Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP) York(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Uk
April 21, 2026

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:

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.