Job Description: Mental Health Practitioner
Key Responsibilities
Direct Mental Health Support
Provide one-to-one weekly mental health support for the child, totaling a minimum of 24 weekly sessions during term time and 16 fortnightly sessions during school holidays to ensure continuity of care.
Address school-based trauma by implementing a bespoke, trauma-informed care plan that includes:
Educating the child on ASD, ADHD, and PDA traits, and helping identify and manage negative coping mechanisms.
Building the child’s self-esteem by highlighting strengths and transferable skills.
Supporting the child in recognizing and utilizing strengths to overcome challenges and reduce anxiety.
Foster a safe and trusting relationship with the child to encourage open discussions about difficulties and promote emotional wellbeing.
Tailored Mental Health Interventions
Design and deliver interventions aimed at helping the child understand their
experiences, develop positive coping strategies, and build confidence and resilience.
Incorporate strategies to mitigate the effects of school-based trauma and support emotional healing.
Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Contributions
Actively participate in half-termly MDT meetings, collaborating with educators, clinicians, and other professionals involved in the child’s care.
Prepare detailed, child-centered reports for MDT meetings, documenting progress, challenges, and recommendations.
Annual Reviews and Assessments
Conduct an annual mental health reassessment, ensuring interventions remain tailored to the child’s evolving needs.
Prepare and present a comprehensive report for the child’s annual review, including attendance at the review meeting.
Trauma-Informed Approach
Develop and implement strategies to address the child’s school-based trauma, ensuring interventions are sensitive to their experiences.
Work collaboratively with the child to rebuild trust in educational and supportive relationships.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
A degree in Psychology, Mental Health Nursing, Counseling, or a related field.
Professional registration or licensure (e.g., BACP, HCPC, NMC).
Proven experience working with children with ASD, ADHD, and PDA traits, particularly those with trauma histories.
Strong understanding of trauma-informed care and its application in therapeutic settings.
Key Skills and Attributes
Empathy and patience in building rapport with children who have experienced trauma.
Expertise in developing and delivering individualized mental health plans.
Ability to provide consistent and reliable support over a long-term period.
Excellent communication skills for engaging with the child, family, and MDT.
Strong organizational skills for preparing reports and maintaining accurate records.
Additional Requirements
Commitment to providing 40 hours per annum of direct contact with the child.
Flexibility to work during school holidays to ensure uninterrupted support.
Willingness to maintain continuity of care by being the consistent clinician throughout the package.
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