At a Glance
- Tasks: Create a supportive environment for students facing emotional and social challenges.
- Company: The Swan School, a modern secondary school focused on wellbeing.
- Benefits: Autonomy in your role, workload-sensitive culture, and access to professional development.
- Other info: Join a growing school with state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Post-Graduate Diploma or Masters in Counselling/Psychotherapy with relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
You are not just providing an ad-hoc drop-in service; you are the architect of a structured, evidence-informed therapeutic provision within Oxford’s newest secondary school. Working within our dedicated inclusion team, you will hold a key professional space, ensuring that students facing complex emotional, social, or developmental challenges receive high-quality, consistent clinical support. Your expertise allows our academic environment to remain calm, purposeful, and genuinely inclusive.
Qualifications
- Professional Credentials: A recognised Post-Graduate Diploma or Masters in Counselling/Psychotherapy, with current BACP Accreditation, UKCP registration, or BCP professional membership.
- Clinical Experience: A minimum of 2 years of post-qualification experience, including at least 1 year working directly with children and young people.
- Multi-Disciplinary Expertise: The ability to work collaboratively alongside our internal pastoral leaders and external agencies, including local mental health teams and CAMHS.
- Safeguarding Rigour: Deep working knowledge of the Children’s Act and current statutory legislation pertaining to vulnerable young people.
- Personal Attributes: Exceptional interpersonal skills, a calm demeanour, strong organisational capacity, and a healthy sense of perspective.
About the School
The Swan School is a unique place to practice. Opened in 2019, we are a growing school of approximately 1,200 students (including our Sixth Form) housed in state-of-the-art facilities in Marston. We treat wellbeing as a professional right, not a superficial perk.
Benefits
- True Professional Agency: We trust you as the clinical expert in your domain, giving you the autonomy to manage caseloads effectively.
- A Workload-Sensitive Culture: We protect our staff’s time rigorously. This includes structural choices like our efficient feedback policies and an embedded culture that limits unnecessary after-school meetings.
- Shared Growth: Access to high-quality, evidence-informed CPLD both within the school and across the wider River Learning Trust network.
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- A highly supportive network of professional services and peer collaboration across schools.
- Commitment to continuous service recognition for school colleagues.
Compliance & Safeguarding
River Learning Trust and The Swan School are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and preventing extremism. We conduct checks and online searches in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and obtain any other statutorily required clearance. All staff must ensure the highest priority is given to following the guidance and regulations to safeguard children and young people.
Inclusivity
We celebrate different contributions and are dedicated to building an inclusive environment where every colleague can thrive. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know so we can support you to be at your best.
School Counsellor in Oxford employer: The Swan School
The Swan School offers a unique and supportive environment for School Counsellors, where your expertise is valued and you are empowered to make a meaningful impact on students' lives. With a commitment to wellbeing, a workload-sensitive culture, and access to high-quality professional development, you will thrive in a collaborative atmosphere that prioritises inclusivity and personal growth. Located in the state-of-the-art facilities of Marston, this role provides an exceptional opportunity to contribute to a calm and purposeful academic setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Counsellor in Oxford
✨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 Swan 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 Swan School.
We think you need these skills to ace School Counsellor in Oxford
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 Swan School:Take some time to research The Swan 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 Swan 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 Swan School's values and approach.
