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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Transform children's lives through bespoke therapy and collaborative support.
- Company: Compass Community prioritises children with a focus on integrity, courage, and care.
- Benefits: Meaningful work, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to healing and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children who have experienced trauma.
- Qualifications: Relevant degree, professional registration, and experience with children in care.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
About The Role
Are you a Life Changer? Do you want to lean in and transform the life of a child? Compass Community puts children first through our therapeutic, innovative approach. Integrity, Courage and Care shape how we work. We listen deeply, challenge each other and fix what needs fixing, together.
This role is for therapists who want more than a caseload; it is for those seeking meaningful and emotionally intelligent work and who understand the significance of working as a team.
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.
- 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
- 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.
Desirable
- 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 London employer: Compass Schools
Contact Detail:
Compass Schools Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Psychotherapist in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow therapists, educators, and professionals in the field. Attend workshops or webinars related to child therapy and trauma – you never know who might have a lead on a job or can offer valuable insights.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion during interviews! When you get that chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for transforming children's lives shine through. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your approach to therapy. Compass Community values creativity and responsiveness, so think about how you can demonstrate your understanding of bespoke, child-led interventions during your conversations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Compass Community team.
We think you need these skills to ace Psychotherapist in London
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 you believe in the power of relationships to heal and transform lives, so share your personal experiences or motivations that drive you to be a Life Changer.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application specifically to the role of Psychotherapist at Compass Community. Highlight your relevant qualifications, experience with children in care, and understanding of complex trauma. We love seeing how your skills align with our values of Integrity, Courage, and Care.
Be Clear and Concise: While we appreciate creativity, clarity is key! Ensure your therapeutic reports and application are clear and insightful. Use straightforward language to convey your thoughts, as this reflects your ability to produce meaningful case notes and reports in the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on being part of our community from the get-go!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Schools
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Assessing and Healing Complex Trauma (AHCT) approach. Brush up on attachment theory and complex trauma, as these are key to the role. Being able to discuss how you’ve applied these concepts in your previous work will show that you’re not just knowledgeable but also experienced.
✨Showcase Your Relational Skills
This role is all about building strong therapeutic relationships. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully connected with children and their support systems in the past. Highlight your ability to listen deeply and work collaboratively, as these qualities are essential for success at Compass Community.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations involving trauma or loss. Think through some scenarios beforehand and be ready to explain your thought process and the interventions you would use. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and your understanding of the complexities involved in therapy.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Compass Community values collaboration, so be sure to highlight your experience working within multidisciplinary teams. Discuss how you’ve contributed to team dynamics and supported colleagues in their professional development. Showing that you can work well with others will align perfectly with their ethos of integrity, courage, and care.