We are recruiting for an Emotional Well-Being Practitioner

Emotional Well-Being Practitioner Job Description and Person Specification

Background

LYP is a youth charity passionate about supporting local young people. We offer innovative youth services in Leatherhead, Bookham and across Mole Valley aiming to respond to local needs and help young people be safe, happy and make positive choices in their lives. 

We now have 9 staff working with over 500 young people on a regular basis throughout the year. Our two youth cafes, BFree in Leatherhead and BYouth in Bookham, run drop-in sessions for local young people after school and are attended by over 100 young people every week. 

We also run more targeted projects which help meet local needs and allow young people to become more confident, resilient and to learn new skills, which includes our counselling and emotional well-being work, alongside sports projects, schools work, residential trips and overseas trips. 

LYP was established in 2005 and has a Christian ethos at the heart of its practice. 

Location

The position will be based at LYP in Leatherhead with much of the work taking place in secondary schools across Mole Valley. You will need to be able to drive and have access to a car. 

Team:                        Counselling and Emotional Well-Being Team

Reports to:              Counselling and Emotional Well-Being Team Manager

Hours of work:       21 hours per week/3 days a week

Contract:                  Permanent

Salary:                       £14,352

Start date:               19th April 2021

Job Description

Purpose of role

LYP is recruiting for a committed and experienced Emotional Well-Being Practitioner. The post holder will manage a caseload of young people delivering one to one emotional well-being sessions across Mole Valley, in a range of settings. You will be working independently and with autonomy to provide high quality early help support to young people in need. The post holder will also have the opportunity to create and deliver workshops and group work on topics such as self-esteem and resilience, which will provide specialist support for young people. You will be joining a passionate team at an exciting point, as we embark on a new 7-year contract. 

Main Duties and Responsibilities 

• Deliver high quality, early intervention, one to one, emotional well-being sessions to a caseload of young people (11-19 years old) in settings such as secondary schools, colleges, pupil referral units and youth clubs
• Work in a client-centred way and integrate a holistic framework 
• Work in partnership with schools, parents/guardians, social care and other professionals to ensure young people receive the best support available
• To attend relevant training and networking events to ensure support is relevant and using practiced techniques 
• Complete administration, monitoring and risk assessments for all cases in a timely and organised manner
• Be an active team player, participating in weekly team meetings and monthly clinical supervision 
• To apply data protection, confidentiality, safeguarding, LYP’s lone working policy and risk management and all professional codes of ethics
• To support the vision, aims and values of LYP including the Christian ethos
• To promote LYP and support various LYP projects and events where hours are available
• Carry out any other duties required by the directors of LYP

Person Specification 

Education and Experience

• Qualification in counselling/social care/relevant field desirable 
• Experience of supporting disadvantaged and vulnerable young people to reach their goals
• Experience of working one to one with young people in need

Knowledge

• An understanding of the developmental, emotional, social and educational issues of young people
• Understanding of mental health issues 
• Knowledge of key counselling techniques

Skills

• Passion for working with young people
• Excellent listener, empathic and patient with non-judgmental outlook 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organisational skills
• Ability to build rapport and trust with young people
• Experience in using your initiative and making appropriate decisions when faced with emergencies or unexpected situations
• Ability to set and maintain clear and appropriate boundaries
• Ability to organise and prioritise own workload 
• Ability to demonstrate a high degree of professionalism in the face of highly emotive/distressing problems
• Good understanding of data protection, confidentiality, safeguarding and risk management
• Commitment to ongoing professional learning and development
• Proficient in the use of IT applications including Microsoft Word, Excel and Zoom
• Possess a full driving licence and use of own vehicle
• Commitment to LYPs vision, aims and values including the Christian ethos

Other

• This post is subject to a DBS check with additional satisfactory reference

Application Process

To request an application form, please email aura@leatherheadyouthproject.com

Closing date for applications is Friday 26^th February 

Interviews will be held on the week commencing Monday 8^th March