Schools Practitioner

Compass Birmingham MHST; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

27 days holiday + bank holidays

Life assurance at 2 x basic salary

Pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Enhanced sick pay

Learning & development opportunities

Annual salary review

Job summary

Compass Birmingham MHST is seeking a Schools Practitioner to join the North Birmingham team and help pupils feel safe, heard and supported. You’ll work across schools providing 1:1 sessions, group work and family support to children with mild to moderate mental health needs, in collaboration with teachers and staff.

You will bring a core professional qualification, at least two years’ therapeutic experience with children, strong safeguarding skills and the ability to supervise colleagues.

Qualifications

• A core professional qualification in Arts Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Education Mental Health Practice or related field.
• At least two years’ experience of working therapeutically with children and young people.
• Confidence in risk assessment and safeguarding practice.
• Experience providing clinical supervision or staff support.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to engage with families.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Support children and young people through one-to-one sessions, group work and family support.
• Collaborate with teachers and school staff to create mentally healthy learning environments.
• Mentor Education Mental Health Practitioners and trainees.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Risk assessment

Education

Arts/OT/Education MH qualification

Job description

About The Role

Imagine walking into a school where young people feel confident to talk about their worries, because you’ve helped create that environment. This is the impact you’ll have as a Schools Practitioner with our North Birmingham team. You’ll join a passionate and supportive team working across schools to improve the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people, helping them access the right support at the right time. The role is open to Arts Therapists, Occupational Therapists and other professionals with the relevant qualifications and experience outlined in the person specification. No two days are the same. You will support children and young people experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties through one to one sessions, group work and family support. You’ll work closely with teachers and school staff to create mentally healthy learning environments where pupils can grow in confidence and thrive. You will also support and mentor Education Mental Health Practitioners and trainees, sharing your expertise with schools, families and partner agencies to help shape an inclusive, compassionate and effective service. This role is perfect for someone who wants to use their empathy, creativity and professional skills to help children and young people find their voice, overcome challenges and achieve their potential.

Interested? We’d love to see your application!

About You

You are someone who cares deeply about the wellbeing of children and young people and wants to use your professional skills to help every pupil feel safe, supported and able to thrive.

To succeed in this role, you will bring:

• A core professional qualification, for example Arts Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Education Mental Health Practice, Children’s Wellbeing Practice, Psychological Wellbeing Practice, Social Work or Nursing
• At least two years’ experience of working therapeutically with children and young people
• Confidence in risk assessment and safeguarding practice
• Experience of providing clinical supervision or staff support
• Skills in engaging with families and carers to build strong relationships
• The ability to lead, delegate and adapt when priorities change
• Proficiency in IT and commitment to evidence based practice and data collection
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to connect with children and young people
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle

It would also be great if you have experience of working in schools or community settings, delivering cognitive behavioural therapy informed supervision, or a postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline. These are not essential.

Above all, we are looking for someone with empathy, resilience and the belief that every child deserves the chance to be heard and supported.

If this sounds like you, we would love to see the impact you could bring to our team.

About Us

Compass is committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults. Established for over 30 years, Compass is a national charity which works in communities across the UK providing services spanning substance misuse treatment and rehabilitation, early interventions for vulnerable young people, school-aged health programmes and associated prevention as well as treatment and health promotion initiatives.

All Compass posts are subject to appropriate level DBS checks.

We positively encourage applications from all members of the community, regardless of gender, race, faith, disability, age, or sexual orientation, and encourage applications from people who have experiences in life which enrich skills and empathy. This is part of our commitment to equality and developing a truly inclusive and representative workforce.

We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments individuals may require in the recruitment process, on commencement, or once in post.

Benefits

• 27 days holiday + bank holidays, rising to 32 days over time (pro rata)
• Life assurance at 2 x basic salary
• Competitive contributory pension scheme
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and OH service
• Enhanced sick pay
• Excellent learning & development opportunities and career progression
• Annual salary review

Help us to make a positive change to the lives of children and young people!

Closing Date: 01.10.2026

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