At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver bespoke therapy to children, building strong therapeutic relationships and collaborating with care teams.
- Company: Compass Community, dedicated to transforming children's lives through meaningful relationships.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £37,120, professional development, and supportive team environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration across various teams.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children who have experienced trauma and loss.
- Qualifications: Relevant degree, professional registration, and 3+ years experience with children in care.
The predicted salary is between 37120 - 37120 £ per year.
Salary up to £37,120 D.O.E
Are you a Life changer? Do you believe in the power of relationships to heal and transform the life of a child? At Compass Community, children come first – always. Our work is shaped by Integrity, Courage and Care, and driven by a shared belief that relationships heal and systems matter. We listen deeply, challenge thoughtfully and work together to fix what needs fixing.
Why this role matters
As a Compass Psychotherapist, you will help change life trajectories for children and young people who have experienced trauma, loss and disruption. Using our Assessing and Healing Complex Trauma (AHCT) approach, you will deliver bespoke needs-led therapy as every child’s healing journey is different. In recognition that the invisible and visible effects of trauma manifest in differing ways, therapy is creative, responsive and inclusive where needed. Working collaboratively with the adults who care for our children is a vital and dynamic part of the healing process. This is a relational role at heart – working not only with children, but with the system around them to create safety, security, belonging and trust.
What you’ll be doing
- Deliver individual therapy, assessments and bespoke interventions for a caseload of around 16 children and young people.
- Build strong, attuned therapeutic relationships that support attachment, emotional regulation and recovery from trauma.
- Produce clear, insightful therapeutic reports (initial 12-week assessment and 6 monthly reviews).
- Work collaboratively with foster carers, residential staff, education teams, families and professionals as part of a Team Around the Child.
- Attend and contribute to multi-disciplinary and TAC meetings.
- Facilitate Reflective Practice / Reflective Process Groups for residential and education staff.
- Offer up to three individual support sessions to foster carers during periods of stress (e.g. allegations, bereavement, placement instability).
- Contribute to staff and carer training aligned with your specialisms.
- Champion and actively contribute to our GRACE Inclusion ethos.
Being part of the wider Therapeutic Team
- Support the collaborative working with Independent Therapists.
- Contribute to Practice & Process meetings, including safeguarding, communication and case discussion.
- Support quality assurance of therapist reports and assessments.
- Share knowledge and curiosity – helping embed therapeutic and inclusion-led thinking across Compass.
- Actively participate in at least one GRACE group.
- Guide and encourage the professional development of colleagues with sensitivity and respect.
How we work therapeutically
Therapy is bespoke, creative, and child-led, informed by AHCT, attachment theory and complex trauma. Interventions may include verbal therapy, play, art, sensory and relational approaches. We work systemically – adapting the therapy space where needed to support safety, trust and engagement. Sessions are weekly (45–50 minutes plus recording), with concise, meaningful case notes uploaded promptly.
Safeguarding & professionalism
Safeguarding children is paramount and underpins everything we do. Concerns must be shared promptly and appropriately in line with Compass and Local Authority procedures. You will receive regular clinical and operational supervision and are expected to remain reflective and engaged in CPD. You must maintain registration with your relevant professional body.
What you’ll bring
Essential- Relevant degree and professional qualification.
- Registration with an appropriate professional body.
- Minimum 3 years post-qualification experience, with strong experience of children in care.
- Excellent understanding of complex trauma and attachment.
- Sound knowledge of childcare legislation and safeguarding frameworks.
- A warm, reflective, resilient approach and confidence working systemically.
- Experience contributing to services striving for Good/Outstanding Ofsted.
- Experience delivering reflective practice, training or supervision.
This job description is not exhaustive and may evolve in line with service needs. Flexibility and travel across Compass Community sites are required.
Psychotherapist in Kidderminster employer: Compass Community
Contact Detail:
Compass Community Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Psychotherapist in Kidderminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the field of psychotherapy. Attend workshops, seminars, or even local meet-ups. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about job openings before they’re advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your experience with children and trauma. Include case studies (anonymised, of course) and any creative approaches you've used. This will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or colleagues. Focus on articulating your therapeutic approach and how you build relationships with children and their support systems. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from passionate candidates. Tailor your application to reflect our values of integrity, courage, and care, and show us how you can contribute to our mission of changing lives.
We think you need these skills to ace Psychotherapist in Kidderminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for helping children shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives and how your values align with ours at Compass Community.
Be Specific: Use specific examples from your experience to demonstrate your skills and understanding of complex trauma and attachment. We love seeing how you've made an impact in previous roles, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the role of Psychotherapist. Highlight your relevant qualifications and experiences that directly relate to the job description. This shows us you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we appreciate a friendly tone, remember to keep it professional. Share your story and approach to therapy in a way that reflects your personality, but also maintains the professionalism expected in this field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Community
✨Know Your Trauma Theories
Make sure you brush up on your understanding of complex trauma and attachment theory. Be ready to discuss how these concepts inform your therapeutic approach, especially in relation to children and young people.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
This role is all about teamwork! Prepare examples of how you've worked with other professionals, like foster carers or education teams, to create a supportive environment for children. Highlight your experience in multi-disciplinary settings.
✨Prepare for Reflective Practice
Since reflective practice is key in this role, think about how you can facilitate it. Be ready to share your experiences leading reflective groups or training sessions, and how you’ve helped others grow in their roles.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Safeguarding
Safeguarding is paramount, so come prepared to discuss your understanding of childcare legislation and safeguarding frameworks. Share specific instances where you’ve acted promptly on concerns, showcasing your professionalism and dedication.