Learning Space Practitioner

Description

Please note that this vacancy is not part of Surrey County Council, we are advertising this on behalf of a partnership organisation.

Learning Space is a growing team with three bases in Redhill, Tadworth and Guildford. We are a charitable organisation which aims to improve the lives of children, young people and their families.

Since 1997 we have offered 1:1 and group support for a range of emotional needs including low self-esteem, anxiety, anger, relationships, bereavement, bullying and family issues. Our methodology is solution focused and our approach is to encourage children and young people to recognise and build on their existing strengths.

We work in partnership with families and schools to support children and young people to improve their mental health and well-being, build levels of personal resilience and help expand coping strategies.

Since April 20221 we have also been delivering a range of emotional and wellbeing services to children, young people and families as part of the Surrey Mindworks services.

The successful candidate will be working directly with children, young people and families and using solution focused techniques to identify, assess and support the needs of children and young people. Working closely with families is an important feature of this role. 

The successful candidate will take responsibility for their own caseload of children, young people and families some with complex and multiple needs. They will assess the needs and strengths of the referred young person and help him/her identify individual goals to achieve desired change. Maintaining the close involvement of families and schools is an important feature of the role.

About The Role

Main Responsibilities:

• To assess the needs and strengths of the referred young person and help him/her identify individual goals to achieve desired change.
• To design, deliver and review evidence-based solution focused interventions for children and young people which aim to improve mental health and well-being and build on existing strengths.
• To take responsibility for own caseload of children, young people and families some with complex and multiple needs including neurodiverse children and young people 
• To work in close partnership with participating schools as part of their existing pastoral structures and support team 
• To work collaboratively with Surrey and Borders NHS Partnership, Surrey Children's Services, local mental health support teams and other community-based services to provide the most effective service for children, young people and families.
• To keep accurate records of individual engagement, evidence of change and celebrate progress with children and young people.
• To record appropriate outcomes data to ensure support programmes can be accurately monitored and evaluated.
• To collect and share case studies that demonstrate good practice and the impact of interventions on outcomes for children and young people.
• To apply safeguarding and child protection procedures in line with both school and Learning Space policies
• To work as part of a team and participate fully in one to one, peer and group supervision.
• To support with the delivery of parent workshops and training to
• To work across multiple geographical locations if required

Qualifications

Essential:

• Education to degree or equivalent standard
• A professional qualification gained in education, social care, therapy, youth work or health care setting

Desirable:

• A qualification gained in working with neurodiverse children and young people.

Knowledge

Essential:

• Demonstrates an appreciation of the range of factors that can impact on emotional well-being of children and young people and their families. 
• Knowledge and understanding of importance to modify, adapt methods of communication and interventions for children, young people and families. 
• Experience of or willingness to work with clients using a solution focused approach.
• A strong focus on ensuring every child and young person's voice is heard and celebrated.

Desirable:

• Knowledge and understanding of the key features and traits associated with neurodiversity.
• Demonstrates an appreciation of the multi-disciplinary approach; and involving other agencies, such as education and social care, to ensure that the inclusive needs of all children and young people are well understood and effectively met. 
• Demonstrates an understanding and appreciation of the unique challenges associated with neurodiversity for children, young people, and their families.

Experience

Essential:

• Two years' experience of working within a professional setting concerned with the mental health of children, young people and families.

Desirable:

• Experience of working as part of the multi-disciplinary team with children and young people and their families.
• Experience of working within a professional setting concerned with the mental health, development and wellbeing of neurodiverse children and young people and their families.

Skills

Essential:

• Ability to be flexible and creative in facilitating engagement with children and young people and their families.
• Ability to adapt communication style according to the varying needs and levels of children and young people. 
• Ability to use supervision to reflect on practice.

Desirable:

• Ability to adopt a multi-agency working, especially in relation to complex cases with multiple needs, where a more systemic approach

If you are keen to make a positive difference to the lives of children and young people and would like to become part of a highly successful and supportive team please get in touch. 

Benefits

• Pension Scheme
• Safeguarding Training
• Induction Training
• Sick pay
• 5 weeks holiday
• Individual and group supervision

How To Apply

Learning Space is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. We are an inclusive and diverse employer which reflects the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.

Please complete the attached Application form and return to gill@learningspace.org.uk