Creative Arts Therapist - HCPC Registered in Bradford

We are seeking a compassionate HCPC-registered creative arts psychotherapist such as an arts therapist, dramatherapist or music therapist to join our team for one day per week to deliver therapeutic support through our in school support Project HOPE. This is an opportunity to be part of a small but ambitious organisation that places relationships, compassion, and community at the heart of everything we do, while working alongside a supportive team dedicated to improving outcomes for children, young people, and families. This position will initially be one day per week; however, there is strong potential for increased hours and days for the right candidate. Joining our small but fast-growing charity offers an exciting opportunity to develop alongside the organisation.

Project HOPE is a school based project offering therapy sessions as one-to-one or group work, making arts-based psychotherapy accessible to those who need it most. Project HOPE offers a creative lifeline for children who’ve encountered four or more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and experienced or witnessed domestic abuse. It steps in where other local services can’t, providing support now and preparing children and young people for future life challenges. We understand the emotional demands of therapeutic work and are committed to supporting practitioners to deliver high-quality, ethical, and sustainable practice. The successful candidate will receive regular clinical supervision and will have access to peer support, reflective discussions, and opportunities for ongoing professional development. Newly qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, as we are happy to consider both those starting their careers and experienced professionals within the field.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Therapeutic Delivery
  • Deliver one-to-one and small group arts-based therapeutic interventions to secondary school-aged young people.
  • Develop and facilitate creative therapeutic sessions tailored to the individual needs of participants.
  • Build safe, trusting, and therapeutic relationships with young people experiencing complex trauma.
  • Support young people to develop emotional regulation, resilience, self-awareness, and positive coping strategies.
• Assessment and Planning
  • Undertake initial assessments and contribute to identifying appropriate therapeutic support.
  • Develop therapeutic goals and intervention plans in collaboration with young people and relevant professionals.
  • Monitor progress and adapt interventions as required.
• Multi-Agency Working
  • Work closely with school staff, pastoral teams, safeguarding leads, and project partners to ensure a joined-up approach to supporting young people.
  • Attend relevant meetings and contribute professional insight where appropriate or share relevant information with the manager to attend on your behalf.
• Safeguarding and Risk Management
  • Maintain a thorough understanding of organisational and national safeguarding procedures and statutory responsibilities.
  • Identify and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns, following organisational and school policies.
  • Maintain accurate and confidential records in line with GDPR and professional standards.
• Monitoring and Evaluation
  • Maintain appropriate case notes and outcome measures.
  • Contribute to project reporting, evaluation, and impact measurement.
  • Support the collection of feedback and evidence demonstrating project outcomes.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• MA Qualified Creative Arts Therapist (Art Therapist, Dramatherapist, Music Therapist, or equivalent HCPC-recognised profession).
• Experience working therapeutically with children and young people.
• Experience supporting individuals who have experienced trauma, adversity, or significant emotional challenges.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed practice.
• Knowledge of safeguarding procedures relating to children and young people.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Desirable Experience

• Experience working within schools or educational settings.
• Experience delivering both individual and group therapeutic interventions.
• Understanding of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and their impact on development.
• Experience working within multi-disciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of local support services and referral pathways.

Personal Qualities

• Compassionate, empathetic, and non-judgemental.
• Calm and emotionally resilient.
• Creative and adaptable in therapeutic practice.
• Able to build trust and engage young people who may be reluctant to access support.
• Strong professional boundaries and ethical practice.
• Committed to promoting the voice, wellbeing, and potential of young people.

This role involves working directly with children and young people and is subject to an enhanced DBS check with barred list clearance. The successful candidate will be expected to adhere to all safeguarding, confidentiality, and data protection policies and procedures.