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Organisation: Bede House – Starfish Domestic Abuse Project
Location: In-person sessions across Southwark and Lambeth (local children’s centres)
Contract Type: Self-employed consultancy agreement
Hours: Two evenings per week (approx. 3–4 hours per evening; 6–8 sessions per month)
Client Group: Children and young people aged 5–17
Rate: Hourly consultancy rate to be negotiated.
Main contact: Bede Manager
Website: https://bedehouse.org.uk/
Overview of Role
Bede House is seeking a qualified Child Art Therapist (Consultant) to deliver time-limited, trauma-informed creative therapeutic interventions for children and young people affected by domestic abuse or VAWG. This self-employed position is suitable for an experienced art therapist who can work independently and flexibly within community settings.
This role is ideal for a confident, independent practitioner with the capacity to supervise another therapist delivering creative therapy as part of the service. Sessions are delivered in person during weekday evenings within local community venues across Southwark and Lambeth. This is a freelance contract with flexibility in scheduling, subject to project needs.
Key Responsibilities
• Deliver short-term, arts-based therapeutic interventions to children and young people impacted by domestic abuse/VAWG.
• Use integrative or person-centred approaches suitable to each child’s needs and developmental stage.
• Conduct an initial assessment, regular reviews, and sessional documentation, while maintaining professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Liaise with Bede’s Manager and safeguarding team around risk, safeguarding, and clinical concerns.
• Attend monthly check-ins with the Project Manager and regular supervision.
• Contribute to monitoring and evaluation reports as required.
• Support the development of student art therapy placements by providing supervision or guidance as required.
• Provide Supervision for one other art play therapist.
Consultancy Agreement and Autonomy
This is a self-employed role under a freelance agreement. You will be responsible for your own tax and National Insurance contributions.
You are expected to manage your working hours and methods independently, while aligning with Bede’s values, policies, and service requirements.
You are expected to have appropriate professional indemnity insurance and an Enhanced DBS check (or be willing to obtain one).
Essential Requirements
• Qualification in Art Therapy (Postgraduate Diploma or Masters).
• HCPC registration (or working towards registration) and membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. BAAT).
• Experience delivering therapy to children affected by domestic abuse, trauma, or neglect.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures.
• Comfortable working alone in community settings, in line with lone-working and safeguarding protocols.
• Ability to write clear, concise clinical notes and reports.
• Commitment to trauma-informed, culturally competent, and anti-oppressive practice.
• Able to commit to at least 6–12 months’ delivery.
• Willing to work evenings and travel across Southwark and Lambeth.
Desirable
• Experience supporting children with additional needs (e.g. ADHD, neurodiversity).
• Understanding of domestic abuse dynamics and relevant UK safeguarding legislation.
• Experience of working in voluntary, charity, or community-based settings.
• Ability to speak a second language or experience working cross-culturally.
• Familiarity with online case recording systems or Microsoft SharePoint.
Support Provided by Bede House
• Funded individual clinical supervision (monthly).
• Weekly contact/check-ins with Project Manager for logistics and reflective practice.
• Access to ongoing CPD and training, including:
– Domestic abuse and trauma
– Safeguarding
– VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls)
– Case documentation and ethical practice.
Safeguarding and Legal Compliance
All consultants must hold (or undergo) an Enhanced DBS check.
Therapists must adhere to professional ethical standards (e.g. BAAT, HCPC).
Consultants are expected to work within Bede House’s Safeguarding Policy, Equality Policy, Confidentiality Policy, and Health & Safety procedures.
Outputs
• Deliver at least 12 weeks of individual art therapy per referred child.
• Deliver sessions for a minimum of 15 children per reporting year.
• Provide monitoring feedback and reflective reports as required.
• Ensure monitoring documentation is completed.
• Attend mandatory supervision and project meetings (paid).
If you have a passion for supporting vulnerable children, experience in therapeutic work following trauma, and value working as part of a reflective and inclusive team — we’d love to hear from you.
For further information contact Ahlam Laabori, Service Manager: 020 7237 9162.
Applications:
Please send your expression of interest and CV to: bedereferrals@bedehouse.org, for the attention of Ahlam Laabori.