Therapist

Therapist

Location: Home Based
Responsible to: Adoption Support Team Manager
Responsible for: Delivering Adoption Support Surgeries and offering therapeutic advice.
Hours: Up to 7 hours per week
Salary Band: Casual/Self Employed £30.00 per hour

About us:

Adopters for Adoption is voluntary Adoption Agency. We are one of the many companies operating within Polaris Children’s Services, an established children’s services provider that delivers innovative and outcomes-based services, offering real value and building brighter futures for as many children, young people and families as possible.

This role is to work with adopters offering advice and support in relation to any challenges that they may be experiencing. There is a responsibility to support placement stability, including working with other professionals involved if required in order to ensure best outcomes for the children and young people.  

Sessions are offered weekly and booked in advance by adopters who are asked to describe the presenting issue that they wish to discuss. You will be able to listen and respond sensitively and appropriately to prospective adopters/adopters working with them in a solution-focused way to build on the existing strengths to achieve positive change.

What we are looking for:

A qualified therapist with knowledge of a range of therapeutic approaches who has a willingness to attend training, maintain an up to date knowledge base and access their own therapeutic support in accordance with their accreditation.

A knowledge of adoption and a background in social care or other related area is essential, alongside an understanding of the challenges faced by children, young people and families. It is essential that you have previous experience of working with children and families as well as a sound knowledge of safeguarding procedures.

Role Responsibilities:

• Work within internal and nationally recognised clinical governance frameworks, to ensure that all families receive a safe, high quality, consistent service.
• Work within the requirements of the policies and procedures of Adopters for Adoption
• Provide a service which promotes equality, diversity and rights for all families, children and young people and all associated with the service
• Ensuring compliance with safeguarding procedures, throughout all work within the Agency, keeping the agency informed of work in progress and inform the agency immediately of any child protection matter or serious complaint.
• Undertake training and development deemed necessary for the pursuance of the post and in line with standards/ regulations and demonstrate a commitment to further professional development
• Work within an integrated multi-disciplinary team, which may include preparing reports and/or participating in social care meetings.
• Provide online therapeutic interventions to prospective adopters/adopters from across the UK
• Provide occasional training sessions, group sessions, blogs, newsletter articles etc in order to offer insight into particular topics/methods/strategies
• Work collaboratively with other professionals in order to support their understanding and professional development, encouraging placement stability and improved emotional health and wellbeing for the child or young person.
• To keep all confidential data secure

Essential Criteria:

• Counselling and/or Therapy Qualification
• Knowledge of adoption
• Understanding of trauma, attachment
• Experience of working with children and young people
• Experience of working with professionals
• Can work effectively as part of a team and individually
• Experience in delivering groups and workshops for children and adults; or a willingness to learn and support delivery.
• A high level of organisation, good written and verbal communication
• To be resilient and able to work well under pressure

Polaris Children’s Services is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS Check, cost of which will be met by Polaris Children’s Services. Polaris Children’s Services is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates.