At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students' emotional and academic growth through counselling and tailored care plans.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at Arc School Old Arley, part of Kedleston Group.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, professional development, and health programmes.
- Other info: Collaborative environment focused on personal and professional support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young lives while growing your career.
- Qualifications: BACP Diploma in counselling and experience with children required.
This role is working 2.5 days per week. Are you enthusiastic and dedicated to making a real impact on young minds? We are seeking a motivated and inspiring School Counsellor to join our dynamic team and help shape the future of our children and young people.
What you’ll be doing:
- The School Counsellor will play a vital role in supporting the emotional, social, and academic development of students at Arc School Old Arley.
- The position involves working closely with students, parents, and staff to create a positive, inclusive, and supportive school environment that fosters learning, personal growth, and well-being.
- Provide individual and group counselling sessions to students, designed to address their emotional and behavioural challenges.
- Develop tailored care plans to cater to the diverse needs of students.
- Facilitate workshops and programmes on topics such as, but not limited to, stress management, emotional resilience, managing adversity.
- Maintain accurate records of counselling sessions and student progress, ensuring confidentiality.
What we’re looking for:
- Relevant Counselling qualification (minimum BACP Diploma in counselling).
- GCSE English and Maths (A-C) or equivalent.
- Qualification in an aspect of therapeutic intervention (e.g. music therapy, play therapy, art therapy, CBT, DBT).
- BACP/UKCP registration.
- Relevant, recent post-qualification experience of working in a school setting or with children as a practicing therapist or counsellor.
- Experience of working with neurodivergent children with SEN needs.
Why join us?
- Annual salary reviews and enhanced pension contributions for qualified teachers.
- Ongoing professional development opportunities.
- A collaborative and dedicated team of professionals.
- A rewarding and fulfilling role making a real difference to children's lives.
- We value your hard work and dedication, and we’re committed to ensuring you feel supported, both professionally and personally so that you are in the best position to make the most impact for the children in our care.
When you join Kedleston Group, you can be certain that your work will have purpose and meaning. You can also expect a supportive environment which enables you to excel in your role and grow in your career. You will have access to an attractive benefits package including:
- Access to health and well-being programmes, including a free and confidential 24/7 helpline and counselling service.
- Discounts on retail, travel, and leisure through our benefits platform.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Generous life cover.
Who are we?
Opened in 2015, Arc School Old Arley is an independent special day school situated within a rural village near Nuneaton, affording children and young people the opportunity to take part in a range of activities within the local community. The spacious school environment is bright and welcoming with a variety of different learning spaces inside and outside.
Our school has a particular focus on taking learning outside the classroom into the grounds and community beyond and working in partnership with other organisations to enrich opportunities for children and young people. Arc School Old Arley is part of Kedleston Group. We specialise in providing specialist education for children aged 7-19 with a range of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). These include autistic spectrum condition (ASC), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and social emotional and mental health needs (SEMH).
We are committed to safeguarding and protecting children and we expect all colleagues to share this commitment. We will do everything possible to ensure that only those who are suitable to work with children are recruited to work for us. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020 and is subject to a range of vetting checks including a criminal records disclosure.
We are a disability confident committed and equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from all sections of the community.
School Counsellor employer: Kedleston Group Ltd
At Arc School Old Arley, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to the professional growth and well-being of our staff. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration among a passionate team, while our commitment to ongoing professional development ensures that you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of children with special educational needs. With access to comprehensive health and well-being programmes, generous benefits, and a focus on creating a positive school environment, joining us means being part of a rewarding journey in shaping young minds.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Counsellor
✨Get Involved in Local Mental Health Initiatives
Join local mental health organisations and initiatives to immerse yourself in the community. Volunteering at workshops or support groups can not only boost your experience but also help you make valuable connections that might lead to part-time roles. It’s all about getting your name out there!
✨Attend Networking Events and Workshops
Keep an eye on workshops and networking events specifically for therapy and counselling professionals. These gatherings are prime opportunities to meet potential employers, hear about job openings, and engage in meaningful conversations with industry peers. Who knows who you might bump into!
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a professional online presence highlighting your counselling approach and experiences. Consider starting a blog or sharing insights on social media about therapy methods. This can attract attention from local companies like Kedleston Group Ltd who are looking for someone like you for their part-time needs.
✨Directly Approach Local Clinics
Don't be shy about reaching out directly to clinics or counselling practices in your area. Many part-time roles are filled without ever being advertised. A friendly email introducing yourself and expressing interest in potential opportunities at Kedleston Group Ltd can sometimes lead to the job you’ve been dreaming of!
We think you need these skills to ace School Counsellor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Compassionate Side:In the therapy and counselling professions, it's crucial to convey your empathy and understanding in your application. Your CV should highlight any relevant volunteer work or experience in helping roles. Let’s face it, potential employers want to see that you can connect with clients, so showcase those soft skills front and centre!
Include Your Credentials:For a part-time role in therapy or counselling, it’s essential to demonstrate your qualifications. Make sure to include any degrees, certifications, or workshops that are relevant to the position. If you’ve completed specific training in mental health or counselling techniques, don’t skip those; they can set you apart from others.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Your cover letter is the perfect place to express your interest in working part-time and highlight your passion for helping others. Talk about why you’re drawn to Kedleston Group Ltd and how the part-time role fits into your career path. We're looking for a genuine connection, so let your personality shine through!
Availability Matters:Since this is a part-time role, clearly outline your availability in your application. Be honest about the hours you can commit, and consider mentioning if you have any flexibility. This helps Kedleston Group Ltd see how you can fit into their schedule and be a valuable addition to the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kedleston Group Ltd
✨Know Your Theoretical Frameworks
It's crucial for us to brush up on the therapy techniques and theoretical frameworks relevant to this field. Be prepared to discuss how you apply them in practice—think about specific case studies from your training that highlight your approach. This not only shows your understanding but also helps you connect with your potential clients at Kedleston Group Ltd.
✨Practice Your Active Listening Skills
Since we're diving into therapy and counselling, active listening is our bread and butter. You might face role-play scenarios during the interview, so make sure to showcase your ability to listen and respond empathetically. Demonstrating this skill can make all the difference in how we're perceived as future therapists.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility With Clients
In a part-time role, we often deal with a diverse client base, so it’s important to showcase our adaptability. Be ready to discuss how you can tailor your therapeutic approach to fit different client needs. Sharing any past experiences—whether from internships or coursework—will provide great insights to Kedleston Group Ltd about your versatility.
✨Prepare Your Questions on Working with Diverse Populations
Part-time roles can sometimes mean working with a variety of clients from different backgrounds. Think of specific questions to ask about how Kedleston Group Ltd supports inclusivity and handles diverse cases. This not only highlights your interest but also shows that you’ve thought ahead about client dynamics and your role within them.