At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in building social and emotional skills through one-to-one and group sessions.
- Company: The Harbour School, dedicated to transforming lives of pupils facing challenges.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a real difference, professional development, and supportive team environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role requiring patience, creativity, and a sense of humour.
- Why this job: Be the reason a young person takes their next brave step and finds their confidence.
- Qualifications: Experience with children or young people with SEMH needs and NVQ Level 4 or equivalent.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Actual location: The Bridge Campus, PO6 3LP. Access to a car and UK driving licence with business insurance essential.
Have you ever seen a young person make the smallest step forward and realised just how much it meant to them… and to you? Those moments don’t happen by accident. They happen because someone cared enough to show up, stay patient, and see the young person behind the behaviour. At The Harbour School, you’ll work with pupils who haven’t had an easy path. Many have faced disrupted education, difficult experiences or emotional challenges that would overwhelm most adults. Some arrive anxious or withdrawn; others come with hope but without the tools to steady themselves. And yet – with the right support – they grow, reconnect and often surprise themselves. Some days will be lively and unpredictable; others will call for deep calm, empathy and resilience. But between the challenging moments come the ones that stay with you:
- A pupil who hasn’t attended school in months choosing to try again.
- A teenager who normally shuts down making eye contact… then speaking.
- A young parent finding their confidence and taking one brave next step.
- A pupil managing a tough moment in a way that once felt impossible.
These moments may look small from the outside, but to us, they’re huge – and they’re why we do this work. If you’re looking for a role where relationships matter, where progress comes in many forms, and where your presence can genuinely change a young person’s direction, this might be exactly where you make your difference.
What you’ll do:
- Support pupils one‑to‑one or in small groups to build social, emotional and behavioural skills.
- Deliver planned interventions for pupils and families in mainstream schools across Portsmouth.
- Help young people manage difficult moments with calmness, safety and compassion.
- Create a nurturing, predictable environment where pupils can try, fail, reflect and try again.
- Support reintegration into mainstream settings.
- Work alongside skilled teachers who plan learning that builds over time with regular feedback.
- Weave reading, communication and confidence‑building into daily activities.
- Keep clear, thoughtful records and work closely with colleagues, families and partner agencies.
- Bring warmth, patience, creativity and flexibility to days that don’t always follow the plan.
Who you are:
- Calm, steady and kind – able to stay grounded even when a young person is struggling.
- Someone with experience supporting children or young people with SEMH needs, in any relevant setting.
- A clear, sensitive communicator who can work with pupils, families and professionals, and who can hold firm, respectful boundaries.
- Someone with NVQ Level 4 (or equivalent) or strong, relevant experience, and a commitment to ongoing professional development.
- Resilient, empathetic, organised and reflective – with the ability to adapt, travel between settings and manage your time well.
- And above all, someone with warmth, hope and a sense of humour… because those are the things that make the biggest difference here.
Pupil & Family Practitioner employer: The Harbour School
At The Harbour School, located at The Bridge Campus, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and professional growth, allowing you to develop your skills while working alongside passionate colleagues who share your commitment to nurturing and empowering pupils facing challenges. With a focus on empathy, resilience, and creativity, you'll find that every day brings rewarding opportunities to make a difference in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pupil & Family Practitioner
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like The Harbour School often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
We think you need these skills to ace Pupil & Family Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Harbour School
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at The Harbour School. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at The Harbour School.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at The Harbour School.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at The Harbour School.
