Therapeutic Support Practitioner - TESS

Birmingham Children’s Trust – TESS Therapeutic Support Practitioner (Grade

C)

3 x full‑time posts, 36.5 hours per week.

TESS is an emotional wellbeing service providing assessment and a wide range of individual, dyadic and group interventions to Birmingham’s children in care, parents, foster carers, separated young people seeking asylum and care leavers up to age 25. The service also offers consultation and support to professional and care networks.

Recruit three Therapeutic Support Practitioners to support young people who have experienced early adversity and present with attachment and complex trauma‑related difficulties, including teenagers, care leavers and young people aged 16+ living independently.

Work as part of a multidisciplinary team including clinical psychologists, systemic family therapists, play and art therapists, and therapeutic social workers trained in approaches such as DDP, CBT and systemic practice. The role involves outreach, relationship‑based support, social and emotional development and helping young people access community resources and opportunities.

• One post will sit within a team focused on early support, providing short‑term interventions to children and young people under 18, alongside support to their families and networks.
• Two posts will focus on supporting young people aged 16–25, including care leavers and separated young people seeking asylum. Key duties include supporting through TESS Drop‑In provision and working with the therapeutic team to improve emotional regulation, interpersonal relationships and resilience.

• Experience working with care‑experienced young people or young adults.
• Positive, passionate and committed to making a difference.
• Interest in evidence‑based practice and willingness to develop knowledge and skills.

• Social Work England registration fee covered.
• DBS application fee covered and update service fee reimbursed.
• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 5 years and 35 days after 10 years.
• Early finish every Friday.
• Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme.
• Free on‑site parking and electric car charging ports.
• Full access to internal employee benefits scheme (Occupational Health, Rewards Schemes, Benefits discounts, Health & Fitness and Personal Wellbeing support).
• Flexible and hybrid working policy.
• Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Discounted gym memberships with Pure Gym and Nuffield Health.

Applicants should include a CV demonstrating how they meet the competencies required as outlined in the attached person specification.

Additionally, depending on the role, a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check may be required. The level of check is determined based on the specific responsibilities and level of contact with children and young people. Those with a criminal record may be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.