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- Tasks: Support students' social, emotional, and behavioural needs in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join The Aurora Group, dedicated to transforming education for young autistic people.
- Benefits: Enjoy small classes, generous perks, and fully funded training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while collaborating with a clinical team.
- Qualifications: A passion for therapeutic approaches and experience with neurodivergent youth is essential.
- Other info: Be part of creating a new school culture that prioritises wellbeing and growth.
The predicted salary is between 22312 - 24100 £ per year.
Location: Horsham, West Sussex
Contract Type: Permanent, full-time
Hours: 40 hours per week
Actual Annual Salary: £26,390 - £28,821 dependant on qualifications and experience (hourly rate £14.77 - £16.13)
Start Date: September 2025
Aurora Vincent House School is opening a brand new SEND Secondary School in 2025 for young autistic people aged 11-16. Most of our students are working at around age expectations though may have gaps in their learning due to EBSNA. We provide a calm, safe and nurturing environment for our mixed cohort of girls and boys.
The Role: As a Thrive Practitioner, you would be directed by the school’s Clinical Psychologist in your support for the students' social, emotional and behavioural needs and central to supporting the overall THRIVE approach in the school. You will liaise closely with all staff and deliver strategies and interventions given by the clinical team with support from the SENCO. You will support or lead the learning and provide regular feedback to parents and other professionals.
Successful candidates are likely to demonstrate:
- A strong interest in therapeutic approaches
- Qualification in psychology
- Effective experience working with young people with mental health difficulties
- Resourcefulness, resilience and a growth mindset
- Previous training in TEAM TEACH and/or willingness to attend training
- A good level of education
Candidates must:
- Be a Thrive Practitioner already OR be willing to undergo the training.
- Have a good level of written and verbal English and general education as well as IT skills in order to support our students’ learning plus GCSE pass C or above (or 4 in new GCSE system) in English and Maths.
- Have the empathy and resilience to work with young people who may experience high anxiety and exhibit self-harming behaviours, ARFID and disordered eating, and a range of mental health difficulties.
- Be committed to becoming a neuro-informed and a neuro-affirmative practitioner.
- Be outstanding in their pastoral and safeguarding practice.
We offer:
- Small classes with the opportunity to establish strong relationships with all students.
- The time, support and training for you to prioritise safeguarding, pastoral care and the overall wellbeing of all students.
- The chance to work with, and learn from, an onsite clinical team including a Clinical Psychologist, OT and SaLT.
- Opportunities to be involved in research that will support our students and the wider neurodivergent community.
- A rare opportunity to be part of a team creating a new school and culture that will change the lives of many young people and their families.
Our priority is appointing a person with the right mindset, potential and pastoral approach. Be part of our successful team and benefit from a generous package that includes:
- Life assurance
- Enhanced Pension Scheme
- Perkbox - offering high street discounts.
- Employee assistance programme
- Car lease scheme
- Fully funded training and qualifications
- Bike to work scheme.
- Free membership to our Health cash back plan.
How to apply: Please complete an online application form in full, including all employment and education details. If you need any assistance or would like more information, please contact Liz in the Aurora Group Recruitment Team at liz.hudson@theauroragroup.co.uk.
Successful applicants will be subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks including an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Aurora Group is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions.
The Aurora Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children and young adults in our care and is a disability confident and equal opportunities employer.
THRIVE Practitioner employer: The Aurora-Group
Contact Detail:
The Aurora-Group Recruiting Team
liz.hudson@theauroragroup.co.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land THRIVE Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the THRIVE approach and its principles. Understanding how this therapeutic model works will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to supporting students' social, emotional, and behavioural needs.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of special educational needs (SEN). Attend local workshops or seminars related to neurodiversity and mental health to connect with others who may have insights or advice about the role and the school.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experiences working with neurodivergent young people. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported their learning and wellbeing, as this will highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research The Aurora Group and their values. Understanding their mission and vision will allow you to align your responses during the interview, showing that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the organisation's culture.
We think you need these skills to ace THRIVE Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the THRIVE Practitioner role. Familiarise yourself with the THRIVE approach and how it applies to supporting young people with social, emotional, and behavioural needs.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and qualifications that align with the job description. Emphasise any previous work with neurodivergent young people, therapeutic approaches, and your commitment to safeguarding and pastoral care.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for working with young people and your understanding of their needs. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your resourcefulness, resilience, and growth mindset, as well as your willingness to engage in continuous learning.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure that your written English is clear and professional, as this reflects your communication skills, which are crucial for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Aurora-Group
✨Show Your Passion for Therapeutic Approaches
Make sure to express your genuine interest in therapeutic methods during the interview. Discuss any relevant experiences or training you have that align with the THRIVE approach, as this will demonstrate your commitment to supporting students' social and emotional needs.
✨Highlight Your Experience with Neurodivergent Young People
Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've successfully supported neurodivergent individuals in the past. This could include strategies you've used or challenges you've overcome, showcasing your resourcefulness and resilience.
✨Emphasise Your Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves close collaboration with clinical teams and other staff, highlight your ability to work effectively in a team. Share instances where you've contributed to a positive team environment or worked alongside professionals to achieve common goals.
✨Prepare for Questions on Safeguarding and Pastoral Care
Expect questions related to safeguarding practices and your approach to pastoral care. Be ready to discuss your understanding of these areas and provide examples of how you've prioritised student wellbeing in previous roles.
