Join The Baxter Project (www.thebaxterproject.co.uk) – Part time role, two days a week in Cardiff and Pontyclun
Role: Therapeutic Practitioner (with your dog!)
Bring your dog to work. Change a young life. Repeat.
About Us
The Baxter Project is a therapeutic, animal-assisted early intervention that supports vulnerable and challenging young people in schools and in the community. We use the innate bond between children and animals to break down barriers and build trust, helping young people engage, express themselves, and begin their journey of recovery from adversity. It’s not animal therapy. It’s relational work, powered by connection and canine charm.
We’re seeking passionate, empathetic and enthusiastic practitioners (and their well-behaved dogs!) to join us for placements in Cardiff and Pontyclun, and potentially surrounding areas.
Job Purpose
You’ll work in partnership with schools to support a caseload of pre-selected young people, those who are struggling emotionally, socially, or behaviourally. Your role is to develop a consistent, trusting relationship through weekly one-to-one sessions that are animal-assisted, engaging, and relationally driven.
This isn’t formal therapy. It’s safe, nurturing time with a trusted adult and a dog, walking, talking, playing, and slowly unpicking the weight that so many children carry.
You’ll Need:
- A calm, friendly dog who loves children and can pass a behaviour assessment (we’ll support this)
- A natural ability to build rapport with children and young people
- Physical fitness, our sessions often involve walking, playing, and being active
- Experience working or volunteering with young people (desirable, not essential)
- A full UK driving licence and access to a car
- Enhanced DBS check (we can support this if needed)
What You’ll Get:
- Training in trauma, safeguarding, motivational interviewing, and reflective practice
- Ongoing supervision and peer support
- A sense of purpose every time you put your boots on
- Flexible, meaningful work in your local area
- The rare chance to build a career where your dog is your co-worker and your work really matters
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver high-quality, safe, and engaging 1:1 sessions with young people alongside your dog
- Create a nurturing, respectful environment in which young people feel seen, safe, and valued
- Build consistent relationships based on trust, fun, and emotional safety
- Support children’s social and emotional development through relational work
- Model appropriate boundaries and challenge negative or harmful behaviour supportively
- Maintain session records and provide brief feedback reports to schools
- Promote children’s voice and participation in their own development
- Encourage positive links with community and education
- Work collaboratively with school staff and The Baxter Project team
- Act as a positive ambassador for the organisation at all times
Safeguarding, Policies & Practice
- Comply with all relevant Health and Safety legislation and The Baxter Project policies, including Safeguarding and Child Protection
- Adhere to Information Governance and GDPR regulations when handling young person data
- Attend and engage in regular supervision, reflective practice, and ongoing professional development
- Always work within the bounds of Therapeutic Activities Group CIC’s values, safeguarding framework, and HR procedures
- Ensure young people’s dignity, rights and confidentiality are upheld
- Take part in mandatory induction and ongoing training (including safeguarding and trauma-informed practice)
- Immediately report safeguarding concerns in line with organisational policy
This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, and it is expected that the post holder will participate in a wide range of activities.
Important Notes:
This is a fixed term, term-time role, however you do receive half pay during half term's, Christmas and Easter holidays. Sessions delivered 1:1 over the course of an academic year. Hours and schools can vary. Many of our practitioners start with 1–2 schools and grow from there.
Therapeutic Activities Group CIC is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
A Note from Us
We’re not necessarily looking for polished professionals, we’re looking for authentic people. If you can connect, care, and stay consistent, we can train you in the rest.
Apply now to be part of something different. Something that works.
For questions or to express interest, email hello@thebaxterproject.co.uk with a short intro and tell us about you and your dog.
Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract, Temp to perm
Contract length: 10 months
Pay: £16.00-£30.00 per hour
Application question(s):
- Do you have an up to date Dbs certificate?
- Do you own or have access to a friendly dog?
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 20/08/2025
Reference ID: baxter1
Expected start date: 07/09/2025