At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide emotional support and guidance to students facing challenges.
- Company: The Swan School, a modern and inclusive educational environment.
- Benefits: Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a growing school with a commitment to wellbeing and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while enjoying a supportive work culture.
- Qualifications: Post-Graduate Diploma or Masters in Counselling/Psychotherapy with relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are seeking someone who can provide a dedicated space for reflection, clarity and psychological safety. 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.
What You’ll Bring
- 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 demeanor, strong organisational capacity, and a healthy sense of perspective.
Why Us
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. By joining us, you will experience:
- 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.
RLT Connection & Benefits
The Swan School is proud to be part of the River Learning Trust (RLT). This connection offers our staff exceptional benefits, including:
- 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. It is an offence to apply for certain roles within schools if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. All staff must ensure that the highest priority is given to following the guidance and regulations to safeguard children and young people. 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. Employment will also be conditional on the receipt of at least two acceptable references (1 from current/latest employer) and evidence of the formal qualifications required for the role.
We don't just accept difference; 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. The school reserves the right to consider and interview candidates ahead of the closing date if appropriate. An offer may be made to an exceptional candidate in this instance.
School Counsellor (Part-time) in Oxford employer: The Swan School
The Swan School offers a unique and supportive environment for School Counsellors, prioritising wellbeing as a professional right. With state-of-the-art facilities in Marston and a commitment to professional agency, staff enjoy a workload-sensitive culture that values their time and expertise. Joining the River Learning Trust provides access to exceptional benefits and a collaborative network, ensuring meaningful growth opportunities within a truly inclusive community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Counsellor (Part-time) in Oxford
✨Get Involved in Local Mental Health Initiatives
Join local mental health organisations and initiatives to immerse yourself in the community. Volunteering at workshops or support groups can not only boost your experience but also help you make valuable connections that might lead to part-time roles. It’s all about getting your name out there!
✨Attend Networking Events and Workshops
Keep an eye on workshops and networking events specifically for therapy and counselling professionals. These gatherings are prime opportunities to meet potential employers, hear about job openings, and engage in meaningful conversations with industry peers. Who knows who you might bump into!
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a professional online presence highlighting your counselling approach and experiences. Consider starting a blog or sharing insights on social media about therapy methods. This can attract attention from local companies like The Swan School who are looking for someone like you for their part-time needs.
✨Directly Approach Local Clinics
Don't be shy about reaching out directly to clinics or counselling practices in your area. Many part-time roles are filled without ever being advertised. A friendly email introducing yourself and expressing interest in potential opportunities at The Swan School can sometimes lead to the job you’ve been dreaming of!
We think you need these skills to ace School Counsellor (Part-time) in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Compassionate Side:In the therapy and counselling professions, it's crucial to convey your empathy and understanding in your application. Your CV should highlight any relevant volunteer work or experience in helping roles. Let’s face it, potential employers want to see that you can connect with clients, so showcase those soft skills front and centre!
Include Your Credentials:For a part-time role in therapy or counselling, it’s essential to demonstrate your qualifications. Make sure to include any degrees, certifications, or workshops that are relevant to the position. If you’ve completed specific training in mental health or counselling techniques, don’t skip those; they can set you apart from others.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Your cover letter is the perfect place to express your interest in working part-time and highlight your passion for helping others. Talk about why you’re drawn to The Swan School and how the part-time role fits into your career path. We're looking for a genuine connection, so let your personality shine through!
Availability Matters:Since this is a part-time role, clearly outline your availability in your application. Be honest about the hours you can commit, and consider mentioning if you have any flexibility. This helps The Swan School see how you can fit into their schedule and be a valuable addition to the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Swan School
✨Know Your Theoretical Frameworks
It's crucial for us to brush up on the therapy techniques and theoretical frameworks relevant to this field. Be prepared to discuss how you apply them in practice—think about specific case studies from your training that highlight your approach. This not only shows your understanding but also helps you connect with your potential clients at The Swan School.
✨Practice Your Active Listening Skills
Since we're diving into therapy and counselling, active listening is our bread and butter. You might face role-play scenarios during the interview, so make sure to showcase your ability to listen and respond empathetically. Demonstrating this skill can make all the difference in how we're perceived as future therapists.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility With Clients
In a part-time role, we often deal with a diverse client base, so it’s important to showcase our adaptability. Be ready to discuss how you can tailor your therapeutic approach to fit different client needs. Sharing any past experiences—whether from internships or coursework—will provide great insights to The Swan School about your versatility.
✨Prepare Your Questions on Working with Diverse Populations
Part-time roles can sometimes mean working with a variety of clients from different backgrounds. Think of specific questions to ask about how The Swan School supports inclusivity and handles diverse cases. This not only highlights your interest but also shows that you’ve thought ahead about client dynamics and your role within them.
