Theraplay Therapist (self-employed contractor)
The opportunity
We are seeking an experienced and passionate Theraplay Therapist to work on our Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund project, delivering specialist therapeutic support to children, young people and families across Essex and Suffolk.
This project is funded through the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF), which provides therapeutic support to adopted children, young people, special guardians and their families. The project aims to improve emotional wellbeing, strengthen family relationships, support recovery from trauma, and help children and young people achieve positive outcomes through specialist therapeutic interventions
This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a collaborative multidisciplinary team, combining specialist expertise to support children and families experiencing emotional, behavioural, developmental and relational challenges. We are looking for practitioners who are committed to delivering high-quality, child-centred interventions and who thrive in a collaborative and innovative environment.
About Kids Inspire
Founded in 2007, Kids Inspire is a children's mental health charity currently working in Essex and Suffolk, offering free trauma recovery support to children and young people who might not otherwise afford it.
Leading with a trauma informed approach that looks at negative childhood experiences, we address the causes rather than the symptoms and focus on supporting children and young people to overcome challenges, heal from trauma, and build brighter futures.
What do we do?
Based in Greater Essex (including Southend and Thurrock) and Suffolk, we provide personalised recovery plans through individual and group sessions, ensuring every child gets the help they need.
Through our interventions, we are specifically committed to supporting young people to achieve positive outcomes in their social and emotional development, having healthy and safe relationships, and engaging positively with their learning.
The role
Job title: Certified Theraplay Therapist
Normal place of work: Hybrid face-to-face and online working. Face-to-face locations in Essex and Suffolk include schools, community settings, and Kids Inspire's Chelmsford Head Office.
Contractual terms: Self employed contractor
Hours: Session-based with flexible hours. Work is offered on an as-needed basis, subject to client referrals and service demand.
Hourly rate: £40-£50. Dependent upon professional discipline, qualifications and experience.
At Kids Inspire, we continue to build and promote an inclusive culture that encourages, celebrates, and supports diversity and offers equality opportunities in all aspects of employment.
Main activities
deliver specialist assessments and therapeutic interventions appropriate to your professional discipline
work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to support positive outcomes for children, young people and families
develop, implement and review individualised therapeutic plans
build positive relationships with children, families, schools and partner agencies
maintain accurate clinical records, reports and case notes
attend multidisciplinary meetings where required
contribute to outcome monitoring and service evaluation
work in accordance with professional, ethical and safeguarding standards
support a flexible service model which may require occasional evening working to meet the needs of children, young people and families.
Requirements and conditions:
recognised Theraplay qualification and certification.
experience delivering attachment-focused interventions.
experience supporting children and families affected by trauma, attachment difficulties or emotional wellbeing challenges
relevant professional registration and qualifications
strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection practices
excellent communication and relationship-building skills
commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and ethical practice
full driving licence and access to a vehicle for travel across Essex, Suffolk and surrounding areas
willingness to undertake occasional evening work to accommodate family availability and project requirements
act as an ambassador for Kids Inspire
You will be subject to an enhanced check of criminal records via the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Reasonable adjustments will be considered as required by the Equality Act 2010.
The duties described in this job description must be carried out in a manner which promote equality of opportunity, dignity and due respect as outlined in the Equal Opportunities Policy of Kids Inspire.
To apply
For full details of our job description and to find out more information about what Kids Inspire can offer, or to apply, please email Christie Brown at christie@kidsinspire.org.uk with your CV and a covering letter.
As we are advertising for various roles within our Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund project, please state which role you are applying for.
Your cover letter should express your specific interest in and qualifications for this role as well as respond to these questions:
1) What does it mean for you to have a commitment to diversity and equity?
2) How can you demonstrate that commitment and how would you see yourself demonstrating it at Kids Inspire?
Applicants with the required qualifications will receive due consideration without regard to their race, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity, national origin, or disability.
Job closing date
We are actively interviewing for this role. If this job is still visible on our website, we are still taking applications.
Useful resources on Kids Inspire:
Learn more about Kids Inspire and our work, by watching our new film, The Coat.
LinkedIn
Facebook