Overview
and Responsibilities
Clinical Psychologist & Head of Therapy
Location : Horsham, West Sussex
Contract Type : Permanent, part-time, term time only
Hours : **3 days with the possibility to increase in the future
Actual Annual Salary : £,. - £,.
Start Date: Summer term
Aurora Vincent House School
As part of our growth strategy, Aurora are really pleased to be opening a brand new SEND Secondary School in 5 in the heart of Horsham, West Sussex for young neurodivergent students aged -. 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.
The Role:
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:
1. neuro-informed and neuro-affirmative
2. practicing an integrated therapeutic offer
3. providing an excellent universal offer based on high quality training for all staff
4. evidence based but innovative in approaches
5. holistically supportive of students and their families
6. trained in supporting female students whose neurodivergence invariably presents differently to that of their male peers
7. be able to provide a safe environment for those young people who may be a danger to themselves due to high anxiety
8. trauma-informed in their practice
9. working collaboratively with CAMHS and external support agencies
10. actively involved in relevant research projects and initiatives that support the neurodivergent community and the mental health of young people
11. outstanding in their care and safeguarding of all students
12. effective in promoting attitudes that value young people with SEND as individuals with a right to be treated with respect
You would do this in a transdisciplinary model with other senior leaders to enable our students to thrive now and in the future. You would also lead the therapy offer from the school which will involve the deployment and line management of any additional therapists from different disciplines as required and in liaison with the school SENDCO. You would also have the support of the Aurora Group’s clinical teams and coordinators.
The continuous training of colleagues is a key role as well as liaising with parents in conjunction with other senior leaders. This is an exciting and rare opportunity where you would be integral to setting up a unique SEND provision and building a bespoke curriculum with the support of Aurora.
Please note that duties will vary and you will be expected to contribute to the overall aims of Vincent House School when required. Please see the link below for our full job description:
Skills and Qualifications
Successful candidates are likely to demonstrate:
13. knowledge and ability to promote the dignity and individuality of young people by encouraging effective communication, making choices and reducing support needs.
14. experience working with students with a diagnosis of ASC, Developmental Trauma, and comorbid mental health conditions
15. previous successful support of neurodivergent students
16. a willingness to continue their in-depth knowledge and understanding of neurodiversity
17. experience of supporting families with children and young people with SEND.
18. an in-depth knowledge of the Positive Behaviour Support Framework and uses a trauma informed approach
It is also preferable for candidates to have experience:
19. of working with SEND provisions
20. of supporting students with ARFID and disordered eating
21. working with students aged -
Candidates must:
22. have a Post graduate clinical qualification in Psychology
23. be registered with Health & Care Profession Council (HCPC) as a Practitioner Psychologist
24. be enthusiastic to work alongside professional educators ensuring integrated therapy
25. develop positive professional relationships with young people, parents, families and colleagues as well as external stakeholders
We offer:
26. Fully funded training and qualifications, peer supervision and reflective practice within our growing group of qualified Psychologists.
27. Opportunities to be involved and lead in research that will support our students and the wider neurodivergent community.
28. Opportunities to work collaboratively with others schools, forums, local initiatives and a wide range of external agencies.
29. A rare opportunity to be part of a team creating a new school and culture that will change the lives of many young people and their families within the wider community.
30. It is an exciting time to be part of Aurora and this is a unique career opportunity to make your mark on our growing services.
Interested applicants can contact Liz to arrange an informal meeting/call with the Headteacher who can discuss the vision, details and opportunities of the role with you.
Benefits and Additional Information
You will also benefit from a generous package that includes:
31. Life assurance
32. Competitive Pension
33. Perkbox - offering high street discounts
34. Employee assistance programme
35. Car lease scheme
36. Fully funded training and qualifications
37. Bike to work scheme
38. Free membership to our Health cash back plan - Claim back money on services such as dental, optical, physio and many more.
How to Apply:
Please complete an online application form in full, remembering to include all employment and education details. If you need any assistance or would like any more information, please contact Liz in the Aurora Group Recruitment Team at