At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide counselling and support to students, helping them overcome emotional challenges.
- Company: Join a supportive team dedicated to improving the mental health of young people.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous pension contributions, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and a strong team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills in a rewarding environment.
- Qualifications: Must hold a Professional Diploma in Counselling and be accredited with BACP or UKCP.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Details of the job are provided below. Further information is available in the Job Description and Person Specification.
Job reference: REQ05170
Date posted: 02/03/2026
Application closing date: 20/03/2026
Location: Port Talbot Civic Centre
Salary: Grade 9 (SCP 30-34) £40,777- £45,091 per annum pro rata
Package: Employee Assistance Programme, Local Government Pension Scheme with 22.4% employer contributions, discounted gym membership with Celtic Leisure and excellent development opportunities.
Contractual hours: 22.5
Basis: Term Time
Job category/type: Education and Schools
Location of post: Various schools across the authority
Contract type: Temporary
Hours: 22.5 hours per week, 40 weeks per year
Your workstyle in this role will be a frontline/community based worker. We are currently looking for a School Based Counsellor to join our team. This post has arisen as a result of maternity leave within the team and therefore funding for this post is until May 1st 2027 or when the substantive post holder returns, whichever is soonest.
Neath Port Talbot School Based Counselling Service (NPT SBCS) is a multi-modality team of therapists comprised of School Based Counsellors, Play Therapists and a Drama Therapist. NPT SBCS is committed to helping Children and Young People (CYP) address emotional and mental health issues so that they may rise through adversity, achieve their potential and lead fulfilling lives. This is achieved through the provision of counselling and child therapy to CYP in Years 1-13 across NPT.
Counsellors and Play Therapists provide targeted therapy to CYP in order to address a range of emotional and mental health issues. We support schools in this joint endeavour through consultation, support and high quality in house training which is available to head teachers, school Governors, teaching and non-teaching staff. Additionally, the service is passionate about addressing school staff wellbeing due to the well documented link between staff wellbeing and pupil wellbeing, thorough initiatives such as the School Staff Supervision Service and School Staff Counselling Service.
We are seeking to appoint a dedicated and innovative qualified Counsellor to work with pupils from Years 1-13 across primary and secondary schools within Neath Port Talbot. Some work may also be undertaken outside of school hours and outside the school setting. In addition to providing direct counselling, you will have an important role in delivering group work where needed. You will also run workshops with groups of children and young people and deliver training when required. You will play an integral part in developing the School Based Counselling Service within the authority, including collaborative working with other staff within the Inclusion Service and taking part in multi-disciplinary consultations with schools. Enhancing the skills of school based staff will also be an important element of the post.
What current team members say about working in NPT SBCS:
- ‘It is certainly true that no day in this job is the same! I have been working as a School Based Counsellor for three years now and find the role is stimulating and highly rewarding. It is a privilege to be able to work with children and young people therapeutically and to be part of a team that is supportive and allows space for individuality and creative ways of working.’
- ‘A day in the life of a school counsellor is rich in the range in client presentations, challenging, rewarding and varied.’
- ‘I am so proud of what we do as a team!’
- ‘The culture of the service is warm and supportive and a place that you feel heard. It is open to individuality with an abundance of knowledge and skills. We come together to help each other to achieve the best outcomes while making good friends in the process.’
We welcome applications from those who hold a Professional Diploma in Counselling and are accredited/registered with the BACP or UKCP or equivalent. You may also have:
- Experience of counselling in an education environment
- Experience of working with school aged children
- A thorough knowledge of Child Protection and Safeguarding procedures
On completing the application form, please ensure that you address the elements of the Person Specification. We believe in rewarding and recognising our colleagues’ efforts and achievements. We also believe that there’s life at work and life outside of work. We want everyone to be healthy and happy and have the financial resources and support they need.
Choose to work for us and you’ll be rewarded with a range of attractive benefits and support to help you live your best life:
- Hybrid working (in some roles) and flexible working schemes to improve your work life balance
- Benefit from a competitive employee package with a remarkable 22.4% employer pension contribution
- Enjoy a holiday entitlement of 25 days, increasing to 32 days after 5 years’ service (not forgetting the additional 8 bank holidays too)
- Access discounted gym membership with Celtic Leisure
- Utilise the cycle to work scheme with up to 40% off bikes and cycling equipment
- Purchase a new car through Tusker salary sacrifice scheme
- Enjoy exclusive discounts at local and national retailers with the Smart Spend app through our staff wellbeing group.
If you would like to start a rewarding career with a company that values and invests in its employees and you have the necessary experience and qualifications, this could be your dream job and we would love to hear from you.
Should you require any further information, please contact Rhian Miller, School Based Counselling Service Manager (r.miller@npt.gov.uk) to arrange an informal discussion.
This post is subject to an enhanced with child barred list DBS disclosure. Neath Port Talbot Council is totally committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Our schools/employees are equally committed to ensuring the safety and protection of all children and young people/vulnerable adults and will take action to safeguard their wellbeing. The recruitment process for this post will be underpinned by rigorous safer recruitment assessment to ensure that children and young people are protected.
Welsh Language skills are desirable. Applications may be submitted in Welsh; applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who have a disability and armed forces veterans. In support of employees of Tata Steel who are at risk of redundancy, or have been made redundant in 2024, Neath Port Talbot Council is offering a guaranteed interview for jobs across the Council. Please note that applicants must meet all the essential criteria, as shown in the person specification, to qualify for a guaranteed interview. If you are or going to be affected by the job losses at Tata Steel then we would welcome an application from you. Just make it known on your application form that you are currently at risk of redundancy or you have been made redundant.
At Team NPT, we all work together to serve the people, communities and businesses of Neath Port Talbot. We are committed to providing training opportunities and the professional development of all our employees. We look forward to welcoming you to Team NPT.
School Based Counsellor in Port Talbot employer: NPT Pass
Neath Port Talbot Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of both staff and students. With a competitive benefits package including a generous pension contribution, flexible working options, and extensive professional development opportunities, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles as School Based Counsellors. Join a dedicated team committed to making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Based Counsellor in Port Talbot
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at NPT Pass. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like NPT Pass.
We think you need these skills to ace School Based Counsellor in Port Talbot
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for NPT Pass:Take some time to research NPT Pass and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at NPT Pass
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for NPT Pass's values and approach.
