Job summary

We are pleased to offer an exciting opportunity to train as an Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP), supporting children and young people (CYP) through early intervention mental health services.

You will work within the Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) helping to improve access to evidence-based mental health support for CYP. Under supervision, you will deliver interventions and contribute to whole-school approaches to mental health.Based across Berkshire (West Berkshire, Reading and Bracknell- further locations to be confirmed), you will work closely with education staff and MHST colleagues while undertaking training through the Uni of Southampton.

In this role you will:

• Work within a cluster of schools and colleges
• Deliver early mental health interventions under supervision
• Support schools to promote emotional wellbeing
• Work as part of an integrated mental health team
• Complete academic and clinical training

Who we're looking for enthusiastic candidates who:

• Are passionate about improving mental health outcomes for children and young people
• Can work effectively across education and healthcare settings
• Enjoy working collaboratively
• Are committed to a full-time training programme

Successful candidates will complete a one-year training programme leading to qualification as an EMHP. A learning agreement must be signed before employment commences. Following successful completion of training, you will work within your locality as a qualified EMHP.

Main duties of the job

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to work at degree level, with previous learning in child development, wellbeing or mental health, and a strong interest in supporting children and young people's (CYP) mental health. Experience working with CYP is essential, and knowledge of the English education system is desirable.

Applications are welcomed from those who do not meet the requirements for the Level 7 postgraduate route. Applicants for this route must provide evidence of:

• Ability to study at Level 6 (for example successful Level 5 study, partial completion of an Honours degree, or a University of Southampton pre-entry essay that achieves a pass standard). An academic reference may be requested.
• Literacy and numeracy qualifications at a minimum of Level 2.

The 12-month training programme begins in January 2027 and combines academic study with supervised practice in schools, colleges and mental health settings. Training includes university teaching, self-directed learning and practical experience. Further course information can be found here: PGDip Education Mental Health Practitioner | University of Southampton

During training, trainees will develop the skills needed to deliver evidence-based early interventions for CYP experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties. Successful trainees will qualify as EMHPs, able to work autonomously within their scope of practice alongside education colleagues.

About us

Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a specialist mental health and community health services trust. Rated 'outstanding' by the CQC, we're committed to providing the best possible care to people across Berkshire. As an employer, we're committed to offering an inclusive and compassionate environment where our people share in a sense of belonging and are supported to flourish.

Our values at Berkshire Healthcare are:

• Caring for and about you is our top priority
• Committed to providing good quality, safe services
• Working Together with you to develop innovative solutions

Your wellbeing is important to us. Some of the benefits of working for us include:

• Flexible working options to support work-life balance
• 27 days' annual leave rising with service + opportunity to buy and sell
• Generous NHS pension scheme
• Excellent learning and career development opportunities
• 'Cycle to Work' and car leasing scheme including electric vehicles
• Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services
• Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants
• Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities, the environment and armed forces community to support equality
• Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave
• Free parking across Trust sites

Details

Date posted

04 November 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£29,812 to £32,715 a year per annum ( Incl of HCAS)

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

371-CFS878

Job locations

The Rowans Children's Centre, Pondmoor Road, Bracknell, RG12 7JZ

Bracknell

RG12 7JZ

United Kingdom

Job description

Job responsibilities

The must have's for this role:

• The ability to work at degree level with an honours degree graded at 2.2 or above. If a candidate has a degree graded 2.3, they will be asked to provide evidence of successful study at Level 6 or equivalent and be required to pass a pre-entry essay, marked at masters level prior to acceptance on the training programme.
• If they do not have a degree, candidates must provide evidence of ability to study at Level 6 (i.e. previous successful study at level 5; or successful part completion of an Honours degree level 6). Candidates may be required to pass a pre-entry essay. Candidates must not have started or completed a HEE funded role in the previous 2 years, in line with the 2-year psychological professions funding rule.
• Experience of working with children/ young people for at least one year and an understanding of how to talk with them.
• Some experience of working within a mental health setting or in an education setting.
• Strong communication, IT & organisational skills.

