Child Therapist

Psychodynamic Child Therapist/Psychotherapist   

Bridge in Schools Programme   

We have a number of vacancies for September 2024 in our partnership schools.  These are potentially in primary, secondary and SEN settings.

 These opportunities are for suitably qualified and experienced therapists to join a lively, experienced team, and to deliver psychodynamic psychotherapy interventions in schools in Bristol to a wide range of children and families. Posts are usually for one day per week in school (can be more) and  also include three hours of paid time for supervision, team meetings and continuing professional development on a Wednesday morning.   

The Bridge Foundation is a Bristol based charity, which has been delivering a range of clinical and training services relating to the needs of children, young people, families, and adults for over almost 40 years. Our approach is psychodynamic and psychoanalytic, although we have staff from a variety of professional backgrounds. Working for us is a unique opportunity to be a part of an organisation that prioritises this way of working, and as such we offer regular CPD to enhance psychodynamic and psychoanalytic skills, and to apply this way of thinking to our practice and work settings.  Regular supervision, both individual and group, is a keystone of the offer from the Bridge.    

 Supervisors are experienced Child Psychotherapists and Psychodynamic Counsellors and Psychotherapists, meaning that the psychodynamic focus of the work is at the forefront of our thinking. CPD is offered within the Bridge in Schools team to develop schools-based practice and within the whole organisation to develop psychoanalytic/psychodynamic skills and thinking. We hold regular ‘thinking space’ forums to focus on thinking about issues of race, diversity and difference through a psychodynamic lens. The amount of supervision, support and skills development on offer at the Bridge Foundation helps us maintain a high level of staff retention and provides a secure base from which to deliver the challenging work of counselling and psychotherapy.   

 Applicants need to demonstrate experience of bringing psychodynamic thinking to working with children with special needs and their families. They will be qualified as a UKCP/ BCP/BACP/HCP accredited psychodynamic child counsellor, or a qualified child psychotherapist accredited with the ACP. Child psychotherapists experienced in schools work and close to completing their training may be considered.  A professional education, mental health or social work background, a good understanding of child development, and an experience of personal analysis would be highly relevant.   

 The work includes:   

Working with a diverse range of young people and age ranges   
Classroom observations and assessment   
1:1 school-based therapy for children and young people    
work with parents; liaising closely with school staff   

 Salary is £29,789 to £37,605  pro rata, depending on qualification and experience.   

For an informal discussion about the work of the Bridge in Schools team, contact Matthew Jenkins Clinical Lead Bridge in Schools : matthew.jenkins@bridgefoundation.org.uk    

Please read the job description on our website and then send your CV and completed application form (downloads as Word document from our website) to katie.robson@bridgefoundation.org.uk  

Closing date 9am Thursday 9th June.

Interviews will be held on Friday 14th June.