Young People’s Counsellor, based in school

• Mon, Tues, Wed 9am – 5pm. Funding to be reviewed in June 2025. Supervision of 1.5 hours per month also paid.

Role

YOU MUST HAVE:

• Certificate of working with young people.

The Organisation:

Mindspace is a community-based voluntary organisation committed to supporting and promoting the mental wellbeing of people in the Perth area. Mindspace is funded by NHS Tayside, Perth & Kinross Council, the Scottish Government, and donations. Mindspace’s objective is to promote mental wellbeing in a safe and supportive environment. Services are provided through Counselling, Recovery College, and Peer Support.

Purpose of Role:

To provide counselling in schools for young people aged 10-18 based in the locality’s secondary school with some provision of counselling to year 6 and 7 pupils within the community.

Responsibilities:

• Provide a professional counselling service to children and young people aged 10–18.
• Contribute to service development.
• Work within Mindspace’s policies and procedures.
• Liaise with Senior Counsellor to ensure high standards of service delivery.
• Engage in regular external counselling supervision at a level consistent with BACP requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality and child protection appropriate to the school setting.
• Follow good practice and ethical guidelines as required by BACP.
• Maintain records of clients and hours worked, and provide appropriate statistical returns as required.
• Complete school reporting forms accurately.
• Liaise as required with admin staff.
• Attend regular wellbeing meetings as required.

Requirements

Qualifications - Essential

• Current membership of BACP or COSCA.

Experience

• Competency in working within a recognised theoretical framework.
• Have worked therapeutically with young people.
• Knowledge and understanding of Child Protection issues – ensuring knowledge is current and up to date.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality appropriate to the setting.
• Ability to work effectively within a team and with colleagues from other disciplines.
• Understanding of issues related to counselling vulnerable, disadvantaged young people.
• Ability to deliver counselling assessments.
• Knowledge and use of counselling monitoring and evaluation systems.
• Experience of developing services and liaising with partner organisations.

Personal Qualities

• Excellent communication skills both orally and in writing.
• Motivated, enthusiastic, and self-aware.
• Ability to work independently while mindful of accountability.
• Ability to travel to other schools within the locality as required.

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