Counsellor and Wellbeing Adviser

21 hours a week (over three days) over 40 weeks per year, term time only. Student Services supports students at each stage of their journey from pre-entry to post exit. The service has a student orientated culture and puts students' needs at the heart of everything it does. As a pivotal part of the frontline team, the Counsellor & Wellbeing Adviser will support students' mental health and wellbeing through individual and group counselling, workshops, and drop-in services. Collaborating with the Colleges' support services, the post holder ensures a holistic approach to wellbeing.

Responsibilities include maintaining confidential records, adhering to safeguarding policies, and continuous professional development. The role requires a registered professional with substantial counselling experience, particularly with children and young people, along with strong empathy, communication, and caseload management skills. We would like our Counsellor & Wellbeing Adviser to hold a qualification in Counselling at Diploma Level or higher and be a member of an ethical body, such as BACP, UKCP, NCS.

You will have significant understanding and experience of providing a professional Wellbeing Support service, particularly with children and young people, along with strong empathy, communication, and caseload management skills. Able to work well, independently and in a team, you will have a good understanding of the safeguarding process and knowledge of external support agencies, data protection regulations, crisis management, and referral procedures in relation to safety planning, risk assessment, and information sharing. We would like you to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

The successful candidate will be eligible for any increase in salary as a consequence of the annual cost of living review that will be implemented in the new academic year. Closing date for the return of a complete online application is 9th May 2025. There is a generous benefits package and an excellent pension scheme that receives a significant financial contribution from the employer (Teachers Pensions or Local Government Pension Scheme), subsidised sports facilities, and professional development and training plus a salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. The benefits package is pro-rated for part-time staff.

As part of our due diligence checks on prospective employees, successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, an online search, and proof of eligibility to work in the UK. As outlined in the Public Sector Equality Duty of the Equality Act 2010, we are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage and civil partnerships.

The South Thames Colleges Group is made up of Carshalton College, Kingston College, Merton College, and South Thames College, which merged on 1 August 2017. South Thames Colleges Group is one of London’s largest providers of post-16 education and training and is an ongoing and significant contributor to its local communities. We aim to put students' success at the heart of everything we do. We are looking for hard-working and collaborative people who can join our team and help challenge our students to achieve and progress.