Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioners

Job Purpose The post holder will undertake training through a university programme alongside practical experience within the service to qualify as an Education Mental Health Practitioner EMHP. They will deliver evidence-based, low-intensity interventions for children and young people in education settings experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties. Working as part of a Mental Health Support Team MHST, the post holder will support education settings to develop and embed a whole-school approach to mental health and wellbeing. They will also facilitate timely access to specialist services for children and young people presenting with more severe needs and support school staff to identify and where appropriate, respond to mental health and wellbeing concerns. DBS Check required level of disclosure: Enhanced Main Duties and Responsibilities Therapeutic practice Work under supervision to deliver outcome-focused, evidence-based interventions to children and young people in educational settings experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties. Develop skills in supporting children, young people, their families and educators to self-manage presenting difficulties. Work in partnership with children, young people, families and education staff to contribute to the development of intervention and maintaining progress plans. Develop skills to enable children and young people to actively participate in and co-produce their own care plans. Ensure all interventions are delivered from an inclusive, values-based approach that recognises and respects diversity. Discuss with supervisors and agree to accept appropriate referrals using a consultation process for children and young people in educational settings, according to agreed referral routes, processes, and procedures. Undertake risk and safety assessments (to self and others) under supervision. Adhere to organisational and educational setting policies and procedures. Support alongside senior staff in signposting children and young people with more complex needs to appropriate specialist services. Engage in regular managerial and clinical supervision, working safely within the defined scope of the trainee role. Develop and apply a range of evidence-based interventions, primarily guided self-help approaches within a low intensity CBT modality. Begin to manage an individual caseload, in line with team expectations and training requirements. Attend multi-disciplinary and multi-agency meetings related to the care of children and young people. Maintain accurate and timely clinical records in line with service protocols and use outcome measures to inform practice. Complete all required data collection in line with service and national reporting requirements. Work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders, including teachers, education staff, parents, and the wider community, to improve access to mental health support. Contribute to the development of clinical and psychoeducational materials within the scope of competence. Support and contribute to the delivery of a whole-school approach to mental health and wellbeing as outlined within the MHST 3 core functions. Training and supervision Attend and fulfil all the requirements of the training element of the post including practical, academic and practice-based assessments. As well as attendance at the University for training, fulfil private study requirements to enhance learning and prepare assignments for examination, for at least one day a week. Apply learning from the training programme directly to practice through the course. Receive practice tutoring from educational providers in relation to course work to meet the required standards. Prepare and present case load information to supervisors within the service on an agreed and scheduled basis, to ensure safe practice and the governance obligations of the trainee, supervisor, and service. Engage in and respond to personal development supervision to improve competences and practice. Be involved in the evaluation of the course. Professional Ensure the maintenance of standards of own professional practice according to both the postholders employer and the Higher Education Institution in which they are enrolled. Ensure appropriate adherence to any new recommendations or guidelines set by the relevant departments. Ensure that confidentiality is always protected. Ensure that any risks or issues related to the safety and wellbeing of anyone the postholder comes into contact within the course of their professional duties are communicated and shared with appropriate parties, in order to maintain individual safety and the public interest. Ensure clear objectives are identified, discussed, and reviewed with supervisor and senior colleagues on a regular basis as part of continuing professional development. Participate in individual performance review and respond to agreed objectives. Keep all records up to date in relation to Continuous Professional Development and the requirements of the post and ensure personal development plans maintains up to date specialist knowledge of latest theoretical and service delivery models/developments. Attend relevant educational opportunities in line with identified professional objectives. To work within Data Protection Act 1998 and organisation Information Governance policies and procedures Partnership Working To create and maintain effective working relationships with Headteachers, Deputy Heads, SENCOs, Pastoral Team, and wider teaching staff by providing advice and consultative support on emotional and mental health issues, and in relation to appropriate referral pathways for children, young people, and families with mental health needs. To liaise effectively with other local providers, including statutory, voluntary sector organisations and on behalf of the child, young person, or family. To build effective working relationships with other local children's mental health providers including CaMHS and support the development of pathways of support. Attend multi-disciplinary and multi-agency meetings relating to referrals for children, young people, and families in treatment. Safeguarding Responsible for safeguarding children and always promoting the welfare of children & young people and operating within local policies and procedures. Taking appropriate safeguarding action to protect children & young people at risk of significant harm. To identify and support families in accessing Early Help Services To share appropriately information with parents/ carers or other agencies regarding the child's wellbeing and progress keeping within the boundaries of Confidentiality and Information sharing protocols. This job description is designed to identify principal responsibilities only. The post holder is required to be flexible in developing the role in accordance with changes in organisational objectives and priorities. Organisational Responsibilities: Values and behaviours To demonstrate and be a role model for Alliance's values, to promote and encourage positive behaviours, enhancing the quality and integrity of the services we provide. Health, Safety and Wellbeing To take responsibility for health, safety, and wellbeing in accordance with Alliance's policies and procedures. Equality and diversity To promote a society that gives everyone an equal chance to work and live free from discrimination and prejudice. Confidentiality To work in a way that does not divulge personal and/or confidential information and follow Alliances policies and procedures in relation to data protection and security of information. Performance Management To promote a culture whereby performance management is ingrained, and the highest standards and performance are achieved by all. Ensure that mandatory training commitments are met and that the postholder keeps up to date with Alliance's policies and procedures. Contribute to Alliance's Appraisal processes to ensure continuous learning and improvement and to increase organisational performance.