We are looking to appoint an experienced [Wellbeing Practitioner] to work closely with our pupils to support them with their wellbeing and develop emotional resilience. They will build positive relationships with pupils and school staff, in order to offer a holistic approach to addressing pupils’ wellbeing difficulties. They may also be required to work closely with the pupil’s family, offering them guidance and support by providing them with relevant psychological knowledge and emotional wellbeing tools.  They will report to Director of Pupil wellbeing who has oversight of the wellbeing service and act as a key point of contact for the wellbeing team at Senior School.

• The key aim of the role is to work closely with pupils to help address emotional wellbeing difficulties and improve any barriers to pupil wellbeing, ensuring our pupils are thriving and learning. The wellbeing practitioner will work closely with school pastoral staff to offer a holistic approach to improving pupil’s wellbeing.
• The successful candidate will play an important role in the [wellbeing team] and build positive collaborative relationships with the wellbeing team, pastoral staff and wider school staff in order to prioritise pupils’ wellbeing. They will raise awareness and education on key mental health issues impacting young people today.
• The role is fast paced, varied and rewarding and requires working with the network around the pupil(family, school, relevant professionals.)

This is an exciting time to join the team, our wellbeing team has grown, and we have a diverse range of staff who offer different experiences and modalities. Each member of the team has a small caseload and works in different ways to support pupils with their wellbeing.  The role offers the chance to be part of a team that is actively working to raise awareness about mental health and remove any barriers to accessing support.

• To work as a member of the wellbeing team to provide support to pupils with their emotional wellbeing.
• To meet regularly with the Director of pupil wellbeing to review current cases, reflect on practices and contribute to whole school wellbeing practices.
• To assess and deliver evidence-based interventions to children and young people experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties.
• To work in partnership, supporting children & young people experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties and their families in the self-management of presenting difficulties.
• Through case management and supervision with Director of pupil wellbeing, to escalate cases where the level of need becomes beyond scope, or more severe, supporting the young person and family to access more appropriate services to meet their needs.
• To provide a range of information and support for evidence based psychological treatments, via workshops, assemblies and presentations.
• To plan and deliver group sessions on agreed topics related to wellbeing and positive mental health (e.g. anxiety and mindfulness groups)
• To attend Pastoral Team meetings and contribute with sharing learning and innovative practice.
• To ensure a comprehensive understanding of the relevant safeguarding legislation, guidance and best practice.
• To maintain up-to date knowledge of legislation, national and local policies and procedures in relation to children and young people’s mental health.
• To work closely with members of the safeguarding team to support the work of the DSLs in ensuring that all children are kept safe and protected. This includes working and liaising with external agencies, including but not limited to Social Services and CAMHS.
• To work closely with parents and families to help support pupil emotional well-being and improving any barriers to pupil wellbeing, ensuring our pupils are thriving and learning.
• To maintain regular communication with key staff and promote a whole school and child centred approach to improving pupil wellbeing.
• To build up knowledge and understanding of local resources and community and statutory services, including Mental Health Teams, CAMHS and voluntary services, and communicate effectively with them in the best interests of the child and family. To signpost as required.
• To operate from an inclusive values base, which recognises and respects diversity and promotes a sense of belonging for all. 

   

Education & Qualification

• Postgraduate Certificate/ Diploma in Child and Young Persons Psychological Wellbeing Practice from an accredited training provider (Essential)
• Psychology or other health /social care/youth related undergraduate degree (Essential)
• Training in nursing, social work, occupational therapy, counselling or within a specific psychological therapy. (Desirable)

Knowledge & Skills

• Demonstrates an understanding of children and young people’s mental health and how it may present.
• Knowledge of child and adolescent development and the role of the family in supporting children and young people’s emotional well-being
• Understanding of systems and contexts in which children and young people are likely to live.
• Knowledge of Safeguarding: Familiarity with, and ability to comply with, the London Child Protection Procedures and protocols for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people.
• Understand the need to become familiar and comply with school and local protocols and systems for information sharing.
• Good understanding of confidentiality and the boundaries of confidentiality in a school.
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with required professional boundaries and codes of conduct.

Experience

• Experience of working with children and young as a Child Wellbeing Practitioner or as a Mental Health Practitioner in health or education settings.
• Experience in providing CBT based interventions for children and young people experiencing, mild to moderate anxiety, low mood and behavioural difficulties.
• Experience of making written referrals to Children’s Social Care, and following up as appropriate.
• Demonstrates high standards in written communication.
• Able to develop good therapeutic relationships with clients.
• Experience of working in mental health or social care or related services
• Ability to manage own caseload and time.

Qualities

• High level of enthusiasm and motivation.
• Ability to work within a team and foster good working relationships with colleagues inside and beyond the service.
• Ability to use supervision and personal development positively and effectively.
• Good organisational skills and a flexible adaptable approach in response to working in a fast-paced environment.
• Regard for others and respect for individual rights of autonomy and confidentiality. Tact, sensitivity, and the ability to handle confidential material with discretion.
• An ability to communicate succinctly, effectively, and attractively both orally and in writing.
• An interest in and empathy with the ethos and aims of independent education