📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Creative Therapist
🔹 Company: Witherslack Group
🔹 Location: Rugby, Warwickshire, United Kingdom
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Education Administration Programs
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-18
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Supporting educational and residential colleagues to provide therapeutic living and learning environments
- Assessing young people's mental health and recommending appropriate interventions in personalized care plans
- Building rapport with young people to deliver effective counselling and feedback on progress
- Working as part of a multi-disciplinary clinical team across two local children's homes in Rugby
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of child development and mental health, as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Supporting educational and residential colleagues to provide therapeutic living and learning environments
✅ Assessing young people's mental health and recommending appropriate interventions in personalized care plans
✅ Building rapport with young people to deliver effective counselling and feedback on progress
✅ Working as part of a multi-disciplinary clinical team across two local children's homes in Rugby
✅ Contributing to the overall development and well-being of young people with special educational needs
ASSUMPTION: The role may involve working with young people who have complex needs, including developmental trauma, neuro-developmental conditions, and special educational needs.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Relevant degree or equivalent professional qualification
Experience: Proven experience working with young people with special educational needs or similar
Required Skills:
- Qualified professional (or accredited Counsellor) eligible for BACP membership
- Strong understanding of child development
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Highly organized and proactive
- Empathetic and honest
Preferred Skills:
- Additional mental health or therapeutic intervention qualifications
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, it is assumed that candidates should have relevant experience working with young people with special educational needs or similar.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: £42,187 - £50,964 per year
Benefits:
- Training and on-the-job training
- 35 days holiday including bank holidays
- Clinical learning and development program
- Flexible benefits, including life insurance
- Wellbeing tools and advice, including employee assistance
- Medical cover for things like opticians or dentist appointments
- High-street discounts
- Beautiful working environments
- Recommend a friend scheme offering a £1,000 bonus
Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the information given in the job listing and is typical for a Creative Therapist role in the UK.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Education Administration Programs
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees
Founded: 1996
Company Description:
- Witherslack Group is the UK’s leading education provider for children and young people with special educational needs
- They offer integrated education, care, and therapeutic support through their unique team around the child model and inspirational environments
- Their Futures program optimizes outcomes and future contributions to society
Company Specialties:
- Independent Special Educational Needs
- Children's Homes
- Schools
- Therapy and Education
Company Website: witherslackgroup.co.uk
ASSUMPTION: Witherslack Group is known for its sector-leading Ofsted judgments, placement stability, school attendance, and outcomes for young people.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level
Reporting Structure: Part of a multi-disciplinary clinical team, reporting to the Clinical Lead
Work Arrangement: On-site, working across two local children's homes in Rugby
Growth Opportunities:
- Clinical development program and access to a 220+ strong team of multi-disciplinary clinical colleagues
- Potential to progress within the organization
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within a supportive clinical team.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Children's homes
Office Location(s): Rugby, Warwickshire, United Kingdom
Geographic Context:
- Rugby is a market town in Warwickshire, England, located on the River Avon
- The town has a population of approximately 70,000 people
- Rugby is known for its rugby football club and the invention of the sport of rugby union
Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The work environment may involve working with young people who have complex needs, requiring a high level of empathy, patience, and resilience.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application
- Phone or video screening
- Face-to-face interview
- Reference and background checks
Key Assessment Areas:
- Clinical skills and knowledge
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Empathy and understanding of young people with special educational needs
- Organizational skills and initiative
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant experience working with young people with special educational needs
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your clinical skills and understanding of the role
- Prepare examples of your work with young people to discuss during the interview
ATS Keywords: Creative Therapist, Special Educational Needs, Mental Health, Counselling, Child Development, Multi-Disciplinary Clinical Team
ASSUMPTION: The application process may involve additional steps or requirements, as specified in the job listing or by the hiring manager.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Relevant clinical software and databases
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Communication and collaboration tools (e.g., email, instant messaging)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the organization's needs and the individual's responsibilities.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Huge Small Victories
- Inspirational Environments
- Integrated Team Around the Child
Work Style:
- Collaborative and supportive team environment
- Focus on individual growth and development
- Commitment to improving the lives of young people with special educational needs
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you align with the company's values of celebrating small victories and creating inspirational environments?
- Are you comfortable working in a collaborative, supportive team environment?
- Are you committed to improving the lives of young people with special educational needs?
ASSUMPTION: Witherslack Group is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and that they truly belong.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working with young people who have complex needs may be emotionally challenging
- The role may require working with difficult or distressed young people
- There may be a need to work flexible hours to meet the needs of the young people
- The role may involve working with young people who have experienced trauma or abuse
ASSUMPTION: The potential challenges of this role are outweighed by the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of young people with special educational needs.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a School Counsellor or a Therapeutic Support Worker
- However, this role is unique in its focus on providing therapeutic living and learning environments across both educational and residential settings
- Career progression may involve moving into a more senior clinical role or specializing in a specific area of therapy
ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other therapeutic roles, it is unique in its integrated approach to education, care, and therapy.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a therapeutic program for a group of young people with special educational needs
- Conducting individual counselling sessions with young people to support their emotional well-being
- Collaborating with educational and residential colleagues to create a therapeutic living and learning environment
ASSUMPTION: The specific projects required for this role may vary depending on the individual's responsibilities and the needs of the young people.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What is the typical caseload for this role, and how is it managed?
- How does the multi-disciplinary clinical team support each other in this role?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the organization?
- How does the company support staff in managing the emotional demands of the role?
- What is the company's approach to ensuring the safety and well-being of both staff and young people?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, relevant questions during the interview demonstrates your interest in and understanding of the role.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the Witherslack Group careers portal
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
- Prepare examples of your work with young people to discuss during the interview
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
