22.5 hours per week, 40 weeks per year
Permanent
Neath Port Talbot School Based Counselling Service (NPT SBCS) is a multi-modality team of therapists comprised of School Based Counsellors, Play Therapists and a Drama Therapist. NPT SBCS is committed to helping Children and Young People (CYP) address emotional and mental health issues so that they may rise through adversity, achieve their potential and lead fulfilling lives. This is achieved through the provision of counselling and child therapy to CYP in Years 1-13 across NPT. Counsellors and Play Therapists provide targeted therapy to CYP in order to address a range of emotional and mental health issues. We support schools in this joint endeavor through consultation, support and high quality in house training which is available to head teachers, school Governors, teaching and non-teaching staff. We support primary school parents in supporting the emotional wellbeing of their children through our Primary Parents Helpline.
Additionally, the service is passionate about addressing school staff wellbeing due to the well documented link between staff wellbeing and pupil wellbeing, thorough initiatives such as the School Staff Supervision Service and School Staff Counselling Service.
NPT SBCS is undergoing an exciting time of development and expansion. These posts have arisen due to additional funding within the service.
We are seeking to appoint a dedicated and innovative qualified Play Therapist to work with pupils from Years 1-13 across primary and secondary schools within Neath Port Talbot. Some work may also be undertaken outside of school hours and outside the school setting.
In addition to providing direct Play Therapy, you will have an important role in delivering group work where needed. You will also run workshops with groups of children and young people and deliver training when required. You will play an integral part in developing the School Based Counselling Service within the authority, including collaborative working with other staff within the Inclusion Service and taking part in multi-disciplinary consultations with schools. Enhancing the skills of school based staff will also be an important element of the post.
We welcome applications from those who hold a Play Therapy qualification approved by BAPT/PTUK and are accredited /registered with a relevant professional body (i.e. BAPT/PTUK to commence as soon as possible subject to interview and D.B.S. check.
You will join a friendly, lively and innovative School Based Counselling Team who are committed to assisting the LEA in the achievement of increased inclusion and raising educational standards. Committed to the concept of inclusive education, you will have an understanding of the challenges facing education in deprived areas and be a passionate supporter of high expectations and achievement for all pupils.
Welsh language skills are desirable
Applications may be submitted in Welsh, applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.
Neath Port Talbot Council is totally committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Our schools/employees are equally committed to ensuring the safety and protection of all children and young people/vulnerable adults and will take action to safeguard their wellbeing.
Neath Port Talbot Council offers a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who have a disability and armed forces veterans.
The recruitment process for this post will be underpinned by rigorous safer recruitment assessment to ensure that children and young people are protected.
This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure (Child/Adult).
What current team members say about working in NPT SBCS:
‘My team are likeminded, experienced and supportive which helps me to feel held.’
‘Stimulating, engaging and challenging is how I would describe my working day with the School Based Counselling Team.’
‘I am so proud of what we do as a team!’
‘The culture of the service is warm and supportive and a place that you feel heard. It is open to individuality with an abundance of knowledge and skills. We come together to help each other to achieve the best outcomes while making good friends in the process.’
On completing the application form, please ensure that you address the elements of the Person Specification.
A public webinar is being held on 13/09/2022 at 5.30pm where the service structure and vision will be presented by Rhian Miller, SBCS Manager. There will be opportunities to meet team members on the call and ask questions about the service and/or role. Should you wish to attend, please email Rhian Miller (r.miller@npt.gov.uk) to request an invite or alternatively to request a call back for an informal discussion about the post.