dementia or a learning disability.
We are a people organisation and people matter to us. As part of the team, you'll help support the health and wellbeing of the people who live and visit this beautiful part of the UK.
Over 4,000 people make up the Trust. This includes doctors, nurses, therapists, plus admin and support staff.
We work in people's homes, in community clinics and bases.Some staff work from one of our 13 community hospitals. Our aspiration is to have great people, provide great care, be a great place to work and a great partner.
Approximately 568,000 people live here. A third of people who live in Cornwall are supported by acute hospital services in Devon.As a result, we also work closely with our partners in Devon. In the summer, and during other holidays lots of people choose to visit the area. This increases the numbers of people who use our services.
Job description Job responsibilities
To view a detailed job description and person specification including the main responsibilities of this role please see supporting documents.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Ability to study at degree level Proven record of previous academic attainment Good solid basic literacy and numeracy qualifications at a minimum of level 2
Compentencies Essential
Ability to learn in a variety of settings and using a variety of learning methods Ability to study as a self-motivated learner who can formulate their own progress towards learning objectives and negotiate pathways to achievement with supervisory teams
Knowledge Essential
Knowledge of the educational system in England Knowledge of children and young people gained through academic study in child development, child wellbeing or mental health.
Desirable
Experience of working with children and their families in an education setting
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 Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Address Cornwall
Various sites within Cornwall
PL31 2QN
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.cornwallft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)