Schools Practitioner

Compass-uk.org; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

27 days holiday + bank holidays (pro R

Life assurance

Pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Learning & development opportunities

Annual salary review

Job summary

Compass is seeking a Schools Practitioner for the North Birmingham team to help improve mental health and wellbeing in schools. You will work with children and young people and collaborate with educators to create supportive, mentally healthy learning environments.

You will provide sessions, group activities and family support while mentoring trainees and Education Mental Health Practitioners to strengthen services across partner agencies.

Qualifications

• 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

Responsibilities

• Support children and young people through one-to-one sessions, group work and family support
• Work closely with teachers and school staff to create mentally healthy learning environments
• Mentor Education Mental Health Practitioners and trainees, sharing expertise with schools and partner agencies
• Contribute to shaping an inclusive, compassionate and effective service

Skills

Empathy

Resilience

Communication

Lead and delegate

IT proficiency

Family engagement

Risk assessment

Supervision

Driving licence

Education

Core professional qualification (Arts Therapy, OT, Education Mental Health Practice, Children’s Wellbeing Practice, Psychological Wellbeing Practice, Social Work or Nursing)

Tools

IT proficiency

Job description

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 your empathy, creativity and professional skills to help children and young people find their voice, overcome challenges and achieve their potential.

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.

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.

We offer a range of benefits including:

• 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
• Excellent learning & development opportunities and career progression
• Annual salary review