At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide professional counselling to pupils and staff, supporting emotional wellbeing.
- Company: St Albans School, dedicated to fostering a supportive environment.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, opportunity to make a real difference, and a commitment to diversity.
- Other info: Part-time role with potential for impactful community engagement.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help shape the future of young minds.
- Qualifications: Recognised counselling qualification and experience with 11-18 year olds.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Required for September 2026. We are seeking to recruit a School Counsellor to provide a professional counselling service to pupils and staff of St Albans School. The role involves working on a one-to-one basis and with small groups, providing advice, supporting emotional wellbeing and contributing to the School’s pastoral provision.
Duties include:
- Promoting the counselling service within the School
- Supporting pupil induction
- Attending parent events
- Liaising with staff as appropriate
- Recommending referrals to external agencies where necessary
The successful candidate will hold a recognised counselling qualification with BACP or UKCP registration or accreditation and have experience working with young people aged 11–18, ideally within a school environment. They will be approachable, empathetic, skilled at building effective relationships across the school community and willing to contribute to pastoral initiatives and, where appropriate, PSHEE delivery.
Candidates must be able to work independently with a high level of professionalism and ethical awareness and demonstrate a strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Hours are 10 per week during term time. The role is currently anticipated to be 1.00pm to 6.00pm on two days per week, although exact working patterns can be agreed at interview.
The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must therefore be willing to undergo child protection screening and safer recruitment checks appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. St Albans School is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and the creation of an inclusive environment for all employees. Employment selections are made according to suitability for the post, irrespective of background or protected characteristic.
Should you have any queries please contact Sarah de Rossi, HR Manager.
The School reserves the right to make an appointment before the closing date, so early applications are encouraged.
School Counsellor (Contractor) employer: The Society of Heads
St Albans School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises the emotional wellbeing of both staff and pupils. With a strong commitment to professional development and safeguarding, employees can expect meaningful engagement in pastoral initiatives and the opportunity to make a significant impact within the school community. Located in a vibrant area, the school fosters a culture of collaboration and respect, making it an ideal place for dedicated professionals seeking to contribute to the growth and wellbeing of young people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Counsellor (Contractor)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who might know about opportunities at St Albans School. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for counselling! When you get the chance to meet with the hiring team, share your experiences and how you've positively impacted young people's lives. Let them see your commitment to emotional wellbeing.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you haven't already, apply through our website. The sooner you get your application in, the better your chances are of being considered before the closing date.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how you can contribute to the school's pastoral initiatives. Have some ideas ready on how you can promote the counselling service and support pupil induction effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace School Counsellor (Contractor)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experience align with the role of School Counsellor. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on your work with young people aged 11-18. Share specific examples of how you've supported emotional wellbeing or contributed to pastoral initiatives in previous roles.
Be Professional and Personable:We want to see your approachable and empathetic side! In your written application, convey your personality while maintaining professionalism. This will help us get a sense of how you'd fit into our school community.
Apply Early!:Since we might fill the position before the closing date, don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. Head over to our website and apply as soon as you can to increase your chances!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Society of Heads
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the role of a School Counsellor and the specific needs of St Albans School. Brush up on your counselling techniques, especially those relevant to young people aged 11-18. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you’re genuinely interested in the position.
✨Show Your Empathy
During the interview, be ready to share examples of how you've built effective relationships with students or staff in the past. Highlight your empathetic approach and how it has positively impacted those you’ve worked with. This is crucial for a role focused on emotional wellbeing.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask about the school’s pastoral initiatives and how they support their counselling services. This shows that you’re proactive and engaged, plus it gives you a better understanding of how you can contribute to their community.
✨Demonstrate Professionalism
Since the role requires a high level of professionalism and ethical awareness, be prepared to discuss how you handle sensitive situations and maintain confidentiality. Share your commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, as this is a key aspect of the role.
