Child and Young Person Therapist

Overall purpose: To provide appropriate, professional and responsive therapeutic support to children (the children who have complex medical needs and/or their siblings) in 1:1 sessions through the integration of counselling with therapeutic creative and play skills.

Role responsibilities:

Children, who have been assessed by an experienced therapist from the project and with parental consent, will be referred to the Therapist who will:

· Work to The Maypole Project model of support for children and young people, providing therapeutic support through an integration of counselling with therapeutic creative and play

· Undertake The Maypole Project interview and initial training (20 hours)

· Attend a training update session at least once per annum

· Attend monthly group supervision (2 hours)

· Complete client notes and The Maypole Project paperwork as required

· Liaise with their supervisor or the Clinical Supervisor in case of questions/difficulties

· Follow The Maypole Project policies and guidelines at all times whilst volunteering

· Attend service-wide activities including family activity events and fundraising events

Also, they will be responsible to:

· Make contact with the client’s parent/guardian organising an initial 1:1 meeting with them to talk through the issues their child faces and agree the time, location and frequency of sessions in line with Maypole Support office guidelines/room availability where applicable.

· Set up and clear away play room that has been tailored to each individual client’s needs.

What skills do I need?

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS:

- Good general education

- Final year student on counselling or therapies course; including study of child development and child therapies

- Courses must be accredited by BACP, IATE, BAPT or approved equivalent and require the student to engage in personal therapy across one year

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:

- Experience in supporting children and/or young people

SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE:

- Good communication and interpersonal skills with all ages, focusing on children and young people

- Child and Family centred approach

ATTRIBUTES:

- Self-motivated

- Able to work flexibly

- Approachable

- Discreet, boundaried and able to adhere to confidentiality procedures

- Commitment to equal opportunities and a non-judgmental attitude

- Commitment to further training and personal development