Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) Practitioner - Primary

Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) Practitioner - Primary

Kings' School Al Barsha is currently seeking a SEMH Practitioner to work alongside our existing school-based Learning Support Team to secure and embed our SEMH provision at universal and targeted levels.

The successful candidate will  deliver universal and targeted SEMH support to children and families of Kings’ School Al Barsha. It will be their responsibility to  seek opportunities to enhance the school’s provision in universal, targeted and specialist service provision regarding social, emotional and mental health. The role will also entail providing effective support and knowledge, regarding SEMH, for Learning Support Teachers/specialists, Learning Support Assistants, Classroom Teachers and families across the Foundation Stage, and Primary departments.

Job Responsibilities:

• Delivery of 1:1 and group intervention to support children’s social, emotional and mental health needs
• Contribution to the development of Individual Educational Plans, Risk Assessments, Behaviour Support and Action Plans and involvement in Person Centred Reviews
• Formulation of specific intervention plans for children in need of SEMH support 
• Provision of written programmes to support therapy including demonstration of identified targets when required
• Serving as a link between school staff and external agencies (i.e. private therapy services), in order to facilitate a holistic approach and continuity of care
• Liaison and provision of support for parents of children with SEMH in order to encourage appropriate support at home 
• Advising teaching and learning support staff regarding strategies and modifications which can be implemented in the classroom
• Provision of training and programmes for teaching and support staff to carry out with students
• Supporting the school to ensure outstanding support for students with Level 2-3 (substantial support) Autism, working alongside specialist staff
• Supporting students’ needs within the context of their day-to-day learning
• Demonstrating a commitment to continuous professional development and acquisition of up to date skills and knowledge.

Essential Qualifications, Experience & Attributes:

• Qualification in an appropriate field including, but not limited to; education, counselling, social care, psychology or therapy. 
• Experience of working as part of an educational team, within a school setting
• Experience of working with children with Special Education Needs & Disabilities (SEND)
• Experience of training staff
• Experience of supporting parents and teachers with behaviour strategies to implement at home and at school
• Experience of non talk-based therapies, e.g. play-, music- or art- based therapy
• Experience of talk-based therapies e.g. CBT, solution-focused.

Ability to:

• Work effectively both autonomously and in a team setting
• Build good working relationships with children, teachers, parents, carers and leaders
• Manage time and caseload effectively
• Demonstrate initiative and be flexible
• Work with families from different nationalities and  languages whilst having an understanding and empathy for cultural differences
• Recognise own professional boundaries and seek advice and support as appropriate.

Possess:

• Self-confidence and flexibility
• Excellent interpersonal communication and organizational skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Desirable:

• Experience in implementing social communication programmes to individuals and groups eg. Superflex, Zones of Regulation, We Are Thinkers and/or 5 Point Scale
• Experience of delivering parenting programmes e.g. Triple P
• Current Safeguarding certification.

How to apply: Candidates are to apply directly through the TES portal.

Closing date for applications is 15th April 2021. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview and we reserve the right to appoint a suitable candidate before the final submission date.

Successful applicants will take up their position in mid-August 2021 and will be invited to participate in a thorough induction programme.