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- Tasks: Lead and manage mental health services for students, families, and staff.
- Company: Dawn House School supports children with complex speech and language challenges.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, term-time work, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young people's lives in an outstanding school.
- Qualifications: Relevant degree, professional registration, and 5+ years in mental health services.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to fostering communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 44578 - 49206 £ per year.
Job Title: Specialist Mental Health Lead Practitioner
Location: Dawn House School, Rainworth, Nottinghamshire
Salary: £44,578 – £49,206, Speech and Language UK’s Therapy Pay Band T5.1 – T5.5
Working pattern: full time, 35 hours per week, term time plus 3 weeks during the school closure period.
Start Date: March / April 2025 (ASAP)
Role Overview
Dawn House School is seeking a Specialist Mental Health Lead Practitioner to lead and manage our integrated mental health and wellbeing service.
Key Responsibilities
- Be the driving force behind the mental health and wellbeing services, supporting students, families, and staff.
- Lead innovative programs and evidence-based interventions tailored to individual needs.
- Provide expert advice to senior leaders, shaping the future of mental health services.
- Foster strong relationships with external agencies, ensuring the best outcomes for our students.
What we are looking for
- Qualifications: A relevant degree and professional registration (e.g., BABCP, HCPC), plus post-qualification experience in mental health.
- Skills: Expertise in therapeutic interventions, leadership, and multi-agency collaboration.
- Experience: At least 5 years post-qualification with a background in mental health services for children and young people.
About Us
Dawn House, a Speech and Language UK school, is a day and residential school dedicated to supporting children with complex speech and language challenges. We provide integrated education, therapy, and care to pupils aged 5-19. Our school has been rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted and offers a collaborative, child-centred environment with communication at its heart. Join our passionate and dynamic team, where we give young people the communication skills they need to face the future with confidence. Visit our website here.
How to Apply
For informal enquiries or visits to school please contact Andrea Robinson, Head of Therapy and Assessment Service on andrea.robinson@dawnhouse.org.uk
The closing date for this vacancy is 9am on Monday 27th January 2025 with interviews taking place w/c 10th February 2025.
Have a look at our application pack to find out more about this opportunity and the difference you can make to children’s lives.
To apply please complete the application form (application pack attached) and send this to Catherine Ingram, School Business Administrator catherine.ingram@dawnhouse.org.uk
Accessibility Support
We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment process is accessible to everyone. If you require any adjustments or need to apply in a different format, please contact our People Team at hr@speechandlanguage.org.uk and we will be happy to assist you.
We are a Disability Confident Committed employer. Find out what this means here
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and we carry out safer recruitment principles, as well as appropriate vetting and verifications on all school staff.
In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education the successful candidate’s employment is subject to an enhanced DBS and barred list check. All shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online search covering content that is in the public domain.
A copy of our Safeguarding policy can be found here: School Safeguarding Policy
Specialist Mental Health Lead Practitioner employer: Speech and Language UK
Contact Detail:
Speech and Language UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Mental Health Lead Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific mental health challenges faced by children and young people. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise during interviews and show that you understand the unique needs of the students at Dawn House School.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of mental health, especially those who work with children. Attend relevant workshops or conferences to build connections and gain insights that could be beneficial for your application and future role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss innovative programs and evidence-based interventions you've implemented in the past. Highlighting your leadership experience and successful collaborations with external agencies will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Dawn House School's values and mission. Understanding their approach to integrated education and therapy will allow you to align your responses during the interview, showcasing how you can contribute to their outstanding reputation.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Mental Health Lead Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Specialist Mental Health Lead Practitioner position. Understand the key responsibilities and qualifications required, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasize your post-qualification experience in mental health services, particularly with children and young people. Provide specific examples of your leadership and therapeutic intervention skills.
Craft a Strong Personal Statement: Write a compelling personal statement that reflects your passion for mental health and wellbeing. Discuss how your values align with those of Dawn House School and how you can contribute to their mission.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you complete the application form as outlined in the job posting. Double-check that you have included all necessary documents and sent your application to the correct email address before the deadline.
How to prepare for a job interview at Speech and Language UK
✨Show Your Passion for Mental Health
Make sure to express your genuine passion for mental health and wellbeing during the interview. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to supporting children and young people in this area.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or initiatives in the past. Discuss specific programs or interventions you have implemented and the positive outcomes they achieved, showcasing your leadership capabilities.
✨Highlight Collaborative Experience
Since the role involves multi-agency collaboration, be ready to discuss your experience working with external agencies. Provide examples of how you’ve built strong relationships and worked together to achieve the best outcomes for students.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
Anticipate scenario-based questions related to mental health challenges in a school setting. Think through your approach to various situations, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and ability to tailor interventions to individual needs.
