Play Therapist

Gesher School is a twice Ofsted Outstanding independent all-through school providing a specialist, meaningful and functional learning environment for young people with mild to moderate special educational needs. This includes Autism, ADHD, Dyspraxia, Down’s Syndrome and MLD.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, creative, and passionate Play Therapist to join our therapy team at Gesher School. At Gesher School, creative psychotherapy is integrated throughout the school week for all students, following a trans-disciplinary and holistic therapeutic approach.

The Therapy team is currently comprised of:

• 3 Speech & Language Therapists
• 3 Occupational Therapists
• 1 Dramatherapist
• 1 Art Psychotherapist
• Therapy Assistant
• Family Support Worker

You will work in close partnership with your fellow Therapists, the SENDCO Team, Teaching and Support staff, and families/carers to help our children reach their full potential and support them in accessing all areas of the curriculum. The Therapy team at Gesher work onsite on a full-time basis (or part-time equivalent), and utilise a three-tiered approach: Universal (for all), Targeted (for small groups), and Specialist (for individuals).

The role features relevant training, support and supervision alongside paid school holidays, dedicated administrative time and enhanced CPD opportunities. You will be a fully integrated and integral member of the whole school team.

The successful Therapist will:

• Plan, deliver and evaluate 1:1, paired and group evidence-based therapy interventions; to support the development of social, emotional, and mental health needs in order to enable children’s learning, engagement and relationships.
• Deliver SEMH/social communication recommendations on students Educational Healthcare Plans (EHCP) and contribute to the Annual Review/ EHCP process.
• Demonstrate a willingness to work flexibly within the therapeutic boundaries of the profession in line with the Gesher School model of integrated therapy.
• Develop effective working relationships with school staff and liaise regularly regarding implementation of programmes, provision of in class support and suggest advice and strategies.
• Plan and deliver staff training and parent workshops to support the ongoing development of social-emotional and creative-expressive skills.
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently, and as part of a team, under the supervision of a senior Creative Psychotherapist.

We offer fantastic opportunities to develop your skills as a practitioner within an innovative, supportive and collaborative team environment. Some of our benefits include:

• Regular clinical supervision and the support of an onsite therapy team
• Half day admin day which can be taken at home
• Paid half-day Friday closure in the winter months
• 12 weeks of paid holidays plus (pro rata) plus paid extra Jewish holidays throughout the year
• Additional days off awarded following long service
• Monthly well-being events and inset days

You will join a supportive staff team where teamwork, flexibility and a positive personality are essential attributes.

To be successful you must have the following:

• Postgraduate qualification in Play Therapy.
• Registered member of HCPC (Health Care Professions Council) or registration in process.
• Experience working as a paediatric therapist, and/or experience working in a school setting (desirable but not essential).
• An understanding of creative psychotherapy processes/interventions in a school setting (desirable but not essential).
• Excellent communication, organisation and time management skills.
• A willingness to become involved in all aspects of school life and culture, e.g. clubs, school festivals and social events, parent meetings, etc.
• The ability to work well as part of a collaborative team.