As part of our growth strategy, Aurora are really pleased to be opening a brand new SEND Secondary School in 2025 in the heart of Horsham, West Sussex for young neurodivergent students aged 11-16. Most of our students are coming to us from mainstream education to have access to an adapted National Curriculum delivered in small classes with a focus on meeting their sensory needs and support for their emotional wellbeing. Many of our students would have previously camouflaged at school or had freeze/faun responses or sometimes flight; Vincent House School will provide an accepting and safe, welcoming place for young people to thrive.
Main duties of the job
This is an outstanding opportunity for a practitioner to have a significant impact on culture and practice within a new provision and be integral to the strategic development of the school. Through your role you would support the school to be:
* neuro-informed and neuro-affirmative
* practicing an integrated therapeutic offer
* providing an excellent universal offer based on high quality training for all staff
* evidence-based but innovative in approaches
* holistically supportive of students and their families
* trained in supporting female students whose neurodivergence invariably presents differently to that of their male peers
* able to provide a safe environment for those young people who may be a danger to themselves due to high anxiety
* trauma-informed in their practice
* working collaboratively with CAMHS and external support agencies
* actively involved in relevant research projects and initiatives that support the neurodivergent community and the mental health of young people
* outstanding in their care and safeguarding of all students
* effective in promoting attitudes that value young people with SEND as individuals with a right to be treated with respect
About us
We're one of the largest providers of SEND educational and care services in the country, supporting over 1,200 children, young people and adults, and employing over 1,500 staff spread across 27 services around England.
Job responsibilities
Main Purpose
To use psychological models and practices to enhance the learning, cognitive and emotional skills of children and young people in order to prepare them for adult life. To provide direct support for other staff so they can effectively respond to young people's communication, behaviour and emotional wellbeing. To ensure a neuro-informed and neuro-affirmative approach by the school.
Key Accountabilities
* To provide a clinical psychology service to children and young adults with SEND, including a range of mental health difficulties.
* To provide advice, guidance and training to colleagues.
* To liaise effectively with parents or carers, receiving and giving advice and information where necessary.
* To undertake risk assessments when necessary, and to provide advice to other professionals on psychological aspects of risk assessment and management.
* To prepare, implement and monitor individual positive behavioural plans for young people who need them.
* To communicate in a skilled and sensitive manner.
* To work with colleagues to maximise efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery.
* To prepare reports and assessments for stakeholders.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Education & Training
* Post graduate qualification in psychology (or equivalent).
* Registered and accredited with Health & Care Profession Council (HCPC) as a practitioner psychologist. The successful applicant will be required to undergo relevant pre-employment checks including a satisfactory Enhanced DBS Check.
* To have the flexibility to work different hours across the week that suit the needs of the children and young people.
Experience
* Experience of working with children/young people with special education needs and high-level support.
* Experience of working with young people with Autism, severe communication difficulties, profound and multiple learning difficulties, including physical and sensory needs.
* Experience of working in a school or care setting is desirable.
* Experience working with a multi-disciplinary team.
* Experience of current evidence-based practice.
Skills, Knowledge and Ability
* Good level of spoken and written English.
* Ability to supervise, train and teach staff.
* Basic ICT skills (able to use a computer for handling data/report writing).
* Demonstrate knowledge and ability to promote the dignity and individuality of children and young people by encouraging effective communication, making choices and reducing support needs.
* Ability to prioritise.
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
* Able to keep accurate records.
* Ability to work on your own as well as part of a team.
* Knowledge of safeguarding legislation.
Personal Qualities and Attributes
* Commitment to continuous professional development (or ability to manage and develop oneself).
* Understand and respect principles of confidentiality.
* Able to deal calmly with situations that arise.
* Able to give and receive feedback.
* Enthusiastic, conscientious, flexible.
* Good attendance record; punctual and reliable.
* Develop good professional relationships with children and young people, parents and families, and colleagues.
* Attitudes that value children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities as individuals with a right to be treated with respect.
* Commitment to Equality and Diversity (Equality Act 2010).
Requirements of Role
* The successful applicant will be required to undergo relevant pre-employment checks including a satisfactory Enhanced DBS Check.
* To have the flexibility to work different hours across the week that suit the needs of the children and young people.
Additional Information
As part of the Aurora Group everyone is:
* expected at all times to behave and act in a way which promotes and contributes to the overall aims, values and ethos of the Company.
* required to participate in regular training and other learning activities, and in supervision, appraisal and development as required by the Company’s policies and procedures.
* required to participate in any relevant current and new legislative and regulatory activities as may occur from time to time.
* required, through personal example and clear action, to demonstrate commitment to equality and diversity ensuring equality of access and treatment in employment and service delivery to all.
* required to promote The Aurora Group’s Health and Safety at Work Policy and Procedure and ensure these are implemented effectively.
* The Aurora Group takes seriously its responsibility for safeguarding and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young adults. Therefore, everyone employed by the Aurora Group is expected to share this and act accordingly by applying the organisation's policies and procedures and attending regular safeguarding training.
Person Specification
Experience
* have a Post graduate clinical qualification in Psychology
* be registered with Health & Care Profession Council (HCPC) as a Practitioner Psychologist
* be enthusiastic to work alongside professional educators ensuring integrated therapy
* develop positive professional relationships with young people, parents, families and colleagues as well as external stakeholders
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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