At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide weekly counselling sessions and a drop-in service for students and staff.
- Company: Loreto Sixth Form College, dedicated to student wellbeing and support.
- Benefits: Supportive environment, professional development, and commitment to safeguarding.
- Other info: Join a team that values mental health and offers excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a caring community.
- Qualifications: Experience in counselling and strong understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The College is looking to appoint an experienced Counsellor to provide students with weekly counselling sessions during their free periods and lunchtimes, and staff with counselling appointments as appropriate. The successful candidate will provide a weekly counselling drop-in service, giving staff and students the opportunity to meet briefly with a counsellor without an appointment, and operate a waiting system for counselling appointments as referrals increase during the academic year.
The postholder will carefully balance confidentiality and safeguarding concerns and manage this skilfully and sensitively, consulting with the Designated Safeguarding Lead as necessary. The candidate will ensure that, upon assessment, the necessary support is put in place for students in need, often signposting or referring to external agencies or internally to other departments within the college structure.
Loreto Sixth Form College is committed to safeguarding children and young people. All candidates and post holders, including volunteers, are subject to appropriate vetting procedures as outlined in Part 3 of Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025. These include an online search for shortlisted candidates, a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced check with barred-list information, and any other relevant checks with statutory bodies for successful candidates.
Counsellor in Portsmouth employer: Loreto Sixth Form College
Loreto Sixth Form College is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its staff and students. With a strong commitment to professional development, the college offers numerous growth opportunities and encourages collaboration among its team members. Located in a vibrant educational setting, employees benefit from a culture that prioritises student wellbeing and safeguarding, making it a rewarding place to contribute to the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Counsellor in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and counselling sectors. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know. Attend local events or workshops to meet potential colleagues and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your interview skills! We can’t stress this enough. Mock interviews with friends or mentors can help you feel more confident. Focus on how you would handle confidentiality and safeguarding concerns, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience! When you get the chance to chat with someone from the college, highlight your past work with students and staff. We want to hear about how you’ve successfully managed counselling sessions and referrals in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Counsellor in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and skills that align with the Counsellor role. We want to see how you can bring your unique approach to supporting students and staff.
Showcase Your Confidentiality Skills:Since confidentiality is key in this role, be sure to mention any relevant experience you have in handling sensitive information. We’re looking for someone who understands the importance of safeguarding and can manage these concerns effectively.
Highlight Your Referral Experience:Talk about your experience in signposting or referring individuals to external agencies or other departments. We value candidates who can demonstrate their ability to connect students with the right support when needed.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Loreto Sixth Form College
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in counselling techniques and theories. Brush up on your knowledge about confidentiality and safeguarding, as these are crucial for the role. Being able to discuss specific methods you’ve used in past roles will show that you’re not just knowledgeable but also experienced.
✨Demonstrate Empathy
During the interview, be prepared to showcase your empathetic approach. You might be asked situational questions, so think of examples where you’ve successfully supported students or staff. Highlight how you balanced their needs with confidentiality and safeguarding concerns.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the College
Research Loreto Sixth Form College and its values. Understanding their commitment to safeguarding and student welfare will help you align your answers with their ethos. Mentioning specific programmes or initiatives they have can really impress the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to tackle hypothetical scenarios during the interview. Practice how you would handle a drop-in session or manage a waiting list for appointments. This will demonstrate your ability to think on your feet and manage your time effectively, which is key for this role.
