The role of the MTS (Manager of Therapeutic Services)

The MTS or assistant meets with the young women in order to assess their needs and monitor progress in therapy or in order to manage a crisis. Neither the MTS or assistant will offer therapy to a young woman, rather, they will coordinate the referral for therapy and monitor progress.

It may be necessary to offer a young woman a set number of meetings in order to prepare them for
therapy or to offer short term solution focussed interventions such as anger management however longer term individual therapy is accessed through our team of experienced therapists whose services are purchased.

The MTS has monthly supervision with Dr. Holmes. This time is set aside to consider the direction of the service and plan further development of the service. The MTS also has monthly supervision with Dr. Gutjahr. These discussions are fed back to the units through staff meetings in order that the
service is coherent.

The MTS has developed good working relationships with various external agencies including CAMHS, LAC nurse, Educational Psychology service, Local NSPCC, Local counselling services for young people, Local drug and alcohol services for young people, the police and the local health care providers. The MTS and Assistant each hold a case load of young women for whom they are responsible for assessing and coordinating therapeutic care. Both the MTS and Assistant attend staff meetings in order to consult to care staff about therapeutic care. Either the MTS or assistant attend the young women’s looked after review meetings and if necessary provide a report outlining the young
women’s needs and how these are being addressed.

The MTS also is responsible for the employment of the various therapists available to Cornerways Children’s Services. A robust recruitment procedure is in place to ensure the safety of each young woman. The therapists are interviewed, CRB checks are undertaken and references and certificates of
training are verified and checked prior to the therapist being able to take on any individual therapy with the young women. As part of their contract the therapists have to set up and access regular supervision from appropriate therapists in order to discuss their work with the young women and safeguard their practise.