At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide professional counselling and support to students, promoting mental health and wellbeing.
- Company: Old Swinford Hospital, a leading state boarding school with a supportive atmosphere.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, workplace pension, and a chance to make a real difference in students' lives.
- Other info: Flexible hours during term time with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and help shape the future of young people in a nurturing environment.
- Qualifications: Level 4 qualification in Counselling or Psychotherapy and experience with young people.
The predicted salary is between 15000 - 20000 € per year.
School Counsellor from September 2026. Old Swinford Hospital is one of the country's leading state boarding schools. A large number of the school's students are boarders who come from a wide range of backgrounds in the UK and also from the EU and overseas. A third of our pupils are day pupils, who usually go home after lessons, unless they are involved in sport or music, CCF or DofE. The school is now fully co-educational. The atmosphere is supportive and orderly, and it is also very relaxed because for many of our pupils their school is also their home. Parents, pupils and staff are all on the same side and our pupils want to learn before going out into the wider world and making their own contribution to it. We have had two very favourable Ofsted visits, one for boarding and one for curriculum. We enjoy a very good academic reputation and regularly feature in the lists of the most academically successful maintained schools. We pride ourselves on developing in our pupils a balance of academic achievement, character and resilience and we’ve been doing this now for nearly 360 years. Our extensive extra-curricular programme contributes to our pupils becoming happy, healthy and interested young people, for whom sport, music, art, drama, and outdoor pursuits feature in their everyday lives.
Qualifications and Experience:
- A recognised qualification in Counselling or Psychotherapy (minimum Level 4), with specific training in children and young people's mental health and wellbeing.
- Experience of working with young and vulnerable children, ideally in a school environment.
Responsibilities:
- To provide confidential, professional counselling and support sessions to students, in line with ethical guidelines and safeguarding requirements.
- To offer a drop-in clinic for pupils.
- To offer supportive advice to any staff at the school who wish to discuss pupils who may be having difficulties.
- Promoting a safe, supportive and inclusive environment in which pupils feel able to explore and express their concerns.
- To liaise with the school medical centre staff and implement any actions required that have gathered over the week.
- Managing a caseload of pupils and prioritising referrals appropriately.
- Any matters that may arise as part of the counselling process which are concerned to be safeguarding issues which require investigating needs to go on MyConcern and if urgent then directly to Director of Safeguarding.
- To provide an opportunity for any parents/carers to talk with the school counsellor about their child who is having difficulties as necessary.
- Maintaining accurate, secure and confidential records in accordance with professional standards, GDPR and school policies.
- To undertake any training which is required by the school.
The hours of work are 16 hours per week, term time (37 weeks). The rate of pay is £20.66 per hour plus statutory holiday pay. In line with current regulation you will, if you are eligible, be offered a workplace pension through NEST. Old Swinford Services Ltd welcomes applications for employment from all sectors of the community.
Suitability to work with Children:
Old Swinford Services Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants are required to undertake an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check.
International School Counsellor in Stourbridge employer: Old Swinford Hospital
Old Swinford Hospital is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where staff are valued and encouraged to grow professionally. With a strong emphasis on student wellbeing and a rich history of academic excellence, employees benefit from a collaborative culture that prioritises mental health and personal development. Located in a vibrant community, the school provides unique opportunities for engagement with a diverse student body, making it a rewarding place to contribute to the future of young people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land International School Counsellor in Stourbridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with children and young people. They might have insider info on job openings or can even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and values. Knowing what makes Old Swinford Hospital tick will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your counselling techniques! You might be asked to demonstrate how you'd handle specific scenarios during the interview. Brush up on your skills and think about how you can create a safe space for students to express their concerns.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Old Swinford Hospital.
We think you need these skills to ace International School Counsellor in Stourbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the International School Counsellor role. Highlight your qualifications and experience in counselling, especially with young people, to show us you’re the right fit for our supportive environment.
Showcase Your Experience:When detailing your work history, focus on your experience with children and vulnerable groups. We want to see how you've made a positive impact in previous roles, so share specific examples that demonstrate your skills and approach.
Be Professional Yet Approachable:While we appreciate professionalism, don’t forget to let your personality shine through! We’re looking for someone who can connect with students, so a friendly tone in your application can help us see how you might fit into our community.
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. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Old Swinford Hospital
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the school’s ethos and values. Research Old Swinford Hospital's approach to education, especially their focus on character and resilience. This will help you align your answers with what they value in a candidate.
✨Show Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your experience working with young and vulnerable children. Prepare specific examples of how you've supported students in the past, particularly in a school environment. This will demonstrate your capability and understanding of the role.
✨Prepare for Ethical Scenarios
Think about potential ethical dilemmas you might face as a school counsellor. Be prepared to discuss how you would handle safeguarding issues or confidentiality concerns. This shows that you take the responsibilities seriously and are ready for the challenges of the role.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t forget that interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school’s counselling approach and how they support their staff. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.
