The EMHP role stems from the green paper, and its government response. These outline the aim to develop Mental Health Support Teams (MHST) to deliver mental health provision to local school clusters with the aim being for each participating school to provide a designated mental health lead. It is proposed that the new EHMP will form part of these MHST’s, alongside other Mental Health practitioners and specialists’ supervisors. EMHP’s will be employed by local mental health services e.g. NHS CAMHS/Voluntary Sector Organisations, and from this employment base attend training with the University of Exeter.  As per the Person Specification, the trainee EHMP should be able to study at degree level and have gained some experience of working in Children and Young people’s mental health and wellbeing. A knowledge of school systems, culture and mental health support structures systems would also be beneficial. 

The EHMP is full-time role funded at NHS Band 4 and will involve  direct practice working across a range of educational settings as well as the university based training days.   The training will consist of a period of block teaching for the first few weeks of the course.  Following this, the teaching will move to a 3 then 2 day a week pulse before dropping to 1 day a week later in the course. It is important to note that the trainee practitioner is an employment-based role and will be located within service to deliver support in their local area when not engaged in academic training.  Where applicable, applicants for this post will need to be able to travel independently as required to the designated training locations as well as within their employment locality. 

The training will initially focus on providing the practitioner with a thorough understanding of the theory and practice of evidence based Low Intensity (LI) interventions for common mental health difficulties experienced by children and young people – Anxiety, Depression and Behavioural Difficulties. Following this, the second half of the training will focus on school specific aspects of mental health and wellbeing. The successful applicant, based and employed at their host service, will fully engage in the 12-month training programme delivered by the university of Exeter. On successful completion of the course will qualify with a Post Graduate Diploma and a further 2-year contact with their locality service at an NHS AfC Band 5 salary.

Frequently asked questions

How do I apply for the role?

Trainee EMHP positions are typically advertised on the NHS Jobs website 3-4 months ahead of the commencement of training. Both a job description and person specification will be available on the recruitment websites when adverts go live. You can apply directly through the NHS Jobs (or affiliated) website. Individual services will be responsible for shortlisting candidates. Upon successful shortlisting, you will be invited to interview at the service you have applied to. Interviews will be held 6-12 weeks ahead of the training starting.

Am I eligible to apply?

As per the Person Specification, the trainee EHMP should be able to study at degree level (Level 6) and have gained some experience of working within the Children and Young people’s mental health and wellbeing sector.  A knowledge of school systems, culture and mental health support structures systems would also be beneficial.   As this is an employment based role, all applicants will be shortlisted based on the advertised person specification by participating services.  Applicants will then attend an interview at the employer service in collaboration with the University of Exeter.

When will the training start?

There are 2 upcoming intakes being delivered by the University of Exeter for the South West region. The next EMHP Training begins in September 2023 (For the South of the region – Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset) with the following cohort starting at the end of January 2025 (Northern Area – BNSSG, Wiltshire, BANES, Gloucestershire). The first 6 weeks of the course are in 4-day blocks (Monday to Thursday) before reducing to 3 days a week then 2 days a week, before scaling down over the remainder of the training. A full timetable and handbook will be circulated to successful applicants in due course. Teaching does not generally take place during school holidays, but unless agreed/arranged otherwise, the EMHP will expected to be with their employer / service when not engaged in teaching.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the current context of Covid-19, details of how the training will be delivered e.g. remotely / face-to-face are still being agreed and arranged. However, it is highly likely for the September intake, a significant amount of the training will be via remote platforms. Further information will be available in due course and communicated to partner services and successful candidates.

Who will I be employed with for the duration of the contract?

Your contract will be with the local employer within your agreed locality and service.

When does my contract begin?

The provisional start date for your full-time contact will likely be close to the commencement of your training in. If successful, you will be contacted by your new employer to arrange this and to finalise employment checks, DBS and references. We would appreciate your help with ensuring this is done promptly when required. You will also be required to register with the University of Exeter as a student.

What should I expect from the course?

Teaching consists of full days of lectures, with a number of these delivered in block periods. Sessions will include role play, practical exercises and small group discussions. Guided independent study is also expected to take place.

Assessments will include an audit report, exam, clinical tape submission, reflective commentary, clinical case reports, presentation, Practice Outcome Document (POD) and clinical portfolio.

The structure of the course will be as follows: 

  • Module 1 – Children and Young People’s Mental Health Settings – Context and Values
  • Module 2– Assessment and Engagement
  • Module 3 – Evidence-based Interventions (Theory and Skills)
  • Module 4 – Working, Assessing and Engaging in Education Settings
  • Module 5– Common Problems and Processes in Education Settings
  • Module 6 – Interventions for Emerging Mental Health – Difficulties in Education Settings

Where does the training take place? How will Covid-19 impact on training delivery?

Comprehensive plans are being made to ensure a high-quality training experience for the next intake of EMHP trainees. However, due to the current uncertainty relating to social distancing requirements later in the year, we are unable to confirm the exact method of delivery. It may be (as required) that the course is delivered entirely remotely or if appropriate and safe to do so a blend of face-to-face, campus based teaching and remote. All training is developed and delivered by the team at the University of Exeter in line with national curriculum guidance. Updates on delivery and any change of location will be clearly communicated to trainees and services as needed.

When do I start my practice as an EHMP?

Following the initial period of block teaching, it is anticipated you will then start preparing for practice, under supervision, with your new service at your allocated location. Your direct work with children and young people will commence shortly after this. Your local service manager will liaise with you in respect to specific timings and locations. It is suggested that you begin your practice with small caseloads – 4 to 6 young people – before building your caseloads size as you progress in competence and confidence. A fully qualified EMHP would be expected to hold a caseload of between 20 and 30 young people.

What about study days and annual leave?

Study day guidance is outlined within the timetable as well as the course handbook. However, it is important to note these are taken at the discretion and in agreement with your employer. However, they are considered by the university to be an important element to facilitate your learning and assessment.

It is suggested that annual leave is ideally taken when there are no taught university days, minimising impact in your training and attendance. Going forward, annual leave can be taken in agreement with your local service manager. We understand that some people may have pre-booked holiday, and if is the case please liaise with the course team and local service manager. Your exact annual leave entitlement will be confirmed in your contract but will be in line with local service policy. 

What happens after I finish the course?

This training course is accessed through employment within an existing NHS, Local Authority or Voluntary Sector mental health service working within CAMHS.  You can find details of our partnership services here. The EHMP is full-time role funded at NHS Band 4 and will involve  direct practice working across a range of educational settings as well as the university based training days.  Upon completion of your training, you will remain employed within your service as a NHS Band 5 Pay Scale.

How is this course financed?

Course fees are directly paid by Health Education England in liaison with the employing service.

Will travel costs to university be covered?

The exact policies and procedures in regard to travel costs related to your EMHP training, as well as other associated professional costs will be clarified and agreed with your local employer, but it is anticipated that all costs associated with your work and training as an EMHP will be reimbursed.

Find out more

To find out more about this course and to ask any questions, please contact the Programme Administrator at emhp@exeter.ac.uk