We are currently working with a school based in Essex and they are looking for an experenced Creative Art Therapist on a full time basis, to start ASAP. Summary In addition to offering therapy sessions according to their specialism, the therapist will maintain a therapeutic presence across the schools, lead whole-staff training, and serve as an for the brand and vision. The successful candidate must be a flexible team player and capable of providing therapeutic that enhances children’s emotional well-being and learning. They will be a role model of best practice and demonstrate the highest level of support and care for our children. The therapist will draw upon their knowledge, skills, and experience of working with children who exhibit challenging behavior and have significant and complex social, emotional, and learning needs often stemming from adverse childhood experiences. The role's purpose is to collaborate with colleagues (te, support, and therapeutic) to maximize progress for children at our sector-leading therapeutic schools. therapist may work one-on-one with a child, support a small group or assist a whole, depending on the need. They may offer structured, weekly sessions to pupils and/or provide in-the-moment therapeutic support as required. The therapist will support the successful operation of all aspects of the school, as directed by the senior leadership.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
* To ensure that therapy is facilitated ethically, safely and with consent from all parents/carers/pupils
* To plan, resource and prepare effective and engaging therapy programmes for children (supported by the teacher and leaders)
* To complete termly therapy reports on pupils’ progress in individual and group therapy sessions
* To be a role-model of best practice, including emotion coaching and other key therapeutic strategies, as outlined in our how we do it policy
* To liaise professionally with the lead therapist, senior head of therapy and the OHS multidisciplinary team, to ensure that the therapeutic needs of the pupils on current caseload are being effectively supported
* To build positive working relationships with children’s families, including consistent phone and/or email contact as required
* To ensure children are supervised and safe at all times
* To continue to obtain key information on pupils, through parent/carer communication, to keep up-to-date with any changes in the pupils’ lives and inform the rest of the therapy/teaching team of relevant information
* To keep accurate and concise therapy notes which are to be stored securely, to ensure confidentiality
* To support and facilitate smooth and effective transitions where needed, including the preparation and implementation of relevant resources
* To provide appropriate support to ensure pupils are able to access their learning, identifying their individual needs and tailoring their therapeutic programme in line with these needs
* To work closely with the teaching team and other therapy team members with the development and implementation of therapy progress plans
* To attend all therapy meetings and open days for parents and carers
* To attend relevant meetings with fellow professionals, parents and pupils including leading communication with families at parent/carer open days
* To create and deliver support sessions and targeted trainings for parent group and family workshop days, as required and negotiated with the senior head of family support
* To attend and participate in regular meetings, training and other learning activities as required, contributing to the overall ethos and aims of the school
* To organise and attend individual external supervision, that will support the therapist with any therapeutic work carried out in the schools, in line with the therapist’s accrediting body
* To maintain total confidentiality with regard to pupils, staff and other information related to the school as stipulated in the school’s confidentiality policy and staff handbook
* To be aware of, and comply with, policies and procedures relating to child protection; health and safety; bullying; confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to a senior leader
* To be aware of and support differences and ensure all pupils have equal access to opportunities to learn and develop
* To comply with any reasonable request from the leadership team to undertake work of a similar level that is not specified in this job description.
SKILLS & TRAITS
* Outstanding communication skills (with pupils, families & professionals)
* Strong ability to work constructively and collaboratively at all times as part of a unified team
* Strong ability to work successfully with children with extremely challenging behaviour
* Reflective & eager to progress professionally
* Attention to detail, including in terms of presentation, punctuality and supporting the maintenance of an attractive environment for therapy & learning
KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING
* Outstanding knowledge and understanding of therapy (in own specialised field) as well as wider therapies and their applications
* Understanding of mental health in children, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), trauma and the impact of abuse and mental health difficulties on child development, attachment and behaviour
* Understanding of child development, learning and children with SEMH and associated SEN
* Understanding of relevant policies/codes of practice and awareness of relevant legislation
* General understanding of the national curriculum and school provision
QUALIFICATIONS/TRAINING/EXPERIENCE
* At least current degree level, fully qualified therapist in own specialised field & associated registration with appropriate body (i.e. BACP)
* Experience of working with children & young people in challenging contexts
* A range of experience in own specialised therapeutic field
* High level of competence in English and mathematics
* An appropriate level of experience of operating in the classroom (or similar) environment with children with SEN who present challenging behaviour
* Further training or qualifications related to therapy, children & young people, special educational needs and/or leadership & management