Therapy Assistants
Location: Cranleigh
Hours: 36 hours per week (Term Time only + 5 in–service training days)
Salary: Actual salary range GBP18,540 – GBP20,364 pa dependent on experience
(FTE GBP22,216 – GBP24,402 based on 37 hours / 52 weeks)
We are seeking two enthusiastic individuals to join us as Therapy Assistants in our Therapy Team, comprising Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Therapy Assistants and specialist Drama, Art and Music Therapists. Working 36 hours a week over 39 weeks (term time) the role is to commence as soon as possible (following successful interview and completion of pre–start compliance and training).
At St Joseph's, we deliver a pioneering embedded therapies approach with our therapy team working in the classroom alongside our education staff. This enables both teams to plan together and share best practice for the benefit of our students. It creates a unique working environment and the opportunity to gain invaluable therapy experience. Working under the direction of the class teacher and allocated therapist, you will be required to deliver and support individual, large group or whole class therapeutic activities. Some of our students are non–verbal and communicate using, for example, iPads, now and next boards and Makaton.
Supporting our students can sometimes be challenging. Physical and mental resilience is crucial, you need empathy and compassion and should possess the drive to make a real difference to the lives of our young people. You will have the ongoing support of a skilled and dedicated team. Comprehensive training and mentoring includes learning about safeguarding, autism and positive behaviour support are provided.
Your working week is 35 hours (08:30 – 16:00 on Monday, 08:30 – 16:15 on Tuesday to Thursday and 08:30 – 15:45 Friday) each week during term time and on In–Service training days plus 30 minutes per week that can be worked flexibly to suit operational needs.
No prior experience is necessary as full training will be given but a positive \"can do\" attitude, along with physical and mental resilience is essential. This role might suit someone who has recently finished their degree or has been working as a TA or LSA and is considering a move into therapies or an SEN environment. Starting salary is based on previous experience.
Why St Joseph's?
GBP1,000 Retention bonus – GBP250 after 1 month, GBP250 after 1 year, GBP500 after 18 months at Trust (subject to tax and NI)Life Insurance and Medical cash plan commencing after a month at TrustTeam Teach positive behaviour support training, refreshed every two years, with ongoing assistance from on site Team Teach tutors within our Inclusion TeamPersonalised approach to CPD, including training courses paid for by the Trust and regular 1:1 line management support with online appraisalsFree hot lunch supplied by our in–house catering team during term timeAmple on–site parkingEmployee assistance service (confidential, professional wellbeing and counselling 24/7 service for you and your family members)Excellent network of support across the organisation including a team of Adult Mental Health First Aid and Occupational HealthCranleigh Leisure Centre discount on gym, swim and fitness classesBased on a beautiful 23 acre site in a semi–rural area on the edge of the Surrey Hills (own transport is desirable due to semi–rural location) Our Director of Therapies, is available to discuss the role (please email in and we will put you in touch with her)
To Apply
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for St Joseph's Specialist Trust, then please do not hesitate in applying.
CVs may be submitted for consideration in the first instance but only applications made on the St Joseph's Specialist Trust application form will be considered for shortlisting and interview.
An Application Pack (including form, job profile and person specification) can be found via the recruitment page on our website.
recruitment
We reserve the right to interview particularly suitable candidates as received which may result in the role being filled and closed before the end of the advertising period at 9am on Monday April 17th. Early response is therefore encouraged. Please note that we do not sponsor applicants to relocate from overseas at this time.
St Joseph's Specialist Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This position requires an enhanced DBS disclosure.