At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students' mental health and personal development in schools.
- Company: Join Metanoia Institute's impactful Here4You counselling service.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, flexible hours, and professional growth opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and social justice.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Professional counselling qualification and experience with young people required.
The predicted salary is between 34.49 - 34.49 £ per hour.
Location: West London - Ealing and Hillingdon
Team: Here4You
Salary: £34.49 per hour
Contract type: Fixed term (Academic Year)
Hours per week: Varies by school
Working pattern: Term-time/Academic year
Join our Here4You School-Based counselling service – and really make a difference.
About Here4You
Here4You is Metanoia Institute’s school-based counselling service, which provides a high quality, professional counselling service to young people in London secondary schools and colleges. All counsellors are qualified and members of a professional body.
About This Role
You’ll work with pastoral and other teams at your assigned school, which we expect to be in Hillingdon with an additional opportunity in Ealing. You’ll contribute to the development of the school-based service in this setting alongside the H4Y Schools Counselling Liaison Officer to enable students to enhance their psychological health and personal effectiveness, empowering them to optimise their school/college involvement, and personal development. This will typically be up to two days, five hours a day, term time, in Hillingdon with additional ad-hoc hours in Ealing. You’d agree with your manager your expected working hours, and these would be paid on a zero-hours basis.
What You'll Need
- A professional qualification as a counsellor, counselling psychologist or psychotherapist from a UK university or equivalent
- Knowledge and understanding of issues relating to safeguarding children and young people.
- Demonstrable experience of working with children and young people in a mental health setting.
- Ability to work independently as a professional and to liaise appropriately with a variety of different professionals within education and mental health.
- Ability to connect empathically with young people and create a safe environment for exploration.
Closing date: Please apply by 23:59 on 16 August 2026
Indicative timeline: Interviews are currently scheduled for week commencing 24 August 2026
Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging: As an organisation founded with social justice at its core, we welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. We believe that when we work together, we can enable change and make things happen, and we do this by encouraging all our colleagues to be their true self in the workplace. We learn from each other to create an inclusive organisation.
Final considerations: As a UK based Institute all our roles are based within the UK, so you’ll need to have the right to work in the UK, and be able to provide proof, unfortunately we’re unable to offer any visa sponsorship.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, we’d encourage you to submit your application as early as possible.
Here4You School-Based Counsellor employer: Metanoia Institute
Metanoia Institute is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture, ideal for experienced professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in the field of psychotherapy and counselling. With a commitment to social justice and diversity, employees are encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work, while also benefiting from opportunities for academic engagement and professional growth within a vibrant doctoral community in Ealing, London. The zero-hours contract offers flexibility, allowing associates to contribute to the development of future researchers while balancing their own commitments.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Here4You School-Based Counsellor
✨Get Involved in Local Mental Health Initiatives
We all know that networking in the therapy and counselling field can lead to great opportunities. Look out for local mental health awareness events, workshops, or support groups. These are perfect spots to meet potential employers and other professionals who might help open doors for you.
✨Leverage Online Therapy Platforms
Many temporary counselling roles pop up on platforms like BetterHelp or Talkspace. Make sure your profile is top-notch so when clients or employers are browsing, you'll stand out. Plus, showing engagement in this space can really elevate your visibility!
✨Tap into University Career Services
If you're currently studying or recently graduated, don’t ignore your university's career services. They often have great connections to temporary roles in therapy that aren't advertised widely. Plus, they can help you prepare for those all-important interviews!
✨Check Out Local Agencies and Consultancies
Temporary roles in therapy often get filled through agencies that specialise in healthcare staffing. Make a list of local counselling agencies and reach out – a simple email expressing your interest can go a long way. Remember, most agencies appreciate candidates who proactively seek out opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace Here4You School-Based Counsellor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Practical Experience:When applying for a temporary role in therapy or counselling, we need to see your practical experience front and centre. Include details of any placement experiences, internships, or voluntary work in your CV. Make sure to mention specific techniques or therapies you’re familiar with—this shows your readiness to jump in and make an impact!
Showcase Your Approach:In your cover letter, take a moment to explain your therapeutic approach and what methodologies you’re passionate about. This is your chance to connect your personal style with the values of Metanoia Institute. Temporary roles often require a quick adjustment; helping them understand your philosophy will assure them you're a good fit!
Be Flexible and Open-Ended:Since this is a temporary position, emphasise your flexibility in your application. Highlight that you're eager to take on varying responsibilities or adapt your style to different clients’ needs. It's a huge plus for potential employers who want someone who can slide effortlessly into their team.
Certifications Matter!:Don’t forget to include any relevant certifications or trainings in your application documents. Specific qualifications like a Diploma in Counselling or any accredited workshops/additional training can set you apart. Ensure these are listed clearly in your CV, as they illustrate your commitment to your professional development and the field itself.
How to prepare for a job interview at Metanoia Institute
✨Show Your Empathy Skills
In the therapy and counselling field, showcasing your empathy and interpersonal skills is crucial. Prepare to share specific examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated this, whether in volunteer work, internships, or even personal scenarios.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some real-world scenario questions where you might need to outline how you'd handle specific client situations. Practise articulating your thought process and the interventions you would consider using, reflecting your understanding of various therapeutic approaches.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since you're aiming for a temporary role, be prepared to discuss your adaptability. Temporary positions often require quickly building rapport and adjusting to different client needs, so think of examples where you've successfully navigated changes or challenges in a work environment.
✨Prepare Your Personal Philosophy
Having a clear understanding of your therapeutic philosophy can set you apart. Be ready to share how your values and approach align with those of Metanoia Institute and why you're passionate about making a difference in clients' lives, even in a temporary position.
