Expressive Therapist

• Part time permanent opportunity, 2-5 days per week
• Generous supervision and professional development
• Health Professional & Support Services Award: Health Professionals Employee

A wonderful opportunity to join a multidisciplinary, experienced, innovative and caring team delivering individual, dyad and group therapy to children aged 4-12 and supporting their caregivers.

About KidsXpress

KidsXpress is a children’s mental health organisation delivering trauma informed, culturally responsive Expressive Therapy and Education Services to children under the age of 12yrs, their caregivers, school communities and the wider community. Our services are delivered through Community Partnership Programs, School Partnership Programs and Training & Education Services.

Using the therapeutic benefits of art, music, drama and play, our Expressive Therapists support children towards restored socio-emotional health and wellbeing. Our Trauma-Informed Education Consultants work with whole school communities to build capacity of the caregivers within the school community towards recognising and responding to children living with and impacted by trauma. Our Trauma Consultants and Practice Coaches deliver high calibre training and education engagements that increase clients’ capacity and confidence to apply trauma informed principles to the wider community.

About our Centre-Based Program

We offer individual, dyad and group programs at our Macquarie Park Centre. In consultation with the referrer, caregivers and child, we determine the most suitable program for a child.

About our School Partnership Program

Our School Partnership Program combines our Expressive Therapy and Trauma-Informed Education Services to provide a holistic mental health support program that fosters positive and nurturing school environments where students and staff thrive. Based on-site, at the school, in a multi-year commitment, this program offers a whole school approach comprised of support for students, teachers and the school community.

About the Role

As a KidsXpress Expressive Therapist you will:

• Deliver individual, dyad and group therapy commensurate with qualifications and experience, informed by evidence-based approaches for working with childhood trauma

• Provide consultation and psychoeducation to caregivers to support social emotional support of clients within the home environment

• Liaise with referrers and caregivers to inform appropriate therapeutic intervention for clients

About You

You are a creative, collaborative and self-aware professional who is passionate about supporting children and their caregivers. You are resilient with the ability to be flexible and adapt, and your well-developed communication skills enable you to quickly build rapport with clients. You have experience in providing assessment, therapy and support to children aged 4–12 and their caregivers underpinned by your strong understanding of child development, trauma informed practice and therapeutic frameworks for working with children.

Requirements for candidates interested in this role are:

• Postgraduate qualifications in art therapy, music therapy, dramatherapy, dance movement psychotherapy or play therapy

• Minimum 3 years’ experience providing therapy to children (ideally 12 years and under)

• Advanced working knowledge of trauma informed principles and practices for supporting children, families and communities

• Prior experience working with children living with and impacted by trauma, an understanding of childhood development and key therapeutic frameworks for effective intervention and recovery

• Eligibility or registration with a national professional body (ANZACATA, AMTA, DTAA, ATPA, PACFA, ACA)

• WWCC number as evidence of Working with Children Check

• National Police History Check

Note: We also recruit clinical Psychology and Counselling professionals who have undertaken certified professional training in creative arts therapies. Central for a career as an Expressive Therapist at KidsXpress is operating through a transdisciplinary model that aligns with our clients’ need.

Our Benefits

As a member of the KidsXpress team you will be a part of a vibrant, playful, and creative workplace surrounded by diversely skilled and experienced professionals.

Benefits include:

• In-house professional learning opportunities

• Access to support for professional development

• Group supervision

• Birthday leave

• Access to salary packaging, meal and entertainment benefits (if eligible)

• 17.5% leave loading

How to apply

If this opportunity appeals to you, please submit a covering letter addressing the role requirements together with your CV.

If you have any questions regarding this opportunity, please contact Alex at [email protected] using the subject line: Expressive Therapist – Penrith area enquiry via EthicalJobs or call (02) 9380 9220.