School Counsellor: GIPSIL in Leeds

# School Counsellor: GIPSIL in Leeds**GIPSIL**Leeds, England, United Kingdom Start Date30/09/2026£18078.65GBP Part-TimeContact MemberThe GIPSIL school counsellor and play therapist role is a permanent, part-time position in Leeds. The school counselling role pays £18,078.65 actual on a pro-rata basis. The Leeds position combines counselling and play therapy for school-aged children who need a safe way to discuss feelings and experiences.GIPSIL is the hiring organisation for the post. The work is intended for a practitioner whose training supports counselling or play therapy with children in an education setting. The published closing date is 30 September 2026 at 12 noon. School counselling requires clear boundaries, careful records, and coordinated communication around a child's welfare.* Role: School Counsellor / Play Therapist* Employer: GIPSIL* Location: Leeds, England, United Kingdom* Employment type: Permanent, part-time* Salary: £18,078.65 actual, pro rata* Closing date: 30 September 2026 at 12 noonApply for This RoleA current CV and evidence of relevant counselling training should be ready before the application is started. Examples of work with children can clarify the practitioner's experience with school-age clients.## School Counselling And Play TherapySchool counsellors help children discuss situations and feelings safely. Sessions commonly begin by agreeing what to discuss, then use listening, questions, reflection, and coping strategies to help a child make sense of an experience. Play therapy adds age-appropriate activities when direct conversation does not give a child enough language for the issue.The work depends on a dependable therapeutic relationship. A practitioner keeps the child's voice central while recognising that school work involves adults around the child. Counselling practice includes agreeing session topics, building trust, and keeping confidential records.## Training And Supervised PracticeA BACP training route can take three or four years. The route begins with an introduction to counselling, continues through a certificate in counselling skills, and reaches core practitioner training. A core qualification normally reaches Level 4 Diploma standard or an equivalent degree-level award.Core training includes at least 300 guided learning hours and at least two years of classroom-based tuition. A supervised placement forms part of the training and includes at least 100 client hours. Placement hours need assessment, supervision, and suitable clients rather than practice with peers. Supervision helps a trainee examine the work, recognise limits, and respond to safeguarding concerns.## Ethical Practice With PupilsCounselling practice requires informed consent, protected confidentiality, clear boundaries, and accurate records under the BACP Ethical Framework. Practitioners work within their competence and keep their skills current through supervision, professional discussion, research, and continuing professional development.Children need an explanation of confidentiality that matches their age and understanding. Serious risk can require protective action and appropriate information sharing. A practitioner also communicates service terms, privacy arrangements, and changes to agreements clearly. Equality, inclusion, reasonable adjustments, and respect for cultural diversity belong in the therapeutic relationship.## Qualifications And Professional DevelopmentEmployers and clients commonly look for professional qualifications and membership of, or accreditation by, a professional association. BACP accreditation schemes recognise knowledge, skills, experience, and continued development. Accreditation also gives employers a way to assess a practitioner's professional experience and practice quality.Professional growth continues after the first qualification. Regular supervision keeps attention on the therapeutic relationship, the limits of competence, and the effect of the work on the child. Continuing professional development can include learning about child development, bereavement, trauma, family systems, or communication differences when those areas match the practitioner's work.## Working In A School SettingSchool-based work takes place within a wider safeguarding structure. Employers may require enhanced background checks when a practitioner works with children or vulnerable adults. The National Careers Service guidance identifies confidential record keeping, active listening, calmness under pressure, and sensitivity as part of counsellor work.A school counsellor communicates with the adults responsible for the child's education and welfare while protecting the limits of the therapeutic relationship. Clear referral routes help identify when a child needs a different service or a higher level of support. The practitioner also needs reliable arrangements for session records, supervision, absence cover, and urgent safeguarding concerns.## Play Materials And Reflective WorkPlay-based work can include drawing, storytelling, symbolic play, and structured activities that help a child communicate without relying on adult vocabulary. Each method needs a therapeutic purpose and a record of how the work relates to the child's agreed goals. Materials must remain suitable for the child's age, development, safety, and ability to understand the activity.Professional reflection continues after a qualification. Supervision gives the practitioner a place to examine the therapeutic relationship, safeguarding decisions, and the limits of current competence before those issues affect future sessions. Reflective practice also helps a counsellor notice personal reactions, adjust communication, and keep the child's welfare at the centre of the work.The school counsellor holds a consistent therapeutic boundary while responding to the changing language and needs of children. Play therapy adds a communication route for pupils who cannot yet explain an experience directly.The role requires training and experience with children alongside ethical practice in an education environment. Supervision, accurate records, and clear safeguarding action remain part of the work beyond each individual session. #J-18808-Ljbffr