Bank Psychologically Informed Practitioner

Role Details

About the Role

At LIFE, we provide psychologically informed residential care for children and young people who have experienced trauma, adversity and complex emotional difficulties.

Our approach goes beyond traditional residential childcare. We focus on understanding the emotional needs behind behaviours, building meaningful relationships and creating an environment where young people feel safe, supported and understood.

As a Bank Psychologically Informed Practitioner (PIP), you will support this approach by providing safe, compassionate and consistent care.

You will work alongside experienced practitioners, management and our Lead Psychotherapist, developing your understanding of trauma-informed care, attachment, emotional regulation and reflective practice.

This role is ideal for individuals interested in psychology, mental health, therapeutic care or children’s residential services who are looking for flexible working arrangements.

Bank Working Arrangements

Bank Practitioners provide flexible support according to the needs of the home.

• Flexible shifts: You can communicate your availability and choose whether to accept shifts offered to you.
• No guaranteed hours: The number and frequency of shifts will depend on the home’s staffing requirements.
• No obligation to accept every shift: You are not expected to maintain a fixed weekly rota.
• Reliability: Once a shift is accepted, you are expected to attend and fulfil your agreed responsibilities.
• Consistent standards: All Bank Practitioners must maintain the same safeguarding, therapeutic and professional standards as permanent staff.

Bank Practitioners are valued members of the team and contribute to the same psychologically informed environment as permanent practitioners.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Supporting Young People

Build safe, trusting and consistent relationships with children and young people.

Support daily routines, education, activities, appointments and emotional wellbeing.

Respond to challenging situations with patience, empathy and therapeutic curiosity.

Help young people develop emotional awareness, independence and confidence.

Maintain clear professional boundaries and promote a sense of safety and belonging.

2. Psychologically Informed Practice

Apply trauma-informed and psychologically informed approaches in everyday interactions.

Develop an understanding of attachment, trauma and the emotional needs underlying behaviour.

Participate in reflective practice and relevant therapeutic training.

Work collaboratively with colleagues and the Lead Psychotherapist to support individual care plans.

Demonstrate self-awareness, openness to feedback and a willingness to develop your practice.

3. Creating an Enabling Environment

Help maintain a safe, welcoming, clean and emotionally supportive home.

Follow established routines and boundaries to promote stability and consistency.

Contribute positively to the therapeutic culture of the home.

Work respectfully and collaboratively with colleagues.

Familiarise yourself with relevant care plans, risk assessments and updates before each shift.

4. Safeguarding and Risk Management

Prioritise the safety, welfare and protection of children and young people at all times.

Follow safeguarding procedures, organisational policies and relevant legislation.

Recognise and promptly report safeguarding concerns, disclosures or changes in behaviour.

Follow individual risk assessments and behaviour support plans.

Respond appropriately to crises using approved de-escalation approaches.

Use restrictive interventions only where lawful, necessary, proportionate and in accordance with training and policy.

5. Recording and Communication

Complete accurate, objective and timely daily records and incident reports.

Participate in effective handovers and communicate important information.

Maintain confidentiality and comply with data protection requirements.

Communicate professionally with colleagues, management and other professionals.

Training and Development

All Bank Practitioners must complete the training and induction necessary to work safely and effectively within LIFE.

Core expectations include:

• Completing the organisational induction and required competency assessments.
• Completing all 33 core online training modules within agreed timescales.
• Undertaking foundation training in psychologically informed practice.
• Participating in reflective practice and psychologically informed training as required.
• Completing mandatory safeguarding, health and safety, de-escalation and other relevant training.
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge, training and professional competencies.
• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare

Bank Practitioners who do not hold a recognised relevant qualification will be expected to work towards the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare where required by the role, regulatory requirements and LIFE’s qualification policy.

LIFE will fund the qualification, subject to the applicable training agreement.

Training and study arrangements will take account of the flexible nature of bank working, with expectations and any paid learning time agreed in advance.

Person Specification

Essential

Genuine interest in supporting children and young people through psychologically informed, trauma-informed care.

Empathy, patience, emotional awareness and a compassionate approach.

Willingness to learn, self-reflect and participate in reflective practice.

Good verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations.

Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

Commitment to safeguarding, confidentiality and professional boundaries.

Willingness to undertake mandatory training and relevant qualifications.

Desirable

Experience in children’s residential care, mental health, youth work, education or related settings.

Studies or qualifications in psychology, counselling, psychotherapy, social work or a related discipline.

Understanding of trauma-informed care, attachment theory or Psychologically Informed and Enabling Environments.

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or a recognised equivalent.

Full UK driving licence.

What We Offer

Flexible working: Choose whether to accept available shifts around your other commitments.

Professional development: Training in psychologically informed and trauma-informed approaches.

Reflective practice: Opportunities to develop self-awareness and therapeutic understanding.

Clinical insight: Opportunities to learn from experienced practitioners and the Lead Psychotherapist.

Supportive environment: Work within a collaborative, values-driven therapeutic team.

Career opportunities: Potential to apply for permanent practitioner roles and further progression within LIFE.

Safeguarding Statement

LIFE is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All practitioners, including bank staff, are expected to uphold this commitment.

Appointments are subject to appropriate safer recruitment checks, including:

• Identity and right to work verification.
• Employment history and professional reference checks.
• Enhanced DBS checks and relevant children’s barred list checks.
• Any additional regulatory or safeguarding clearances required for the role.
• All Bank Practitioners are expected to maintain compliance with safeguarding requirements throughout their engagement.

This job description outlines the key responsibilities and expectations of the role. Duties may be reviewed in line with operational needs, regulatory requirements and organisational developments. The terms of bank engagement will be set out separately in the applicable written agreement.