Art Therapist

The Hawthorns School; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A special educational institution in Chelmsford is seeking an Art Therapist to contribute to the holistic education of pupils with autism. As part of a dedicated team, you will develop and implement therapeutic programs promoting social communication and emotional regulation. We value resilience, collaboration, and a proactive approach in ensuring pupils achieve their personal and academic goals. Join us for a rewarding opportunity in a purpose-built environment that prioritizes wellbeing and professional development.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Supportive work environment

Focus on wellbeing

Qualifications

• Experience with children and young people with autism is preferred.
• Ability to work as part of a team and also independently.
• Flexibility in working arrangements, particularly in a term-time context.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement art therapy programs for pupils.
• Support pupils in developing social communication and emotional regulation.
• Collaborate with teaching and support staff to enhance the educational experience.

Skills

Professional demeanor

Organized and efficient

Confident support for individuals and groups

Proactive and caring

Excellent communication skills

Collaboration

Education

HCPC registered

Job description

We have already established a therapeutic, dedicated, tight‑knit and supportive team who prioritise the needs of the pupils through an evolving curriculum with the development of social communication at its core. However, we have an opportunity for an Art Therapist to join our team.

• Professional, confidential and calm
• Organised, efficient and solution focused
• Confident supporting individuals and groups
• Proactive, caring and positive with people
• Keen to learn and share your expertise
• An excellent communicator and collaborator
• HCPC registered

This is a unique opportunity to join us in developing a school that provides a holistic education and environment for pupils autism, appropriate for their specific needs. At Hawthorns, pupils are supported to achieve a range of individual, personal and academic goals by a team of teaching, support and therapy staff. We are committed to developing pupil achievement through the aims of personal growth, participation and preparation for adulthood.

We are looking for resilient and collaborative team members to join our school community who work hard, have a desire to learn, are adaptable and have a 'can do' attitude. If you are someone who embraces a challenge and has a sense of humour we would love to meet you.

The role is designed to help us provide the correct, sympathetic environment our pupils need and to develop our professional skills. Ultimately we are looking for term‑time working, but we may be flexible. We can offer you professional fulfilment, development, care, attention to wellbeing and a lot of fun!

The Hawthorns is one of a community of Special Schools, supported by the well‑established and highly regarded SEAX Trust. SEAX respects and trusts each school to evolve its unique identity, whilst providing layers of support and networking at all professional levels. Together, in close partnership with Essex Local Authority, The Hawthorns School could not be in a better position to continue fulfilling its aims of personal growth, participation and preparation. The Hawthorns School opened its doors in January 2023 for children with autism. We are now in our beautiful purpose‑built school in the heart of Chelmsford and are extending our provision for KS3 and KS4 pupils.

The provision at the school caters for pupils who have a diagnosis of autism and offers a full‑time education with a focus on social communication, emotional regulation and relationship‑building while, at the same time, offering a broad and balanced range of curriculum subjects, including literacy and numeracy.

Pupils will be aged 7-16 and will have an EHCP. There will be ten residential places available for pupils from Monday to Thursday each school week. These will be managed by the school and will enhance the day curriculum offer.

We have established a school which embodies the ethos, vision and values of the SEAX Trust and the other schools in the Trust (Thriftwood School & College, Langham Oaks School, Grove House School and Kingswode Hoe School).

The Hawthorns' mission:
Our mission is to provide a personalised and imaginative curriculum designed to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding to build the basis for a purposeful and fulfilling adult life for young people with autism. Through outstanding teaching and secure relationships, pupils will gain the confidence to communicate effectively, acquire appropriate accreditation for next steps forward, learn core skills for life, develop healthy relationships, self‑advocate, contribute to their community and keep themselves safe.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.