Drama Therapist

Overview

Are you a Drama Therapist looking for a new opportunity to work in a supportive and kind environment where you can change lives for the better and continue developing your career? If so, join our team at Thornford Park in Thatcham. Working 22.5 hours per week as a Drama Therapist, you will be joining the Department of Psychological Therapies and managing your own caseload, which will involve working with complex service-users. You will provide specialist Dramatherapy assessment, therapy, interventions and consultation to service users, their families, carers, and mental health professionals within Thornford Park Hospital. In this role, you will supervise, consult and support trainee and other clinical members of the team who provide who provide psychologically based care and treatment. Your career at Elysium will be enjoyable and rewarding as you develop specialist skills and make a real difference for some of the most vulnerable people in society. Main duties of the job The Drama Therapist role at Elysium Healthcare offers a unique opportunity to make impactful contributions within a supportive setting. Based in Thatcham at the Thornford Park Hospital, the position is within the Department of Psychological Therapies. As part of a 22.5 hours per week commitment, responsibilities include managing your own caseload and providing specialized Dramatherapy services. The therapies cater to complex service users and involve assessments, intervention, and consultations with users, their families, and mental health professionals. Additionally, the role requires supervising and supporting trainee therapists and clinical staff involved in psychologically based care. This role presents a platform for career advancement and personal development, while contributing meaningfully to the wellbeing of vulnerable individuals. Regular meetings and collaborations with multi-disciplinary teams are integral, complemented by participation in various professional development opportunities. About us Elysium Healthcare has carved a significant niche in providing care across the UK with its vast network of services. Employing over 8,000 individuals, the organization delivers specialized mental health, neurological, and learning disabilities & autism care. Working at Elysium means joining a team dedicated to high standards of care, community support, and recovery facilitation. The organization is part of Ramsay Health Care, boasting an international presence in over 10 countries and a workforce exceeding 86,000. Elysium is recognized for safe recruitment practices and a commitment to diversity and inclusivity, ensuring an accessible recruitment process for individuals with disabilities. Employees are supported in promoting and safeguarding the welfare of service users, embedded in all roles and responsibilities. A DBS check is a condition for employment at Elysium to ensure staff align with the organizations safeguarding standards. Details Date posted 04 August 2026 Pay scheme Other Salary £42,000 a year Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 1534222047 Job locations Elysium Healthcare Thatcham RG19 8ET United Kingdom Job description Job responsibilities Are you a Drama Therapist looking for a new opportunity to work in a supportive and kind environment where you can change lives for the better and continue developing your career? If so, join our team at Thornford Park in Thatcham. Working 22.5 hours per week as a Drama Therapist, you will be joining the Department of Psychological Therapies and managing your own caseload, which will involve working with complex service-users. You will provide specialist Dramatherapy assessment, therapy, interventions and consultation to service users, their families, carers, and mental health professionals within Thornford Park Hospital. In this role, you will supervise, consult and support trainee and other clinical members of the team who provide who provide psychologically based care and treatment. Your career at Elysium will be enjoyable and rewarding as you develop specialist skills and make a real difference for some of the most vulnerable people in society. As a Drama Therapist, you will be: Managing your own caseload, which will involve working with complex service-users. Attending regular meetings, such as MDT’s, CPA’s, referrals, and peer supervision Working as part of a Multi-Disciplinary Team Providing both individual and group work for the ASD Service Providing both long & short-term work, which includes being able to undertake clinical assessments to determine clinical needs & treatment plans Maintaining monthly clinical supervision as well as regular line-management supervisio Providing professional advice in finding resolutions to problems/challenges – with the emphasis on improving service-user experience. Both written & verbal contributions to MDT & CPA process Offering specialist clinical advice including the assessment of care needs and the development, implementation, and evaluation of programmes of care within the service To be successful in this role, you will need: Experience working with adults with ASD Experience working with patients within a forensic service (or similar setting) MA in Dramatherapy Registration with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) Member of British Association of Drama Therapists (BADth) At least one year’s post qualification experience Ability to reflect and critically appraise own performance A good knowledge and understanding of the theories and practice of Dramatherapy with people with a diagnosis of ASD who have offended Knowledge and application of Dramatherapy assessments and interventions Ability to establish therapeutic relationships with complex service-users Ability to organise and respond effectively to complex information Experience of MDT working and ability to work autonomously Where you will be working: Location : Thornford Park, Crookham Hill, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG19 8ET You will work at Thornford Park which is a combination of medium secure and low secure units and rehabilitation flats. The service provides a seamless internal care pathway supporting and empowering patients in their recovery and rehabilitation. You will work alongside the multidisciplinary to provide personalised assessment and treatment programmes for males with mental illness/ complex care needs as well as those with personality disorder. Service users may have histories of offending and/or may have failed in previous placements. What You’ll Get At Elysium Healthcare, we believe in taking care of the people who care for others, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, growth, and future: Annual base salary of £42,000 FTE £25,200 pro rata The equivalent of 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays) – plus your birthday off and the option to buy additional annual leave, in our annual selection window. Career development and training to help you achieve your professional goals Access to our Rewards & Benefits platform Ely-Vate; Your one-stop destination for everyday savings, exclusive benefits, and wellbeing hub! Wellbeing support and activities to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance Access to Blue Light Card, which provides a range of exclusive offers and discounts Life Assurance, for added peace of mind Stream – instant access to earned wages when you need it, plus access to save, directly from your wages, alongside financial wellbeing support. 