School Counsellor

AD WARRIOR; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 8,000; Part time

Job description

School Counsellor

Location: Cambridge

Salary: £7,307 per annum

Hours: 1 day per week (Thursday), Term Time only

The School is one of the country’s leading independent co-educational day schools for children aged 3-18. Their aim is to be a leading employer of choice, striving to be a school where staff feel valued, respected, and motivated.

At the school, they are committed to fostering a nurturing, inclusive, and child-centred environment where every child feels valued, supported, and able to thrive. Their approach prioritises emotional well-being, resilience, and strong partnerships with families and staff.

The School has been increasing its counselling provision over several years and is now looking for a new counsellor to join the team for one day per week. This role will involve working at the Pelican with children aged 3-7. They are looking for someone who is confident and experienced to work across the early years age range and who is keen to work as part of a team in developing the service. Ideally, the successful candidate will have experience of developing/establishing counselling provision for younger children.

The Role

The School Counsellor will offer a dedicated counselling service to pupils at the school. The successful candidate will have access to a shared office space within the School, with resources provided, including toys, a dollhouse, and art materials.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide therapeutic support for a diverse range of emotional and psychological needs, including emotional regulation, anxiety, peer relationships, transitions, bereavement, sleep difficulties, depression, and experiences of abuse.
• Offer consultation and reflective space for staff to help support pupil wellbeing.
• Liaise closely with the pastoral management team to collaboratively assess pupil needs.
• Work alongside other counsellors to allocate workload and develop the service.
• Build relationships with external agencies to facilitate referrals and ensure access to specialist support.
• Provide clear and accessible information about the counselling service to pupils, parents, and staff.
• Engage in regular supervision with a suitably qualified supervisor to reflect on clinical work.
• Work in alignment with the School’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and complete annual safeguarding training.
• Adhere to professional standards and perform duties within the codes of practice recommended by the BACP, UKCP, or equivalent organisation.

Skills and Qualifications

Education/Qualifications:

• Postgraduate Diploma or Masters level qualification in Counselling or Psychotherapy.
• BACP Accreditation, UKCP registration, or equivalent organisation.
• Additional therapeutic training or qualifications related to working with children and young people.

They are looking for a professional who has:

• A strong understanding of early child development and the challenges young children face.
• Awareness of the diverse needs of children and families from various backgrounds.
• Knowledge of local mental health services, including CAMHS, and the referral process.
• A solid understanding of the Children’s Act and relevant safeguarding legislation.
• The flexibility to work with both short-term and long-term clients.
• Experience in offering parent sessions to support children’s wellbeing.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage a caseload.
• Capacity to remain calm and professional under pressure.
• Flexibility to adapt within a developing organisation.
• A commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Excellent listening and communication skills to build strong therapeutic relationships.
• Empathic attunement and sensitivity in supporting children and families.
• Minimum of 2 years post-qualification counselling experience.
• At least 1 year of experience working with children and young people.
• Experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for this reputable School, please click apply to be redirected to their website to complete your application.

Closing Date: Tuesday 22^nd April 2025

Interviews: Thursday 1^st May 2025