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- Tasks: Provide therapeutic support to children with complex medical needs through creative and play therapy.
- Company: Join The Maypole Project, a leading charity supporting families with complex medical needs for over 21 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, ongoing training, and the chance to make a real difference in lives.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team making a positive impact on children's emotional wellbeing and family support.
- Qualifications: Qualified therapist with experience in counselling and working with children or young people.
- Other info: Initial base in Orpington with opportunities for remote work and travel.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Background
The Maypole Project supports children and young people with complex medical needs and their families across the UK. Our vision is that all families with a child with complex medical needs will have access to our support from diagnosis, for as long as they need.
Our unique model provides emotional and wellbeing support through counselling and therapy services for parents/carers, siblings and other adults involved in caring for a young person with complex medical needs. We provide counselling and play therapy for children and young people with complex medical needs, a youth club, buddying and activity programmes which are also open to children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The Maypole Project has been providing vital services to families for over 21 years and is in an exciting phase of development. We are recruiting a qualified and experienced Child Therapist to meet the growing demand for support, and to grow and extend our provision to meet the needs of more families who would benefit from our unique model of support.
Overall purpose:
To provide appropriate, professional and responsive therapeutic support to children (the child/ren who have complex medical needs and/or their siblings) in 1:1 sessions through the integration of counselling with therapeutic creative and play skills.
Role responsibilities:
Children, who have been assessed by an experienced member of the project’s counselling team, and with parental consent, will be referred on to the post holder who will:
· Work to The Maypole Project Model of Support for children and young people, providing therapeutic support through an integration of counselling with therapeutic creative and play with a caseload as agreed, relative to hours at a minimum of 5 clients per 7 hour working day.
- Undertake The Maypole Project mandatory in-house training (20 hours)
- Attend a training update session at least once per annum
- Contact the client’s parent/guardian organising an initial 1:1 meeting with them to talk through the issues their child faces and agree the time, location and frequency of sessions in line with Maypole Support office guidelines/room availability where applicable.
· Set up and clear away the therapy room that has been tailored to each individual client’s needs.
- Attend monthly group supervision (2 hours)
- Complete client notes and The Maypole Project paperwork as required
- Liaise with their Line manager or the Clinical Supervisor in case of questions/difficulties
- Follow The Maypole Project policies and guidelines including staff code of conduct at all times.
- Attend service-wide activities including family activity events and fundraising events
Support:
You will have support from our Children and Young People’s Therapies service manager for clinical oversight and day-to-day issues and a supervisor for Clinical advice/direction. Attendance at monthly Clinical Supervision is mandatory.
Location:
Initially based at our premises in Orpington with some remote provision and possible travel to schools, hospitals, hospices and clients’ homes.
Child and young person counsellor/therapist employer: The Maypole Project
Contact Detail:
The Maypole Project Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Child and young person counsellor/therapist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with The Maypole Project's unique model of support. Understanding their approach to integrating counselling with creative and play therapy will help you demonstrate your alignment with their values during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of child therapy and counselling. Attend relevant workshops or seminars where you can meet others who work with children with complex medical needs, as this could lead to valuable connections and insights.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with children who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully supported similar clients in the past, as this will showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Research current trends and challenges in child therapy, especially related to complex medical needs. Being knowledgeable about these topics will allow you to engage in meaningful conversations and show your commitment to ongoing professional development.
We think you need these skills to ace Child and young person counsellor/therapist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Child and Young Person Counsellor/Therapist position. Familiarise yourself with The Maypole Project's model of support and the specific needs of children with complex medical needs.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience in counselling and therapy, particularly with children and young people. Include any qualifications, training, and specific skills that align with the job description, such as play therapy techniques or experience with special educational needs.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should express your passion for supporting children with complex medical needs. Discuss your approach to therapy, any relevant experiences, and how you can contribute to The Maypole Project's mission. Be sure to mention your willingness to undertake mandatory training and supervision.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your professionalism and attention to detail, which are crucial in a therapeutic role.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Maypole Project
✨Understand The Maypole Project's Mission
Familiarise yourself with the vision and values of The Maypole Project. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission to support children with complex medical needs and their families.
✨Showcase Your Therapeutic Skills
Be ready to provide examples of your counselling and therapeutic techniques, especially those that integrate creative and play skills. Highlight any relevant experiences working with children and young people, particularly those with special educational needs.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Anticipate questions that may present hypothetical situations involving children with complex medical needs. Think about how you would approach these scenarios, ensuring you demonstrate empathy, professionalism, and adherence to The Maypole Project's guidelines.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers about the role, team dynamics, and ongoing training opportunities. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
