About UsThe founder and sponsor of the Harris Federation, Lord Harris of Peckham, opened our first school in 1990. We have, over the past thirty years, implemented ideas and initiatives that have transformed the opportunities of pupils from working class and disadvantaged backgrounds. Harris academies are widely recognised as a force for social mobility. We are immensely proud of the role that our alumni are now beginning to play in the world and of what we believe our current generation of pupils will go on to achieve.
We now have over 50 schools educating more than 40,000 young people across London and Essex, and employ over 5,000 staff across our academies and head office. With the majority of our academies located in areas of high socioeconomic disadvantage, a high-quality education is key to the futures of the pupils we serve.
As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.
Our work will impact many generations to come, and our staff come from all backgrounds and walks of life, coming together to inspire young minds. We promote an inclusive culture that embraces the valuable and enriching contribution that all of our community make. We continue to be proactive in uplifting and supporting all voices at Harris.
To discover more about our culture, ethos and what it is like to work here, visit the Why Work For Us page. Main Areas of ResponsibilityThe aim of the School Mental Health Practitioner’s (SMHP’s) role is to:
offer evidence-based clinical assessments and specialist mental health interventions to young people who are experiencing mild to moderate mental health issues in two secondary schools (students aged 11-18);
provide a range of mental health prevention and wellbeing advice to students to address a range of common adolescent emotional, behavioural and relationship difficulties within the two secondary schools;
expedite access to external services for troubled students as appropriate, including supporting those with more severe needs in accessing the correct support;
work as part of each school’s wider multi-disciplinary team (e.g. with the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), safeguarding team, wellbeing team, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) team and teachers, as appropriate). This will be under the overarching guidance of the school’s principal and will be with the support, guidance and line management of the central Harris Federation School Mental Health Team Leader (SMHTL);
For a full list of responsibilities, please download the Job Pack. Qualifications & ExperienceWe would like to hear form you if you have:
Holds a degree in field relevant to the post
Holds a recognised training qualification in youth counselling and/or evidence-based psychological therapy for children, young people and families
Post qualification training and supervised experience in a clinical role with children, young people and families who experience mental health difficulties
Can demonstrate an understanding of the full range of emotional and mental health needs of young people and associated risk and protective factors
Demonstrates skill and theoretical understanding of a range of evidence-based psychological therapeutic models relevant to troubled young people, and their families
Experience of and skills in undertaking clinical assessment, formulation and treatment planning alongside parents, carers and school staff based on child’s needs
Demonstrates knowledge of school environments and an understanding of the process of engaging young people who require or would benefit from emotional and therapeutic support within educational settings
Skills in supporting parents and providing evidence-based parenting advice and interventions
For a full job description and person specification, please download the Job Pack. Professional Development & BenefitsIf you would like to discuss the opportunity further, or if you have any questions, please contact us via email to arrange a conversation.
Screening calls will take place on 8th November, and in-person interviews on 15th November.
Before applying please ensure you download the job pack from our careers website, this will help with completing your application. Please note that we only accept applications submitted online before the closing date.
When applying, you will have the option to import your CV or use a LinkedIn profile which will auto populate the online application.
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