Job Description

Due to growth we are looking for the following to join out team.

Trauma-Informed and Mental Health Practitioner.

and Person Specification

Job title:

Trauma-Informed and Mental Health Practitioner

Place of work:

Orchard Therapeutic farm, the Barn and off-site visits

Hours of work:

8.30-4.30 Term Time only + inset days

Actual Salary

24,000-28,000

Reports to:

Head of Centre

Level of screening:

Enhanced DBS

Who we are

OTF is an award-winning primary, secondary and post 16 alternative provision. We are a farm based Alternative provision catering for pupils who have social, emotional and mental health difficulties. Many of the pupils attending have additional special educational needs such neurodivergent functioning, Attention Deficit and Hyperactive Disorders (ADHD), Anxiety and Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA). Places for pupils are commissioned by schools (Maintained, Non- maintained, SEN). We are an approved alternative provider for various local authorities, Including Oxfordshire, West Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Surrey, along with Slough and Wokingham. Pupils who are referred to OTF have an education, health and care plan (EHCP). We are a small and nurturing therapeutic provision who focus on building trusting relationships with young people to make steady personal success and tangible outcomes.

Where do you fit in

As a Trauma-Informed and Mental Health Practitioner, you will play a vital role in supporting the emotional and psychological wellbeing of our pupils across both the Farm and Barn sites.

Using a trauma-informed, attachment-aware approach, you will deliver 1:1 and small group interventions, as well as personal development sessions that build emotional literacy, resilience, and confidence.

You will form part of the safeguarding team and hold Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) responsibilities, working proactively to ensure the highest standards of child protection and welfare across the provision.

You will also carry out home visits to support learners who are not yet ready to engage onsite or who are transitioning into or out of the setting.

Working closely with staff and external professionals, you will help to create and maintain a safe, regulated, and supportive environment in which vulnerable learners can explore, heal, and grow. You will champion the voice of the child, model emotionally literate practice, and actively contribute to behaviour planning and holistic support frameworks.

This role suits someone with a strong therapeutic, psychological or pastoral background, excellent communication skills, emotional resilience, and a deep commitment to enabling children to thrive despite adversity.

Main Duties & Accountabilities

1. Therapeutic Support & Delivery

Deliver targeted trauma-informed and emotional support to students on a 1:1 or small group basis across both the Farm and Barn sites.

Plan and deliver structured personal development sessions that support emotional literacy, resilience, self-awareness, and social communication.

Support the delivery of meaningful vocational and therapeutic activities, helping children progress in areas relevant to their EHCP outcomes.

Promote emotional regulation, resilience, and positive behaviour using relational and attachment-aware practice.

Conduct home visits where needed to build rapport, maintain engagement, and support transitions or re-engagement for students experiencing emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA).

2. Assessment & Planning

Conduct therapeutic and wellbeing assessments and contribute to the development of Individual Support Plans, including EHCPs, Behaviour Plans, and Mental Health Plans.

Work collaboratively with staff to identify emerging needs and adapt provision accordingly.

Monitor and record progress regularly, maintaining accurate and confidential records in line with GDPR and internal policies.

3. Staff Support & Development

Provide reflective supervision, advice, and guidance to staff to embed trauma-informed strategies and co-regulation techniques.

Offer training and informal coaching to upskill staff in de-escalation, emotional safety, and promoting therapeutic approaches in daily practice.

Model calm, emotionally literate, and nurturing responses during challenging moments.

4. Safeguarding & DSL Responsibilities

Act as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) across both sites, responding promptly and appropriately to safeguarding concerns or disclosures.

Maintain safeguarding records and liaise with external agencies to ensure coordinated and timely interventions.

Ensure the child's voice is central in planning and safeguarding processes, and that OTF's safeguarding protocols are followed at all times.

5. Multi-Agency & Transition Support

Liaise with external mental health services, social care teams, and local authority professionals to ensure coordinated support for students.

Attend relevant reviews and contribute to professional meetings and multi-agency decision-making.

