Location
London Borough of Redbridge

Hours
Full Time, Permanent

Salary
£36,025 per annum

About the Role
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, working across both educational settings and healthcare sectors in England. EMHPs work as part of newly emerging Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs). Our MHST sits within a well-established Educational Psychology Service (EPS). Redbridge is an ambitious, diverse and exciting east-London borough. What we do is driven by changing our relationship with local people to support our vision. As a result, we've developed innovative ways to build our communities and transform our council.

The training programme for this post is 12 months in duration and will consist of academic and supervised practice learning across mental health services and educational settings, such as primary and secondary schools, and further education colleges. Delivery of the programme will be provided through a combination of taught days within UCL in collaboration with The Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, experience gained through working in Redbridge MHST and independent self-guided study days.

A Trainee EMHP will be expected to work under supervision as part of a dynamic team in a creative environment where evidence-based interventions, new ideas, ways of working and supporting children and young people (CYP) are actively encouraged. This approach requires flexibility and adaptability, and above all a passion for working with CYP in educational settings. Over the course of the training year, the post-holder will, under supervision, develop knowledge and practice skills to employ a range of evidence-based interventions for common mental health problems via direct individual and group support for children, young people, and their parents, in line with the university expectations.

The Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner will:
- Work closely with their clinical supervisors (Psychologists, Social Workers and family therapists) in schools delivering a wide range of evidence informed interventions, under supervision.
- Develop and practice evidence-based skills under supervision to work directly with children, young people, and families.
- Develop and practice evidence-based skills under supervision to carry out holistic and child-centered mental health assessments, including risk assessments.

Successful candidates will be offered a full-time educational programme specifically for the role. The course fees are fully funded. You will gain credits towards completing a postgraduate degree diploma level qualification, plus guaranteed employment in Redbridge on completion of training.

Applicants will need to make a separate application for the university course to secure a place on the Educational Mental Health Practitioner PG Dip course at UCL. Important note: Candidates will be expected to be in post by 26th October 2026.

The role requires travel to the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families in the first year to complete their training, in addition to sites within Redbridge Local Authority.

Experience
Experience working with children, young people or in mental health settings is desirable but not essential as full training and supervision will be provided.

About you
You will be passionate about supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing in educational settings. You will be adaptable, flexible and able to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential, along with a commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional development.

Qualifications
Applicants must apply separately and secure a place on the Educational Mental Health Practitioner Postgraduate Diploma course at UCL. The training programme is 12 months in duration and includes academic and supervised practice learning. Proof of right to work in the UK is required. A commitment to diversity and inclusion is essential.