24/7 GP service and second medical opinion, to ensure you are the best you can be Enhanced Maternity Package, so you can truly enjoy this special time Pension contribution, to help secure your future Free/subsidised meals and onsite/local free parking About your next employer: Elysium Health care has over 8,000 employees and a unique approach to the delivery of care. With a network of over 80 services across England and Wales covering Mental Health, Neurological, Learning Disabilities & Autism, Children & Education, there is opportunity for you to grow and move. Elysium Healthcare is part of Ramsay Health Care with a global network that extends across 10 countries and employs over 86,000 people globally. Elysium Healthcare follows safer recruitment of staff for all appointments and is a Disability Confident employer, committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment. It is a requirement that all staff understand it is each person’s individual responsibility to promote and safeguard the welfare of service users. All candidates will be subject to a DBS disclosure Job description Job responsibilities Are you a Drama Therapist looking for a new opportunity to work in a supportive and kind environment where you can change lives for the better and continue developing your career? If so, join our team at Thornford Park in Thatcham. Working 22.5 hours per week as a Drama Therapist, you will be joining the Department of Psychological Therapies and managing your own caseload, which will involve working with complex service-users. You will provide specialist Dramatherapy assessment, therapy, interventions and consultation to service users, their families, carers, and mental health professionals within Thornford Park Hospital. In this role, you will supervise, consult and support trainee and other clinical members of the team who provide who provide psychologically based care and treatment. Your career at Elysium will be enjoyable and rewarding as you develop specialist skills and make a real difference for some of the most vulnerable people in society. As a Drama Therapist, you will be: Managing your own caseload, which will involve working with complex service-users. Attending regular meetings, such as MDT’s, CPA’s, referrals, and peer supervision Working as part of a Multi-Disciplinary Team Providing both individual and group work for the ASD Service Providing both long & short-term work, which includes being able to undertake clinical assessments to determine clinical needs & treatment plans Maintaining monthly clinical supervision as well as regular line-management supervisio Providing professional advice in finding resolutions to problems/challenges – with the emphasis on improving service-user experience. Both written & verbal contributions to MDT & CPA process Offering specialist clinical advice including the assessment of care needs and the development, implementation, and evaluation of programmes of care within the service To be successful in this role, you will need: Experience working with adults with ASD Experience working with patients within a forensic service (or similar setting) MA in Dramatherapy Registration with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) Member of British Association of Drama Therapists (BADth) At least one year’s post qualification experience Ability to reflect and critically appraise own performance A good knowledge and understanding of the theories and practice of Dramatherapy with people with a diagnosis of ASD who have offended Knowledge and application of Dramatherapy assessments and interventions Ability to establish therapeutic relationships with complex service-users Ability to organise and respond effectively to complex information Experience of MDT working and ability to work autonomously Where you will be working: Location : Thornford Park, Crookham Hill, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG19 8ET You will work at Thornford Park which is a combination of medium secure and low secure units and rehabilitation flats. The service provides a seamless internal care pathway supporting and empowering patients in their recovery and rehabilitation. You will work alongside the multidisciplinary to provide personalised assessment and treatment programmes for males with mental illness/ complex care needs as well as those with personality disorder. Service users may have histories of offending and/or may have failed in previous placements. What You’ll Get At Elysium Healthcare, we believe in taking care of the people who care for others, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, growth, and future: Annual base salary of £42,000 FTE £25,200 pro rata The equivalent of 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays) – plus your birthday off and the option to buy additional annual leave, in our annual selection window. Career development and training to help you achieve your professional goals Access to our Rewards & Benefits platform Ely-Vate; Your one-stop destination for everyday savings, exclusive benefits, and wellbeing hub! Wellbeing support and activities to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance Access to Blue Light Card, which provides a range of exclusive offers and discounts Life Assurance, for added peace of mind Stream – instant access to earned wages when you need it, plus access to save, directly from your wages, alongside financial wellbeing support. 24/7 GP service and second medical opinion, to ensure you are the best you can be Enhanced Maternity Package, so you can truly enjoy this special time Pension contribution, to help secure your future Free/subsidised meals and onsite/local free parking About your next employer: Elysium Health care has over 8,000 employees and a unique approach to the delivery of care. With a network of over 80 services across England and Wales covering Mental Health, Neurological, Learning Disabilities & Autism, Children & Education, there is opportunity for you to grow and move. Elysium Healthcare is part of Ramsay Health Care with a global network that extends across 10 countries and employs over 86,000 people globally. Elysium Healthcare follows safer recruitment of staff for all appointments and is a Disability Confident employer, committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment. It is a requirement that all staff understand it is each person’s individual responsibility to promote and safeguard the welfare of service users. All candidates will be subject to a DBS disclosure