Job Description
Role Overview
This is a full-time position within the Wellbeing in Mind Team (Mental Health Support Team) based across schools and colleges in the York area. The post sits within Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust and forms part of a wider national programme designed to improve early access to mental health support for children and young people.
The role focuses on early intervention, prevention, and school-based mental health support using evidence-based psychological approaches, primarily Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Service Context
The Wellbeing in Mind Teams operate across North Yorkshire and are embedded directly within educational settings. The service is designed around three integrated functions:
- Whole-school/college mental health support
Consultation and advice for education staff
Direct intervention with children and young people
Each function contributes equally to improving mental health awareness, early identification, and timely intervention within schools.
Key Responsibilities
As an Education Mental Health Practitioner, you will:
1. Direct Clinical Work
- Deliver low-intensity CBT-based interventions to children and young people experiencing mild to moderate emotional distress
Carry out structured mental health assessments within school settings
Manage a defined caseload of young people
Undertake risk assessments and ensure appropriate safeguarding actions
2. Education-Based Support
- Work directly with schools and colleges to embed a whole-school approach to mental health
Support development of wellbeing policies, resources, and mental health initiatives
Deliver workshops, assemblies, and PSHE-related sessions
Contribute to staff training and awareness programmes
3. Consultation and Advice
- Provide guidance and consultation to teachers and school staff
Support educators in identifying early signs of emotional distress
Strengthen staff confidence in managing pupil wellbeing concerns
Working Environment
- Based in schools and education settings across York
Travel between sites required (independent travel essential)
Part of a multidisciplinary NHS mental health team
Work aligned with national Children and Young People Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (CYP-IAPT) principles
Candidate Requirements
Essential Qualifications
- Completion of a BPS-accredited or HEE-approved Postgraduate Certificate in Education Mental Health Practice (EMHP)
Professional registration with either:
British Psychological Society (BPS), or
British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP)
Essential Skills and Experience
- Experience delivering low-intensity CBT interventions
Ability to manage a caseload independently
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Competence in risk assessment and safeguarding procedures
Experience working in education settings
Ability to build therapeutic relationships with children and young people
Understanding of emotional distress and its impact on mental health
Ability to produce clear clinical reports and documentation
Personal Attributes
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Strong organisational and time management skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Commitment to evidence-based psychological practice
Confidence working in school environments
Sensitivity and understanding when working with young people
Commitment to continuous professional development
Organisation Overview
Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust provides mental health and learning disability services across North Yorkshire, York, Teesside, County Durham, and surrounding areas.
The Trust focuses on:
- Early intervention and prevention
Recovery-focused care
Community-based mental health services
Partnership working with schools, families, and local organisations
Salary & Contract
- NHS Agenda for Change Band (EMHP role level)
Full-time permanent position
Based across schools in York
Eligibility & Sponsorship
This role may qualify for UK Skilled Worker visa sponsorship depending on eligibility.
Useful official guidance:
- Skilled Worker visa
UK visa sponsorship information
Right to work checks
DBS checks
NHS careers overview
Additional Requirements
- This post is subject to DBS (criminal record) checks under UK legislation
Applicants must hold appropriate professional registration
Travel between education sites is required as part of the role
Purpose of the Role
This position is designed to strengthen early mental health support in schools, ensuring children and young people receive timely, accessible, and evidence-based interventions. The role plays a key part in reducing escalation to specialist services by supporting wellbeing at an early stage.