At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide emotional support and counselling to primary-aged pupils in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Chinthurst School, dedicated to pupil wellbeing and inclusive practice.
- Benefits: Supportive team, professional development opportunities, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration with families and external agencies.
- Why this job: Join a caring community and help shape the emotional health of young learners.
- Qualifications: Diploma in Counselling and experience with primary-aged children required.
The predicted salary is between 32243 - 39408 £ per year.
We are seeking a caring and experienced School Counsellor to provide confidential emotional support and counselling to primary-aged pupils within a nurturing school environment. Working closely with the pastoral team, families and external agencies, you will play a key role in supporting pupil wellbeing, safeguarding and inclusive practice. The successful candidate will be a qualified and BACP-registered counsellor with excellent communication skills, strong professional judgement and experience working with children.
The School Counsellor will work with the members of the pastoral team at Chinthurst to provide a counselling service to the children within the school community. The service will provide for individual casework through a confidential appointments system.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- To provide a counselling service for primary aged pupils
- To provide support and guidance to the pastoral team enabling them to better identify and support students with emotional health and well-being difficulties
- To establish effective liaison with the Head of Pastoral Care and Headteacher
- To advise the Head of Pastoral Care and Headteacher on any related issues as they occur
- To establish, maintain and monitor appropriate administrative systems with regard to student referral and to provide termly reports of the service and contribute to regular reviews keeping records/notes in accordance with GDPR requirements
- To follow policies and procedures which govern the counselling service
- To take part in appropriate professional development
- To ensure that the BACPs Code of Ethics and Practice is adhered to
- To make use of external supervision on a regular basis in accordance with BACP guidelines
- To take responsibility for health and safety, equal opportunities and data protection within the scope of the post
- Follow procedures for Child Protection and Safeguarding children
- Work systemically with both the family and school and outside agencies where necessary
PERSON SPECIFICATIONQUALIFICATIONS
- The successful applicant will have a Diploma in Counselling and must have experience of working with primary aged children post qualification
- BACP (Or equivalent) Accredited/Registered Counsellor
- Recognised training/qualification in therapeutic work with children and young people (minimum Diploma level)
- The applicant must have, or be working towards, accreditation with BACP/UKCP or equivalent
KNOWLEDGE
- A thorough knowledge of Child Protection
- Awareness of requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act, Data Protection Act and Freedom of Information Act as applied to the counselling role
EXPERIENCE
- Evidence of post qualifying supervised practice
- Experience of working with other agencies
- Experience of counselling in an education environment
- Experience of working with children of both sexes aged 2.5-11 Years
SKILLS Essential
- Excellent communication and listening skills
- Be committed to the concept of inclusive education and to have high expectations of all pupils
- Able to work well under pressure, exercise thoughtful judgement and display sensitivity
- Able to maintain confidentiality appropriate to the setting
- Very well organised and able to maintain appropriate records
School Counsellor employer: The Kingsley School
Chinthurst School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing environment for its staff and students alike. As a School Counsellor, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the wellbeing of primary-aged pupils while collaborating closely with a dedicated pastoral team. The school prioritises professional development and adheres to high ethical standards, ensuring that you can grow in your role while contributing to a positive educational experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Counsellor
✨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 The Kingsley School. 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 The Kingsley School.
We think you need these skills to ace School Counsellor
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 The Kingsley School:Take some time to research The Kingsley School 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 The Kingsley School
✨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 The Kingsley School's values and approach.
