At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide counselling support to students aged 10-18 in schools across Edinburgh.
- Company: Join a citywide initiative focused on mental health and wellbeing in schools.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to equal opportunities for all.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while promoting emotional health and wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified counsellor registered with COSCA or BACP.
The predicted salary is between 34452 - 40501 £ per year.
Hours: 14.30 per week
Salary: £34,452 - £40,501 per year (pro rata for part time)
We are seeking to appoint an appropriately skilled individual to the post of School Counsellor in Edinburgh Schools. We are undertaking recruitment for a part-time counsellor position to fill our current vacancies. This counselling post is part of our exciting citywide initiative providing counselling as a key component of our mental health and wellbeing support within our high schools.
Counsellors will also have a role offering counselling to pupils aged 10 years or over in the associated primary schools. The successful candidate will work with the secondary school and the associated primary schools to oversee the effective delivery of counselling services to 10 to 18 year olds within the school learning community.
The counsellor will be line managed by the school but will also regularly link with the Team Leader for the School Counselling Service to ensure appropriate levels of supervision are undertaken and to work within the citywide strategy for counsellors in schools. School Counsellors are part of the wider pupil support team delivering wellbeing supports within the national GIRFEC framework.
They are integrated into the whole school approach to support emotional health and wellbeing and work in partnership with the wider school team and other key partners. School Counsellors work with their schools and the Team Leader for the School Counselling Service to agree and provide appropriate levels of counsellor contact during school holidays.
The successful candidate will be a fully qualified counsellor and registered with an appropriate organisation such as COSCA or the BACP. This post is regulated work with children and/or protected adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. The preferred candidate will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check.
Where an individual has spent a continuous period of 3 months or more out with the UK in the last 5 years, an Overseas Criminal Record Check will be required. You will be required to provide this check. An unconditional offer of employment and commencement in the post will be subject to the outcome of both these pre-employment checks being deemed satisfactory.
We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone feels valued and able to be their best. We particularly encourage applications from women for senior roles, as well as people from minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities or neurodivergent people, care experienced people, carers and LGBT people across all levels of the organisation, all of whom are currently underrepresented. All applicants will be considered fairly based on skills and experience. Disabled and care-experienced applicants who meet the minimum job criteria will be guaranteed an interview.
As part of our goal to improve organisational culture and create a great place to work together for the people of Edinburgh, we want to make sure we're recruiting the best people. We're interested not only in your skills and experience but also in your approach to work. Therefore, part of our interview process will be an assessment of how you would bring Our Behaviours of Respect, Integrity and Flexibility into your ways of working.
Our salary range typically reflects the initial starting salary and annually increases until it reaches the top of the range. Happy to talk flexible working.
School Counsellor - City Wide - 14746_1779805335 employer: CITY OF EDINBURGH COUNCIL
The City of Edinburgh Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the mental health and wellbeing of both staff and students. As a School Counsellor, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within the community while benefiting from professional development and flexible working arrangements. Join us in our commitment to fostering a diverse workforce where every individual is valued and empowered to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Counsellor - City Wide - 14746_1779805335
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and counselling sectors. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet people who might know about openings or can give you insider tips on the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school’s approach to mental health and wellbeing. Familiarise yourself with their values and how they align with your own. This will help you demonstrate that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the school culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to your counselling philosophy and techniques. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to build your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace School Counsellor - City Wide - 14746_1779805335
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experience align with the role of School Counsellor. We want to see how you can contribute to our citywide initiative, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant qualifications!
Showcase Your Passion:Let us know why you’re passionate about supporting mental health and wellbeing in schools. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to work with young people, as this will help us see your commitment to the role.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that are easy to read. Avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out, so we can quickly grasp your suitability for the position.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that your application is processed correctly and gives you the best chance of being considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at CITY OF EDINBURGH COUNCIL
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the role of a School Counsellor and the specific needs of the schools in Edinburgh. Brush up on the GIRFEC framework and how it relates to emotional health and wellbeing. This will show that you’re not just qualified, but also genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss your counselling techniques and how they align with the citywide strategy for counsellors. Think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully supported students or collaborated with a wider team. This will help demonstrate your ability to integrate into their existing support system.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity
Since the organisation values diversity and inclusion, be ready to talk about how you can contribute to this culture. Share any experiences you have working with diverse groups or how you’ve adapted your approach to meet the needs of different individuals. This will resonate well with their commitment to an inclusive workforce.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with the behaviours of Respect, Integrity, and Flexibility that the council promotes. Prepare to give examples of how you embody these values in your work. This will show that you’re not only a good fit for the role but also for the organisational culture.
