Educational Mental Health Practitioner(UK Sponsorship)

Job Description

Role Overview

This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified Educational Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP) to join the “Piece of Mind” Mental Health Support Team (MHST) in Darlington.

The service focuses on improving mental health and wellbeing support for children and young people in education settings. EMHPs play a key role in early intervention, delivering evidence-based psychological support directly within schools and colleges.

The role sits within a wider NHS transformation programme aimed at improving access to mental health care for young people through early, school-based intervention.

Key Responsibilities

As an EMHP, you will:

• Deliver evidence-based low-intensity psychological interventions for children and young people with mild to moderate mental health difficulties
  Conduct mental health assessments and risk assessments for young people
  Provide one-to-one therapeutic support in educational settings
  Facilitate group-based parenting or family support programmes
  Work collaboratively with schools to identify and manage mental health concerns
  Support school staff in building awareness and understanding of mental health needs
  Develop care plans in partnership with children, families, and educators
  Monitor outcomes and adjust interventions based on progress and need
  Ensure accurate documentation, including risk recording and safeguarding actions

About the Service

Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust provides mental health and learning disability services across North East England, working closely with schools, families, and communities.

The Mental Health Support Team (MHST) model is part of a national initiative to embed mental health support within education settings, ensuring earlier access to care and reducing escalation of mental health difficulties.

About You

This role is suitable for a trained EMHP with experience or interest in child and adolescent mental health.

Essential Requirements:

• BSc (Hons) degree in a relevant field
  Completion of a one-year Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Mental Health Practice (commissioned by Health Education England)
  Ability to deliver 1:1 psychological interventions for children and young people
  Experience conducting mental health assessments and risk assessments
  Ability to work in educational environments
  Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
  Ability to work collaboratively with families, schools, and professionals

Desirable Experience:

• Experience delivering training or workshops in school settings
  Experience working with children and young people in mental health or education services
  Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD)

Core Skills and Attributes

You will be expected to demonstrate:

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
  Confidence working with children, families, and school staff
  Ability to assess and manage risk appropriately
  A recovery-focused and strengths-based approach
  Commitment to safeguarding and child protection
  Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
  Leadership in delivering mental health education and awareness

Visa & Eligibility Information

This role may be eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship depending on individual circumstances and UK Home Office criteria.

• Skilled Worker visa information
  Health and Care visa guidance
  UK immigration rules overview
  Right to work in the UK
  NHS Careers information

Applicants are advised to check eligibility before applying.

Equality and Inclusion

Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust is committed to inclusive, person-centred care and values diversity across its workforce. The Trust promotes equality of opportunity and encourages applications from all backgrounds.

Why Apply?

This role offers the opportunity to directly improve the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people at an early stage in their lives. You will work in schools, families, and communities, helping to prevent escalation of mental health difficulties and promote long-term wellbeing.

It is a highly rewarding role for practitioners passionate about early intervention, education-based mental health support, and collaborative working.