At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support students' emotional and personal development in a therapeutic school environment.
- Company: Join a passionate team at Compass Community Schools, dedicated to trauma-informed education.
- Benefits: Enjoy ongoing training, career progression, wellbeing support, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Part-time role with strong career pathways and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while growing your skills in a supportive community.
- Qualifications: Experience in pastoral care and knowledge of therapeutic interventions is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About The Role
Deadline for Applications: 31/07/26
Interview Date: TBC
Who we are
Our children come from a wide range of backgrounds, but all have Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH). Many will also have other Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) such as Autism, ADHD, and communication difficulties. The work we do is both varied and challenging and, as a trauma and attachment informed organisation, all staff are provided with extensive therapeutic training and support. Our closely triangulated approach places the child at the centre of decision making, ensuring that education and therapy professionals, parents/carers, local authority teams and, most importantly, our students can work together to secure outstanding outcomes for all.
The Role
We are a therapeutic school and believe in a healing approach to supporting and modifying challenging behaviour. Our Therapeutic Pastoral Lead needs to embody, lead and facilitate this in our schools by working holistically. Therapeutic Pastoral Leads work within our leadership group in school as a key member of the local leadership team. They are co-managed by Regional SENCOs and the Therapeutic Development Manager. We view this position as an integral role within our school community and, as such, we are looking for someone with capacity and skills to work at this level.
The successful candidate will be calm and sensitive at times of potential dysregulation and they will be experienced in de-escalation, having a working and practical knowledge of key theories and frameworks of interventions which will emotionally support children. The successful applicant will receive Continued Professional Development training (CPD) in our Assessing and Healing Childhood Trauma (AHCT) approach and, in turn, promote and enable all education staff to fully understand how this supports students in our care. You will run meaningful intervention groups with young people and role-model application of therapeutic interactions and best practice. This role is a part-time role of working 2 days a week.
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
- The pastoral, SMSC, Socio-Emotional resilience and personal development of students.
- Assessment, monitoring, reporting upon, and supporting the overall holistic progress and personal development of students.
- Ensuring that safeguarding is paramount and safeguarding policies are adhered to.
- Contributing to the annual School Improvement Plan and School Evaluation Form.
- Maintaining knowledge of, and taking shared responsibility for, the SMSC and Personal Development elements of the Independent School Standards and the Ofsted Inspection framework, working to promote these on a day to day basis.
Benefits and Rewards
As a trauma-informed organisation, all our staff are provided with extensive therapeutic training and support. With Compass Community Schools, you’ll be part of a passionate team of professionals, benefitting from:
- Training – Ongoing free training and therapeutic workshops which account for high levels of CPD hours.
- Career Progression – As Therapeutic Services is continuing to expand there are strong career pathways both within our team and within the wider Compass organisation.
- Peer group supervision – therapeutic & clinical supporting your CPD growth.
- Inclusion – Membership of GRACE (Group and Regional Ambassadors Committed to Equality) inclusion reflective weekly group.
- Wellbeing – Access to confidential therapeutic wellbeing sessions within our Therapeutic Services team.
- Engagement conferences – Two per year with the national Therapeutic Services team to continue to develop your theoretical knowledge and sense of belonging. Accommodation & DBB provided.
- Awards – The chance to win up to £150 in vouchers every month from our company REACH Awards and monthly vouchers within Therapeutic Services.
- Medicash – Receive cashback for various medical and wellbeing appointments and treatments.
- Annual Leave – 8 weeks annual leave.
- Length of Service bonus – Receive £200 (2 years), £400 (5 years) and £600 (10 years) service awards, plus up to £500 special recognition award for outstanding practice.
We regularly review applications and reserve the right to close an advert early if we identify suitable candidates.
Safeguarding
Compass Community Schools are highly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff will be expected to hold or be willing to obtain Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau) and undergo due diligence checks on social media use. All school-based staff have the responsibility for promoting the safeguarding and welfare of children. All school staff should be aware of the school’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and work in accordance with this document at all times.
Equal Opportunity
Compass is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. As we continue to grow, we know that we must have the most talented employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences to support our children and young people.
Therapeutic Pastoral Lead in Bentley employer: Compass Schools
Compass Schools is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment where your contributions directly impact the wellbeing of students and staff. With a strong emphasis on professional development, we offer numerous growth opportunities in the field of school catering, alongside competitive benefits that prioritise work-life balance. Join us in creating nutritious meals in a vibrant educational setting that values safety and quality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Therapeutic Pastoral Lead in Bentley
✨Get Involved in Local Mental Health Initiatives
Join local mental health organisations and initiatives to immerse yourself in the community. Volunteering at workshops or support groups can not only boost your experience but also help you make valuable connections that might lead to part-time roles. It’s all about getting your name out there!
✨Attend Networking Events and Workshops
Keep an eye on workshops and networking events specifically for therapy and counselling professionals. These gatherings are prime opportunities to meet potential employers, hear about job openings, and engage in meaningful conversations with industry peers. Who knows who you might bump into!
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a professional online presence highlighting your counselling approach and experiences. Consider starting a blog or sharing insights on social media about therapy methods. This can attract attention from local companies like Compass Schools who are looking for someone like you for their part-time needs.
✨Directly Approach Local Clinics
Don't be shy about reaching out directly to clinics or counselling practices in your area. Many part-time roles are filled without ever being advertised. A friendly email introducing yourself and expressing interest in potential opportunities at Compass Schools can sometimes lead to the job you’ve been dreaming of!
We think you need these skills to ace Therapeutic Pastoral Lead in Bentley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Compassionate Side:In the therapy and counselling professions, it's crucial to convey your empathy and understanding in your application. Your CV should highlight any relevant volunteer work or experience in helping roles. Let’s face it, potential employers want to see that you can connect with clients, so showcase those soft skills front and centre!
Include Your Credentials:For a part-time role in therapy or counselling, it’s essential to demonstrate your qualifications. Make sure to include any degrees, certifications, or workshops that are relevant to the position. If you’ve completed specific training in mental health or counselling techniques, don’t skip those; they can set you apart from others.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Your cover letter is the perfect place to express your interest in working part-time and highlight your passion for helping others. Talk about why you’re drawn to Compass Schools and how the part-time role fits into your career path. We're looking for a genuine connection, so let your personality shine through!
Availability Matters:Since this is a part-time role, clearly outline your availability in your application. Be honest about the hours you can commit, and consider mentioning if you have any flexibility. This helps Compass Schools see how you can fit into their schedule and be a valuable addition to the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Schools
✨Know Your Theoretical Frameworks
It's crucial for us to brush up on the therapy techniques and theoretical frameworks relevant to this field. Be prepared to discuss how you apply them in practice—think about specific case studies from your training that highlight your approach. This not only shows your understanding but also helps you connect with your potential clients at Compass Schools.
✨Practice Your Active Listening Skills
Since we're diving into therapy and counselling, active listening is our bread and butter. You might face role-play scenarios during the interview, so make sure to showcase your ability to listen and respond empathetically. Demonstrating this skill can make all the difference in how we're perceived as future therapists.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility With Clients
In a part-time role, we often deal with a diverse client base, so it’s important to showcase our adaptability. Be ready to discuss how you can tailor your therapeutic approach to fit different client needs. Sharing any past experiences—whether from internships or coursework—will provide great insights to Compass Schools about your versatility.
✨Prepare Your Questions on Working with Diverse Populations
Part-time roles can sometimes mean working with a variety of clients from different backgrounds. Think of specific questions to ask about how Compass Schools supports inclusivity and handles diverse cases. This not only highlights your interest but also shows that you’ve thought ahead about client dynamics and your role within them.