Support pupils through transitions into, within, or out of provision - including exit planning and re-integration to mainstream or other placements.

6. Wider Contribution to Orchard Therapeutic Farm

Plan and deliver small-group activities and contribute to the overall curriculum and wellbeing programme.

Ensure safe and inclusive delivery in line with Health and Safety legislation, including risk assessments for both on- and off-site activities.

Demonstrate positive attitudes, values, and professional behaviours at all times - acting as a role model for both students and staff.

Uphold OTF's values and reputation as a trauma-informed provider, maintaining high levels of confidentiality and professionalism.

Maintain a flexible, proactive, and solution-focused approach, undertaking other duties reasonably required by management.

What does good look like for this role?

Able to manage own time and work effectively to meet deadlines.

Able to prioritise workload.

Work as part of a team.

Improve the attendance and engagement of Students.

Enable Students to make academic progress.

Teaching is of a high standard by employing a range of strategies to effectively manage the room to enable pupils to engage and learn

Maintain effective communication systems with other disciplinary within the setting (therapists and family liaison)

Drive outstanding outcomes for your learners

Safeguarding

Hitchcox group is committed to the safeguarding and promotion of the welfare of all children and young people in our care. All staff have a key role and responsibility in this area.

This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure check (DBS) under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Further details regarding this check are available from www.disclosures.co.uk.

Other Information

This job description is intended as a guide to the main responsibilities and duties of the post. It is in no way intended to restrict any individual in the performance of other duties within the general nature of the post as required by the company.

This job description will be reviewed at least once per year and may be subject to amendment or modification at any time after consultation with the post holder. It is not a comprehensive statement of procedures and tasks but sets out the main expectations of the establishment in relation to the post holder's professional responsibilities, duties and grading.

Please see our website for Application Form: https://www.orchardtf.co.uk/

QUALIFICATIONS

Recognized qualifications in psychology, counselling, social work, or a related field (minimum Level 4)

Trauma informed Qualification.

Training in therapeutic modalities (e.g., CBT, play therapy, DBT, NVR, or similar)

Full UK driving license

Evidence of continuous professional development and commitment to further professional development

KNOWLEDGE

Experience working with young people with SEMH and/or SEND in a therapeutic, school or clinical setting

Strong understanding of trauma-informed practice, attachment theory, and emotional development

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to remain calm and supportive in challenging situations

A reflective, compassionate, and non-judgmental approach

Experience contributing to EHCPs, behaviour planning, and multidisciplinary team working

Familiarity with alternative education or farm-based learning environments

Experience supporting children with neurodivergent profiles

links between parents and professional partners

Understanding of EHCP outcomes and targets

EXPERIENCE

Experience of working with our cohort of young people including those with additional learning needs.

Relevant classroom teaching experience.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

A highly motivated, energetic and enthusiastic person who is approachable and promotes positive relationships and has high expectations

A proven track record as an excellent, creative delivery which motivates children

Able to relate well to children and share their interests and enthusiasms

Effective administrative and organisational skills

Ability to communicate orally and in writing to a wide range of audiences

Ability to manage effectively children's behaviour and have a commitment to a high level of pastoral care

Working knowledge of ICT and administrative purposes

Ability to cope with the pressures of a demanding position

Commitment to providing an effective learning environment appropriate to the need and abilities of all children

Commitment to the development and maintenance of positive partnerships between the homes, carers and the community

Recent participation in professional development activities and willingness to undertake other training

Ability to effectively use a variety of teaching and organisational styles and resources, including ICT to deliver outstanding teaching and learning

Ability to work as part of a team to deliver a holistic package.

Ability to cope with emotionally demanding situations.

Ability to manage your time effectively.

Flexible creative and adaptable approach.

OTHER

Ability to maintain accurate records

Awareness of and commitment to Equality & Diversity

Desire to develop and undertake training as required

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 24,000.00-28,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension On-site parking
Application question(s):

what interested you in this role?
Experience:

Working with children: 2 years (required)
Licence/Certification:

Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 05/09/2025
Expected start date: 03/11/2025