At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with complex needs through individual and group therapy.
- Company: Join SWAAY, a leader in specialised therapy for young people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private healthcare, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Enjoy a small caseload and access to specialist training and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Masters level qualification in therapy or Level 4 Counselling qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 43000 £ per year.
Salary: £36,000 - £43,000 per annum (depending on qualifications and experience)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Location: Wokingham/Binfield
Driving Licence: Required
Looking for a meaningful therapy role where you can support a small caseload, work as part of a multidisciplinary team and see the impact of your work every day? We would love to hear from you!
At SWAAY, you will work with a small caseload of approximately 6-8 young people who have experienced significant developmental trauma, attachment difficulties and complex emotional and behavioural needs. As a specialist provider, we support young people who have displayed harmful sexual behaviour. You will have the time, supervision and support to make a genuine difference and deliver meaningful, long-term change, in an environment where therapy is fully integrated into daily care.
As a Therapist at SWAAY, you will deliver individual and group therapeutic interventions for young people with complex needs. Working primarily from our office in Wokingham and school in Binfield, you will also occasionally travel to our residential homes in Bracknell, Reading and Farnborough. You will work closely with our residential and education teams to ensure therapy is embedded into every aspect of a young person's care.
As a Therapist, you will:
- Develop and deliver individual programmes based on assessments and case formulations and clinical guidance
- Be an active member of each young person's multidisciplinary core team
- Plan, deliver and evaluate evidence-based therapeutic group programmes
- Attend multidisciplinary meetings and work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure therapeutic consistency
- Complete clinical administration, record keeping and case documentation
To be a successful Therapist at SWAAY, you will have:
- A Masters level qualification in a relevant therapeutic discipline or a Level 4 Counselling qualification (or above)
- A recognised qualification in Integrative Counselling, Psychotherapy or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), with experience delivering therapeutic interventions
- Current registration or accreditation with a relevant professional body (e.g. HCPC, BACP, BABCP, UKCP)
- Experience working therapeutically with children and young people
- Experience supporting young people who have experienced complex trauma, attachment difficulties or other complex needs
- The ability to build strong therapeutic relationships with young people
- Knowledge or experience of attachment-informed practice, Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP), trauma-informed approaches or other evidence-based therapeutic models is desirable
Why Join SWAAY?
- A small caseload of approximately 6-8 young people, allowing you to provide high-quality, personalised support
- Regular supervision and reflective practice
- Specialist therapeutic training including trauma-informed and attachment-informed approaches, including Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP)
- Opportunities to attend both internal and external CPD events
- Private Healthcare
- Health Cash Scheme
- Confidential Employee Advice Programme providing wellbeing support, financial and legal advice, coaching and more
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Death in Service benefit
- Access to Blue Light Discount
- Length of Service Bonus
- Employee Referral Bonus
About SWAAY
For over 30 years, we have been committed to providing specialised, high-quality residential care, education and therapy for young males, aged 11-18 with developmental trauma and attachment difficulties who have displayed sexually harmful behaviour. Our work focuses on reducing risk, addressing complex needs and empowering young people to move forward into safe, responsible and fulfilling adult lives.
SWAAY is committed to safeguarding children. This position is subject to an enhanced DBS clearance and satisfactory references in line with safer recruitment practices.
Our success is built on those who work with us! SWAAY is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce, celebrating each individual's uniqueness.
SWAAY has a zero tolerance to any form of discrimination and harassment.
Weekend Therapist in Reading employer: SWAAY
At SWAAY, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to creating a nurturing environment for both our young residents and our staff. Located in Farnborough, our 5-bed children's home offers a supportive work culture that emphasises professional growth through fully funded training opportunities, including the NVQ Level 5 Diploma in Leadership. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying a stable work schedule with a rolling rota that promotes work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Weekend Therapist in Reading
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at SWAAY. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like SWAAY.
We think you need these skills to ace Weekend Therapist in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for SWAAY:Take some time to research SWAAY and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at SWAAY
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for SWAAY's values and approach.
