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- Tasks: Provide emotional support and guidance to students, including those with autism.
- Company: Join the outstanding Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School, known for its nurturing environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy a flexible part-time role with paid holidays during school breaks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience in secondary education and working with SEND students is essential.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant community that values inclusivity and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School is looking to appoint a caring and supportive Counsellor to join our collaborative and friendly Student Support department and work in partnership with our Learning Support team.
Responsibilities
- Provide a high-quality counselling service to students experiencing a wide range of emotional problems, including one-on-one support to individuals with autism.
- Provide support, guidance and advice to parents, carers and the school to ensure consistent support and track progress.
- Observe confidentiality and support the school's aim to provide excellent teaching and learning for all students.
- Contribute to the safeguarding and promotion of the welfare and personal care of children and young people.
Qualifications and Experience
- Experience working in secondary education.
- Experience in working with pupils with SEND.
- Experience in dealing with sensitive and confidential issues.
- Knowledge of the SEN Code of Practice.
- Knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures in schools.
- Skilled at making and sustaining positive relationships with young people and their families.
- Experience working with school systems, e.g. ClassCharts, and Arbor.
- Ability to communicate effectively at all levels both orally and in writing.
Please tell us why you think you are the most suitable candidate for the role.
Role Details
- The role is for up to 21 hours per week - term time only plus Inset days (39 weeks per year) with 5.6 weeks paid annual leave (holidays to be taken during school holidays).
- Hours: 8:10 - 3:40pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
- Interviews may take place before the closing date, so early applications are encouraged.
About the School and Values
The School's latest Ofsted inspection in November 2023 rated Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School as 'Outstanding'. The School's recent Catholic Schools Inspectorate Section 48 Inspection in March 2023 rated Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School as 'Outstanding'. Nicholas Breakspear is a vibrant, nurturing and ambitious school. Situated on the outskirts of St Albans, the school benefits from large spacious grounds and close links to London. This role provides an excellent opportunity for someone to join a school which values inclusivity and kindness and which allows children to flourish and grow in confidence. The 2025 GCSE results place the school in the top 7% of schools nationally. Nicholas Breakspear is a member of the Diocese of Westminster Academy Trust (DOWAT). We work together with the other schools in the trust to share best practice and to promote the development of staff and students. DOWAT is recognised as being in the top 3% of academy trusts in the country. DOWAT and Nicholas Breakspear are fully committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees, workers, job applicants and pupils, and to eliminating unlawful and unfair discrimination. It aims to create a culture that encourages and values diversity, and that appoints, rewards and promotes staff based on merit. Nicholas Breakspear is a Catholic school and we place great emphasis on the gospel values of Truth, Justice, Peace and Love.
School Counsellor employer: Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School
Contact Detail:
Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Counsellor
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School and its values. Understanding their mission and culture will help you connect during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. They can provide insights about the school and might even give you a heads-up about the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how your experience aligns with the role, especially regarding emotional support and working with SEND students. Practise your responses so you can articulate your skills confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Nicholas Breakspear. Don’t forget to highlight your passion for supporting students!
We think you need these skills to ace School Counsellor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting students shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives, especially those with emotional challenges.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience, especially with SEND and safeguarding. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and how they align with our school’s values.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address the questions posed in the job description. This helps us see your communication skills in action!
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might start interviewing before the closing date, so get your application in early through our website to ensure you don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the SEN Code of Practice and safeguarding policies. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the role, but that you genuinely care about the welfare of students.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've successfully supported students with emotional problems or SEND. This will help you demonstrate your ability to build positive relationships and provide effective counselling.
✨Practice Active Listening
During the interview, practice active listening. This means really paying attention to the questions being asked and responding thoughtfully. It’s a key skill for a counsellor, and showing it in the interview will impress the panel.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Highlight your experience working in teams, especially with Learning Support staff or parents. Nicholas Breakspear values collaboration, so sharing how you’ve worked together with others to support students will resonate well with them.
