At a Glance
- Tasks: Support student mental health through counselling, workshops, and drop-in services.
- Company: Join a leading educational group dedicated to student success and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Generous leave, excellent pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with a focus on continuous improvement and student support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Level 4 or 5 Diploma in Counselling with experience in educational settings.
Permanent, Part Time (21 hours a week over 40 weeks a year term time only). Student Services supports students at each stage of their journey from pre-entry to post exit. The service has a student orientated culture and puts students’ needs at the heart of everything it does.
The Counselling and Wellbeing Advisor plays a key role in supporting and promoting student mental health through individual and group counselling, workshops and drop-in services. Collaborating with the Colleges support services, you will ensure a holistic approach to wellbeing.
Responsibilities include:
- Maintaining confidential records
- Adhering to safeguarding policies
- Continuous professional development
You will hold a minimum Level 4 Diploma or foundation degree in Counselling, supported by evidence of CPD, demonstrating the knowledge and skills required to work safely and ethically with children, young people and adults or alternatively a Level 5 Diploma in Counselling Children and Young People (CYP). You will have a minimum of 200 hours of counselling practice, including at least 50 hours of experience working with children and young people aged 4–18 where your core training is adult-focused.
You will be a registered member of a recognised professional body such as the BACP, UKCP, or NCPS, and have experience of delivering both individual and group counselling sessions. You will have worked with clients presenting with complex and multiple issues, including mental health difficulties, and be able to demonstrate experience of working with young people in educational settings or other relevant environments such as CAMHS or NHS services.
You will be trained in psychotherapeutic approaches appropriate for short-term, collaborative counselling and have experience of undertaking risk assessments and crisis interventions for clients experiencing complex mental health needs. You will also be confident in assessing client suitability for counselling services and making appropriate referrals to GPs and external agencies where required.
A strong understanding of safeguarding procedures is essential, along with the ability to manage a counselling caseload effectively, balancing clinical sessions with administrative responsibilities. You will be able to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team and demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills when engaging with students, parents, and staff.
Closing date for the return of a complete online application is 3rd June 2026.
The benefits package includes generous annual leave of 27 days plus up to 8 additional days over Christmas/New Year as well as an additional 5 days Wellbeing leave to enhance employees’ physical and mental health. There is an excellent pension scheme that receives a significant financial contribution from the employer (Teachers Pensions or Local Government Pension Scheme), subsidised sports facilities and professional development and training plus a salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. The benefits package is pro rated for part time staff.
As part of our due diligence checks on prospective employees, successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, an online search and proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
As outlined in the Public Sector Equality Duty of the Equality Act 2010, we are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.
The South Thames Colleges Group is made up of Carshalton College, Kingston College, Merton College and South Thames College, which merged on 1 August 2017. South Thames Colleges Group is one of London’s largest providers of post-16 education and training and is an ongoing and significant contributor to its local communities. We aim to put students’ success at the heart of everything we do.
We are looking for hard-working and collaborative people who can join our team and help challenge our students to achieve and progress.
When you click on ‘Apply’, you will be forwarded to the application page which sits on a platform hosted by an external partner called Blue Octopus who support STCG throughout the recruitment process.
Counselling and Wellbeing Adviser employer: South Thames College
The South Thames Colleges Group is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and student-focused work environment. With generous benefits including 27 days of annual leave, additional Wellbeing leave, and a robust pension scheme, employees are encouraged to prioritise their mental and physical health. The organisation also offers ample professional development opportunities, making it an ideal place for those looking to grow in their counselling careers while positively impacting the lives of students in London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Counselling and Wellbeing Adviser
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the counselling field, attend relevant workshops, and join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to counselling and wellbeing. Think about your experiences with complex cases and how you’ve handled them. We want you to shine when it’s your turn to talk!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along examples of your work, like case studies or feedback from clients (keeping confidentiality in mind, of course). This will help demonstrate your experience and approach to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing passionate candidates who are eager to join our student-focused culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Counselling and Wellbeing Adviser
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Counselling and Wellbeing Adviser. We want to see how you can contribute to our student-oriented culture!
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t forget to detail your counselling practice, especially your work with children and young people. We’re keen to know about your 200 hours of experience and any complex cases you've handled.
Highlight Your Qualifications:Clearly mention your qualifications, like your Level 4 or Level 5 Diploma in Counselling. We need to see that you meet the educational requirements to ensure you can work safely and ethically with our students.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep everything organised. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at South Thames College
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of a Counselling and Wellbeing Adviser. Brush up on your knowledge of safeguarding policies, risk assessments, and the psychotherapeutic approaches relevant to short-term counselling. This will show that you’re not just qualified but also genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your counselling practice, especially your experience with children and young people. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've handled complex cases or delivered group sessions. This will help demonstrate your ability to manage a caseload effectively and work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the student services and how they support mental health. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values and approach to student wellbeing.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity goes a long way in interviews. Be honest about your experiences and how they’ve shaped your approach to counselling. The interviewers want to see the real you and how you’ll fit into their student-oriented culture, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through!
