Education mental health practitioner — Renita Paul

Renita loves working with a team of mental health professionals where they can share experiences and come together to help children and young people

What degree did you study?

I completed a BSc in counselling and psychotherapy principles and practices in 2019 followed by a childhood Masters in 2020, both at the University of Derby. I then went on to do a PG Dip in educational mental health practices which I have completed this year.

How did you get your job?

I found my job on an NHS website when I was searching for jobs in mental health with young people. My initial application was for a trainee EMHP role with Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust and now I have stayed on in this role as a Band 5 qualified EMHP. My interview included a panel with my NHS employers and the university present.

What's a typical working day like?

My typical working day includes attending a huddle at 9am, attending my cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) sessions in schools or online depending on if it is a parent or young person, complete some Whole School Approach workshops or assemblies, email schools with recommendations, complete assessments with young people and plan sessions for the next day. The CBT sessions are around six to eight sessions of brief interventions.

We also complete multi-disciplinary meetings at schools with local authorities to ensure that we are able to provide the most appropriate support for the young people at that time.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy working in a team of different professionals such as mental health nurses, dramatherapists and teachers. My team is very passionate about mental health and although we all have different work backgrounds, we’ve all come together through the EMHP/MHST route. This has allowed us to share our previous experience that’s useful with different young people and parents.

I also have a passion for mental health and young people, so this role allows me to be myself but also use my own personal interests of advocacy and positive self-talk in sessions.

What are the challenges?

Some challenges can be the large mix of work such as assemblies, one on one work, parent work and meetings with teachers. It can sometimes feel a little overwhelming so it's important to take it slow and organise yourself beforehand to ensure you’re prepared. It is also important to be able to talk to your managers and supervisors if you are feeling overwhelmed.

How is your degree relevant?

My degree was relevant as it allowed me to be passionate about something that helps people but also gave me a background of counselling, children and psychological wellbeing.

How has your role developed and what are your career ambitions?

My role has developed from being a trainee Band 4 EMHP to now being a Band 5 EMHP and fully qualified. My career ambitions lie within mental health and I would like to work towards becoming a Band 6 senior mental health practitioner.

What are your top tips for choosing a Masters?

When choosing your Masters, make sure it is relevant to what you would like to achieve within your career. Also make sure it feels feasible - that you'd be able to remain organised and on top of work so you’re able to keep up to date with the assignments.

What advice can you give to others wanting to get into this job?

• Show your passion for mental health and wellbeing and be yourself.
• Make sure you explain your experience and get ready to sell yourself and skills.
• Relate your job application to the job specification and job description.
• Be patient and resilient and be prepared to apply a few times in case you don't get through the first time.

Find out more

• Read all about being an education mental health practitioner.
• Take a look at the teaching and education sector.