For further information about the role, please see attached job description and person specification. Your application is your opportunity to demonstrate to us how you meet the requirements of the role. We recognise that AI tools can support accessibility, equity and confidence for applicants. However, its important that examples and responses given in your supporting statement genuinely reflect your own experience and abilities, as these will be explored further during the selection process. AI must not be used to provide misleading or false information during any stage of the application journey.

In addition to explaining how you meet the person specification, you must complete your employment history for at least the last five years. Any experience, skills or responsibilities referenced in your supporting statement should be evidenced within your employment history. Applications that do not include sufficient employment history to support the experience claimed may not be shortlisted.

We're committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in our accreditations: Stonewall Proud Employer, Race Equality Matters Silver Trailblazer, Neurodiversity in Business Corporate Member, Disability Confident Leader, Carer Confident Level 2, and the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award. Reasonable adjustments will be provided to candidates as needed.

We welcome a conversation about flexibility and any other questions you may have. Please don't hesitate to call: Christine Thomas 07977940054 [email protected] who'll be delighted to help.

Please note, if we receive a high number of applications, we may close this role earlier than the advertised closing date, so please submit your application as soon as possible.

The role is only eligible if the applicant was granted permission as a Skilled Worker under the rules in place before 22 July 2025, and they have had continuous permission as a Skilled Worker since then.

Job description Job responsibilities The must have's for this role: The ability to work at degree level with an honours degree graded at 2.2 or above. If a candidate has a degree graded 2.3, they will be asked to provide evidence of successful study at Level 6 or equivalent and be required to pass a pre-entry essay, marked at masters level prior to acceptance on the training programme. If they do not have a degree, candidates must provide evidence of ability to study at Level 6 (i.e. previous successful study at level 5; or successful part completion of an Honours degree level 6). Candidates may be required to pass a pre-entry essay. Candidates must not have started or completed a HEE funded role in the previous 2 years, in line with the 2-year psychological professions funding rule. Experience of working with children/ young people for at least one year and an understanding of how to talk with them. Some experience of working within a mental health setting or in an education setting. Strong communication, IT & organisational skills. For further information about the role, please see attached job description and person specification. Your application is your opportunity to demonstrate to us how you meet the requirements of the role. We recognise that AI tools can support accessibility, equity and confidence for applicants. However, its important that examples and responses given in your supporting statement genuinely reflect your own experience and abilities, as these will be explored further during the selection process. AI must not be used to provide misleading or false information during any stage of the application journey. In addition to explaining how you meet the person specification, you must complete your employment history for at least the last five years. Any experience, skills or responsibilities referenced in your supporting statement should be evidenced within your employment history. Applications that do not include sufficient employment history to support the experience claimed may not be shortlisted. We're committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in our accreditations: Stonewall Proud Employer, Race Equality Matters Silver Trailblazer, Neurodiversity in Business Corporate Member, Disability Confident Leader, Carer Confident Level 2, and the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award. Reasonable adjustments will be provided to candidates as needed. We welcome a conversation about flexibility and any other questions you may have. Please don't hesitate to call: Christine Thomas 07977940054 [email protected] who'll be delighted to help. Please note, if we receive a high number of applications, we may close this role earlier than the advertised closing date, so please submit your application as soon as possible. The role is only eligible if the applicant was granted permission as a Skilled Worker under the rules in place before 22 July 2025, and they have had continuous permission as a Skilled Worker since then.

