School Counsellor (Secondary) | Blackpool

Are you a qualified and experienced School Counsellor passionate about supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of secondary school students? Do you thrive in a dynamic educational environment and want to make a significant difference in Blackpool? This secondary school located in the heart of Blackpool is deeply committed to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment where every student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We are seeking an exceptional School Counsellor to join our dedicated pastoral team and provide essential therapeutic support to our young people.

About the Role:

This crucial role involves delivering a confidential, impartial, and professional counselling service to our secondary school students (typically ages 11-16 or 11-18, depending on your school's age range). You will play a key part in promoting positive mental health and resilience across our Blackpool school community. Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing one-to-one short-term and long-term counselling for students addressing a wide range of emotional, social, and mental health issues (e.g., anxiety, low mood, bereavement, family issues, relationship difficulties, self-esteem, exam stress).
• Conducting initial assessments to identify student needs and appropriate therapeutic interventions.
• Working collaboratively with our pastoral leads, safeguarding team, SENCO, and other school staff to ensure integrated support for students.
• Signposting students and families to external specialist services in Blackpool and wider Lancashire, such as CAMHS or local mental health support teams (e.g., Fylde Coast Mental Health Support Team).
• Maintaining accurate and confidential client records in line with professional and ethical guidelines (e.g., BACP, UKCP).
• Contributing to the development of the school's overall mental health and well-being strategy.
• Delivering occasional group work or psycho-educational workshops for students on relevant topics.
• Participating in regular clinical supervision and professional development.
• Adhering strictly to safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• A recognised qualification in Counselling or Psychotherapy (e.g., Diploma, Degree, or Masters level).
• Accreditation or working towards accreditation with a professional body such as BACP, UKCP, NCS, or equivalent.
• Significant post-qualification experience providing counselling to children and young people, ideally within a secondary school setting.
• A strong understanding of the developmental, social, emotional, and mental health challenges faced by adolescents.
• Excellent communication, active listening, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with young people, staff, and parents.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and guidance, including 'Keeping Children Safe in Education.'
• A commitment to ongoing professional development and adherence to ethical frameworks.
• Familiarity with local Blackpool mental health services and referral pathways is desirable.
• Experience with risk assessment and safety planning.
• A compassionate, resilient, and non-judgmental approach.

We offer:

• The chance to significantly impact the lives of young people in Blackpool.
• A commitment to staff well-being and a positive working culture.

Application Process:

To apply for this rewarding role, please download the application pack from our school website: [Link to your school's careers page or direct application form]. Completed applications should be emailed to (url removed) or call directly on (phone number removed). The closing date is open ended at this point.

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and satisfactory references.