Child and Adolescent Therapist

**Full Time Psychological Therapist

• Creative Arts therapist (Play, drama, music, movement, art), Level 5 counsellor, Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist**
  Based on NHS Salary Scales:
  Band 6 £35,572 to £40,588 or Band 7 £41,659 to £47,672.

Salary will be dependent on qualifications & experience.

Based at Head Office in Dover, Kent

Channels & Choices is an award winning, dynamic company specialising in children's residential care, Fostering and Education based in South East Kent.

OFSTED judge our services as 'Outstanding'

Channels & Choices is a centre of excellence in therapeutic child care.

Our Community based in East Kent is made up of 7 therapeutic residential children's homes, a SEMH school and a therapeutic fostering service.

As a member of our community you would play a key part in transforming children's lives and helping them reach their full potential.

Your role would involve working with children across all aspects of the community whilst also supporting the adults who care for the children.

We are currently looking to recruit a psychological therapist based within our multi-disciplinary Therapy Department.

This is a permanent full-time position (37.5 hours per week 9am - 5pm). with a competitive salary dependant on qualifications and experience.

The salary scale is based on the NHS banding of a band 6 which ranges from £35,572 to £40,588 or band 7 which ranges from £41,659 to £47,672.

Further benefits include

• 36 days paid annual leave per year and a loyalty scheme which rewards you with extra annual leave following 2 years of service.
• An employee assistance and wellbeing program (EAP) for staff which includes counselling services, debt and finance support which is available to staff and adult family members within the home.
• We offer very well supported and manageable caseloads.
• Regular Clinical Supervision available.
• Yearly CPD budget available.
• Professional membership funded.
• Opportunity to attend therapeutic training courses, including Attachment & Relationship Based Practice Training run by Professor David Shemmings

These are exciting times as Channels & Choices continues to expand and develop its Services and we are looking for someone to join our dynamic multi-disciplinary staff team who has a passion for promoting outstanding outcomes for children in care.

Job summary

The successful applicant will undertake direct clinical work in the therapy team contributing to the multi-disciplinary team providing specialist assessment, therapy, consultation, training and supervision as appropriate.

The successful applicant will also provide dedicated support to Children and Young People and their carers in addition to working with colleagues from Education, Health, Social Care and the Voluntary Sector in order to plan appropriate and timely Interventions.

We have a strong commitment to staff development and there will be considerable opportunities for internal and external training and for sharing good practice within the community.

Person Specification

Psychological Therapist

QUALIFICATIONS

• ESSENTIAL_
• Accredited training and relevant qualifications in any of the following disciplines: Creative Arts therapist i.e, Play, Drama, Music, Dance and Movement, or Art), Level 5/6 counsellor, Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist.
• Registered Mental Health Registration l such as BACP, PTUK, BAPT, HCPC, UKCP, ACP or relevant accrediting body.
• DESIRABLE_
• CBT informed approaches

EXPERIENCE

• ESSENTIAL_
• A minimum of 2 years post qualification experience of working with children.
• Experience of being able to provide specialist assessments, individual /group therapy, consultations, and training as appropriate.
• DESIRABLE_
• Clinical experience within a multidisciplinary team
• Previous experience of working within a CAMHS service.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• ESSENTIAL_
• An understanding of other Psychological treatment modalities.
• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with carers, children, families, and colleagues.
• Computer literate and able to write comprehensive reports
• Ability to manage and prioritise own workload
• Working as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to identify and provide appropriate means of support to carers and staff exposed to distressing situations and challenging behavior.
• Ability to effectively use clinical and group supervision to process and reflect on the therapeutic support provided and group dynamics.

KNOWLEDGE

• ESSENTIAL_
• Experience of working with complex presentations of Children and Young People in the community.
• Understanding of Child Protection & Safeguarding
• Experience of working in partnership with other agencies.
• Knowledge of the process necessary for effective risk assessment and management
• DESIRABLE_
• Understanding of trauma informed practice.

PERSONAL QUALITIES

• ESSENTIAL_
• Commitment to cont

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