Person Specification

Education, qualifications or training

Essential

• For the Postgraduate Diploma: Bachelor's degree graded at 2:2 or above . For the Graduate Diploma: Evidence of ability to study at Level 6 (i.e., previous successful study at level 5; or successful part completion of an Honours degree - level 6) . In either case, must not have started or completed a HEE funded training programme in the previous 2 years, in line with the '2-year psychological professions funding rule.
• Numeracy and literacy qualification at a minimum of level 2

Desirable

• Relevant bachelor's degree (e.g., psychology, mental health, sociology, education etc.)
• Training in counselling skills or similar

Continuous Professional Development

Essential

• Commitment to ongoing training and development
• Able to complete academic components of the course
• Able to attend the formal training as required and able to integrate training into clinical practice

Previous Experience

Essential

• Evidence of experience in an employed or formal volunteer helping role with CYP

Desirable

• Experience of working with CYP and their families in either a health, social care, or education setting
• Experience of working with looked after CYP or other vulnerable groups of CYP
• Experience of working in or with a diverse or multi-cultural community
• Experience of working in a service where agreed targets are in place to demonstrate outcomes
• Experience of providing 1-1 support to CYP in the community

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Essential

• Knowledge of educational systems in England
• Knowledge of CYP and areas related to child development, child wellbeing or mental health
• Able to work independently and think quickly in challenging situations
• Ability to study as a self-motivated learner and effectively implementing training into practice
• Excellent IT skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office including high standard of letter and report writing

Desirable

• Understanding of mental health problems in CYP and evidence-based interventions
• Understanding of the need to use evidence-based interventions and how it relates to this post
• Understand why collecting feedback from CYP and parents is important
• Understanding of child protection, policy, and legislation
• Received risk training (either formal or through experience) and carried out risk assessments within scope of practice

Additional Requirements

Essential

• Able to work flexibly around working patterns as required
• Able to travel independently between locations in Berkshire (including schools, NHS premises and home etc) to fulfil the requirements and duties of the position

Desirable

• Proficient in languages other than English
• Able to work with interpreters to deliver services

Person Specification Education, qualifications or training Essential For the Postgraduate Diploma: Bachelor's degree graded at 2:2 or above . For the Graduate Diploma: Evidence of ability to study at Level 6 (i.e., previous successful study at level 5; or successful part completion of an Honours degree - level 6) . In either case, must not have started or completed a HEE funded training programme in the previous 2 years, in line with the '2-year psychological professions funding rule. Numeracy and literacy qualification at a minimum of level 2 Desirable Relevant bachelor's degree (e.g., psychology, mental health, sociology, education etc.) Training in counselling skills or similar Continuous Professional Development Essential Commitment to ongoing training and development Able to complete academic components of the course Able to attend the formal training as required and able to integrate training into clinical practice Previous Experience Essential Evidence of experience in an employed or formal volunteer helping role with CYP Desirable Experience of working with CYP and their families in either a health, social care, or education setting Experience of working with looked after CYP or other vulnerable groups of CYP Experience of working in or with a diverse or multi-cultural community Experience of working in a service where agreed targets are in place to demonstrate outcomes Experience of providing 1-1 support to CYP in the community Knowledge, skills and abilities Essential Knowledge of educational systems in England Knowledge of CYP and areas related to child development, child wellbeing or mental health Able to work independently and think quickly in challenging situations Ability to study as a self-motivated learner and effectively implementing training into practice Excellent IT skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office including high standard of letter and report writing Desirable Understanding of mental health problems in CYP and evidence-based interventions Understanding of the need to use evidence-based interventions and how it relates to this post Understand why collecting feedback from CYP and parents is important Understanding of child protection, policy, and legislation Received risk training (either formal or through experience) and carried out risk assessments within scope of practice Additional Requirements Essential Able to work flexibly around working patterns as required Able to travel independently between locations in Berkshire (including schools, NHS premises and home etc) to fulfil the requirements and duties of the position Desirable Proficient in languages other than English Able to work with interpreters to deliver services

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

Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust

Address

The Rowans Children's Centre, Pondmoor Road, Bracknell, RG12 7JZ

Bracknell

RG12 7JZ

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust

Address

The Rowans Children's Centre, Pondmoor Road, Bracknell, RG12 7JZ

Bracknell

RG12 7JZ

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)