School Counselling Service Manager

A little about us: Connect-Ed has over 35 years’ experience of providing professional mental health services on-site in schools. Currently, we work in over 70 primary, secondary and special schools across Greater London offering a range of creative and talking therapies. Our overriding motivation is to make a positive difference to children’s lives and we deliver a unique service which is tailored to each child’s individual needs.

What we are looking for: We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced mental health professional, Speech and Language Therapist (SLT), Social Worker or Teacher to join us and lead a team of counsellors/psychotherapists based on-site in schools across London. We are seeking a highly motivated and dynamic leader with a strong management background to support staff to deliver outstanding early intervention mental health programmes for children and young people. This is a five day per week (35 hours) role, but part-time working will be considered, including the potential for a job share arrangement for the right candidate(s).

Your qualifications and skills:

• A qualification in counselling, therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, social work or teaching.
• Full membership/accreditation with an appropriate professional body (e.g. BACP/UKCP/BAPT/HCPC), where applicable to your qualifications.
• Experience of team/performance management and the ability to inspire staff to work to the highest professional standards.
• At least five years’ post qualifying experience of working as a mental health professional/SLT/Social Worker/Teacher.
• Experience of delivering mental health services in schools, including across both primary and secondary settings.
• A good understanding of child development, childhood mental health disorders and special educational needs.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding guidance/legislation and experience of practically applying this knowledge when dealing with safeguarding concerns.

What you get in return: You will receive an excellent package including:

• 11% employer pension contribution.
• Hybrid working options.
• CPD opportunities.
• Access to a staff Health Plan and Employee Assistance Scheme.
• The opportunity to wake up each morning and feel you are making a positive difference!

Salary: £41,000 - £43,000 based on working term-time only (pro rata for part-time options).

Hours: Five days per week (35 hours), with part-time options considered including working four or three days per week.

Location: This role can be based either at our Head Office in North Kensington (private parking available!), or our Family Centre in Tower Hamlets, with frequent travel to schools across Greater London. Hybrid working options are available.

How to apply: Please email your CV and cover letter to: Your cover letter should be concise (max. two sides of A4) and clearly set out why your skills and experience make you suitable for this role and what motivated you to apply. If you are looking to work part-time, please state the number of days per week you wish to work.

CLOSING DATE: Monday 22nd June 2026, 9am INTERVIEW DATE: TBC

Please be aware that due to the high volume of applications feedback will not be provided for candidates who are not shortlisted.

Further information: Connect-Ed is the delivery arm for the mental health services provided by the Catholic Children’s Society (CCS). CCS is an inclusive employer and we aim to have a workforce that reflects the rich diversity of the communities we service. There is no requirement for our staff to be Catholic and we encourage applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds. CCS is committed to safe recruitment and the post will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.