Introduction
The Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP) role is an exciting opportunity to deliver evidence-based interventions for children and young people, working across educational settings in England. EMHP trainees are employed in Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) and will work to support children and young people with their emotional wellbeing and offer low intensity mental health interventions with individual young people, parents/carers and groups. These new roles support the Government’s priority of increasing access to and availability of mental health and emotional wellbeing support for children and young people. During the course trainee EMHPs will attend the UEA in addition to working in services and educational settings linked to their employing service.
In addition to learning the theory and practice skills for delivering evidence-based low intensity assessments and treatments for children and young people, taught modules will cover how to work in, understand the processes of, and engage with education settings.
This is a full-time training programme which requires the successful completion of each of the six modules outlined below, as well as a portfolio evidencing clinical practice competencies.
Module 1: Children and Young People’s Mental Health Settings: Context and Values
Module 2: Assessment & Engagement
Module 3: Evidence-based Interventions for Common Mental Health Problems with Children and Young People (Theory and Skills)
Module 4: Working, Assessing and Engaging in Educational Settings
Module 5: Common Problems and Processes in Educational Settings
Module 6: Interventions for Emerging Mental Health Difficulties in Educational Settings
Teaching
A total of 64 teaching days take place throughout the calendar year with some intensive teaching blocks early on in the course. The course uses blended learning comprised of face-to-face teaching at UEA and online learning, directed and self-directed study days, and supervised practice within employing MHSTs.
This supervised practice involves direct work in and with education settings. There are a range of assessments and assignments throughout the year to demonstrate learning outcomes and assess clinical skills and competency. Attendance to teaching is mandatory due to the need to receive the required training to qualify as clinically competent practitioners.
Completion of the course
On successful completion of the course, trainees will qualify as an Educational Mental Health Practitioner with a Diploma / PG Diploma (120 credits) and employment at Band 5.
How to apply
This course is not open to individual self-funded students. Potential applicants must apply for a Trainee EMHP role through a job application with one of our partner services who are the employing organisations. To find out more email EMHP@uea.ac.uk.
Applicants for the UG Diploma must demonstrate their ability to work at degree level or have an equivalent level of relevant experience, with a proven record of previous learning or formal study in child development, wellbeing or mental health. Further to that, experience of working with children and young people and an understanding of the educational system in England is highly desirable. Applicants for the PG Diploma must have completed an Undergraduate Degree.