Job Description

Dorset Mental Health Support Teams in Schools are seeking practitioners wishing to undertake the Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner training for our team in Blandford and the surrounding area.
The Mental Health Support Teams work with children, young people and their families with the aim of improving the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people in a variety of education settings. We work across all ages from 4-18, and have established good links with our partner schools.
Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of. Applicants who subscribe to the DBS update service are able to present a valid DBS certificate instead of requiring a new check.
Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.
Main duties of the job
As a trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner, you will be expected to undertake a year long course at Exeter University. This is likely to be a hybrid of both face to face and online teaching with a 3 month teaching block in Exeter or Bristol starting in Jan 2025. After 3 months, you will begin working within the teams a few days a week putting into practice your learning, alongside completing assignments. The training posts are funded at Band 4 and will rise to a Band 5 position on qualifying. The role will be to deliver Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy interventions to support children and young people's mental wellbeing within a number of education provisions across our local area.
You will be expected to hold a caseload and deliver short term evidence based interventions to children, families and young people. You will also be responsible for assisting in the delivery of the "whole school approach" within the education provisions including delivering sessions to classes and teachers, liaising with schools, families, local authorities and other organisations to ensure a timely response to local need.
We are seeking to appoint enthusiastic staff who are passionate about children's mental health.
About us
At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.
Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.
Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion and expertise in all we do.
Details
Date posted
31 October 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 4
Salary
27,485 to 37,796 a year p.a.
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
152-M272.25A
Job locations
Blandford Hospital
Milldown Rd
Blandford
DT11 7DD
Job description
Job responsibilities
For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.
As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare is working in partnership with The Princes Trust to support people getting into work, as part of this partnership, we are offering an employability service to support individuals between 16-30 years old with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support please do contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net Job description
Job responsibilities
For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.
As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare is working in partnership with The Princes Trust to support people getting into work, as part of this partnership, we are offering an employability service to support individuals between 16-30 years old with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support please do contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net
Person Specification
Essential
Essential

• Evidence of ability study at degree level
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Able to use IT systems effectively

Essential
Essential

• Evidence of successfully working within a team/teamworking
• Core Values which concur with trust values

Essential
Essential

• Car driver with access to vehicle for work

Essential
Essential

• Evidence of working with children and young people

Desirable

• Evidence of working with families
• Understanding of safeguarding/risk
• Evidence of working with children and young people with mental health needs

Desirable
Desirable

• Evidence of knowledge and understanding of the education system

Person Specification
Essential
Essential

• Evidence of ability study at degree level
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Able to use IT systems effectively

Essential
Essential

• Evidence of successfully working within a team/teamworking
• Core Values which concur with trust values

Essential
Essential

• Car driver with access to vehicle for work

Essential
Essential

• Evidence of working with children and young people

Desirable

• Evidence of working with families
• Understanding of safeguarding/risk
• Evidence of working with children and young people with mental health needs

Desirable
Desirable

• Evidence of knowledge and understanding of the education system

Skills Required