At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide counselling support to students and young people in schools and the community.
- Company: Join Barnardo's, a leading charity dedicated to improving children's lives.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, training opportunities, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive team environment with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your counselling skills.
- Qualifications: Level 4 Counselling Diploma and BACP registration required.
The predicted salary is between 33865 - 41391 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced and qualified Counsellor to join our team of counsellors based within Vale of Glamorgan High Schools and the Community. The position is part-time, 7.4 hours per day, 3 days (22.2 hours) per week, over 42 weeks (39 weeks term time and 3 weeks non-term). This is a unique opportunity for a highly motivated individual to work with us; contributing to the delivery of a busy service aligned with our strategic vision of Changing Childhoods, Changing Lives.
The salary for this role is £30,798 (Full Time Equivalent), £16,872 pro rata and is non-negotiable.
What is the Vale School & Community Based Counselling Service (VSCBCS)? Commissioned by The Vale of Glamorgan Council, we have successfully run the VSCBCS for almost 10 years. Guided by the School & Community Based Counselling Operating Toolkit (revised 2020) we operate from High Schools across the Vale and within the Community, with counselling rooms in Barry and Cardiff. The aim of the service is to reduce psychological distress in children and young people by providing a safe space and forming empathic, non-judgemental and supportive relationships to enable them to find their own answers to their own problems. In turn, this will improve their emotional health and wellbeing and support the development of effective coping strategies, enabling them to better understand and cope with what they are going through.
We put the voices of children and young people at the heart of what we do by providing person centred, client led counselling for children & young people using a bespoke combination of talking therapy and creative activities.
What does the role involve? Practicing ethically and in line with the BACP and Barnardo's policies and procedures, you will contribute to the work of the VSCBCS as a Counsellor. You will be part of a small team and supported by the Team Manager. You will be responsible for managing your own case load, managing a waiting list, undertaking assessments, delivering up to 6 counselling sessions on a 1:1 basis within schools and/or within the Community and completing digital recordings.
You will have:
- Level 4 Counselling Diploma (minimum)
- Registration and membership with BACP (or equivalent)
- Enhanced DBS Certificate
- Experience of managing your own caseload to include planning, undertaking and evaluating complex therapeutic interventions
- Knowledge, understanding and experience of safeguarding children and young people
- Experience of undertaking assessments, including risk assessments.
- Experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team and of working cooperatively with a range of agencies.
- Knowledge and experience of the issues relevant to working within an education environment
- Experience of using digital recording systems to input data to case files
- Driving licence and access to your own vehicle (you will be required to work at any of the sites within the Vale of Glamorgan, sometimes at short notice)
What do we offer?
- Comprehensive induction
- Monthly Clinical Supervision
- 6-weekly Manager Supervision
- Management, Peer and Admin support
- Competitive salary
- Pension scheme with Death in Service Cover
- Training and CPD opportunities
- Employee discount schemes
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Recognition Day
Barnardo's believe in creating equality of opportunity in the workplace and supporting people to manage their work-life balance; we are therefore open to exploring flexible working arrangements. Barnardo's is committed to becoming a trauma responsive organisation and these principles underpin all our services.
If you require any further information about this opportunity, please contact Katrina Hewitson, Team Manager (VSCBCS).
Although this contract has a permanent status, please be aware that this post is subject to funding currently to 31 March 2027 and therefore should this funding not be extended further, you may be subject to a redundancy consultation or a TUPE arrangement.
Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.
About Barnardo's: We are committed to being an inclusive employer and cultivating a culture where everyone can belong and thrive through inclusion and connectivity. We want our workforce to be reflective of the communities we work with, and for equality, diversity and inclusion to be embedded in everything we do. We particularly encourage applications from Black and Minoritised Ethnic and/or disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce. For disabled applicants, we offer reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
School and Community Based Counsellor in London employer: BARNARDOS
Barnardo's is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative work culture that prioritises flexibility and employee well-being. As a Strategic Finance Partner in Greater London, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on children's services while benefiting from professional growth and development within a supportive environment dedicated to improving the lives of young people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School and Community Based Counsellor in London
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at BARNARDOS. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like BARNARDOS.
We think you need these skills to ace School and Community Based Counsellor in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for BARNARDOS:Take some time to research BARNARDOS and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at BARNARDOS
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for BARNARDOS's values and approach.
