Mental Health Practitioner

Job Description: Mental Health Practitioner

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Key Responsibilities

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Direct Mental Health Support

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Provide one-to-one weekly mental health support for the child, totaling a minimum of 24 weekly sessions during term time and 16 fortnightly sessions during school holidays to ensure continuity of care.

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Address school-based trauma by implementing a bespoke, trauma-informed care plan that includes:

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• Educating the child on ASD, ADHD, and PDA traits, and helping identify and manage negative coping mechanisms.
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• Building the child's self-esteem by highlighting strengths and transferable skills.
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• Supporting the child in recognizing and utilizing strengths to overcome challenges and reduce anxiety.
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Foster a safe and trusting relationship with the child to encourage open discussions about difficulties and promote emotional wellbeing.

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Tailored Mental Health Interventions

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Design and deliver interventions aimed at helping the child understand their

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experiences, develop positive coping strategies, and build confidence and resilience.

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Incorporate strategies to mitigate the effects of school-based trauma and support emotional healing.

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Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Contributions

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Actively participate in half-termly MDT meetings, collaborating with educators, clinicians, and other professionals involved in the child's care.

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Prepare detailed, child-centered reports for MDT meetings, documenting progress, challenges, and recommendations.

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Annual Reviews and Assessments

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Conduct an annual mental health reassessment, ensuring interventions remain tailored to the child's evolving needs.

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Prepare and present a comprehensive report for the child's annual review, including attendance at the review meeting.

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Trauma-Informed Approach

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Develop and implement strategies to address the child's school-based trauma, ensuring interventions are sensitive to their experiences.

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Work collaboratively with the child to rebuild trust in educational and supportive relationships.

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Essential Qualifications and Experience

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• A degree in Psychology, Mental Health Nursing, Counseling, or a related field.
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• Professional registration or licensure (e.g., BACP, HCPC, NMC).
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• Proven experience working with children with ASD, ADHD, and PDA traits, particularly those with trauma histories.
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• Strong understanding of trauma-informed care and its application in therapeutic settings.
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Key Skills and Attributes

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• Empathy and patience in building rapport with children who have experienced trauma.
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• Expertise in developing and delivering individualized mental health plans.
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• Ability to provide consistent and reliable support over a long-term period.
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• Excellent communication skills for engaging with the child, family, and MDT.
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• Strong organizational skills for preparing reports and maintaining accurate records.
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Additional Requirements

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• Commitment to providing 40 hours per annum of direct contact with the child.
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• Flexibility to work during school holidays to ensure uninterrupted support.
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• Willingness to maintain continuity of care by being the consistent clinician throughout the package.
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