At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide brief counselling to students facing mental health challenges and conduct assessments.
- Company: Join Northumbria University, a top-ranked institution dedicated to student wellbeing.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, generous holiday entitlement, and excellent pension schemes.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a dynamic, inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Recognised counselling qualification and experience with diverse student backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 33953 - 41499 £ per year.
With a recognised professional counselling qualification and the ability to work within a multi-disciplinary support setting, you will offer brief, time-limited counselling to students experiencing mental health and emotional difficulties. You must be able to work within a short-term therapeutic model (usually up to six sessions), as well as within a framework of brief assessment and intervention. Knowledge or experience of single session or session by session therapy would be beneficial. You will have significant post-qualifying experience, including working with issues common to the client group of students – such as transition, anxiety, self-esteem, self-harm, low mood, procrastination and/or exam panic. We are especially keen to hear from practitioners with experience of working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and/or underrepresented social groups. We particularly encourage applications from practitioners who identify as being from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, as these groups are currently under-represented in our team, although all appointments will be made on merit. This is predominantly a face-to-face, campus-based role. Support is delivered to students face to face, by telephone and online via Microsoft Teams. To keep our services accessible to students, you will be expected to work one late shift per week (12pm–8pm).
Daily responsibilities include:
- Providing brief, time-limited counselling to students experiencing mental health and emotional difficulties, usually over up to six sessions
- Carrying out brief triage assessments and interventions, which may include single-session work in the format of a wellbeing plan.
- Following the team's crisis and risk assessment protocols and respond to urgent cases
- Making internal and external referrals, as required
- Contributing to the wider work of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Team, promoting a whole university approach to mental health.
- Contributing to developing approaches aligned to sector best practice
- Delivering support face to face, by telephone and online via Microsoft Teams
- Helping improve student retention and the wider student experience
The successful candidate will hold a professionally recognised counselling qualification (for example, a postgraduate Diploma or Master's) in counselling, psychotherapy or counselling psychology and should also be a member of a recognised professional body, such as BACP or UKCP. Preferably accredited or be actively working towards accreditation.
For an informal chat about the role contact Ellen Smith: Head of Student Mental Health and Wellbeing - ellen2.smith@northumbria.ac.uk. To apply for this vacancy please click 'Apply Now'. Your application should include a covering letter and a CV.
Join Northumbria University, a research-intensive institution unlocking potential and changing lives locally and globally. Named Times Higher Education's University of the Year in 2022 and Modern University of the Year in 2025, we rank top 25 in the UK for research power. Discover more about us. With over 37,000 students from 140+ countries, we offer world-leading research, award-winning partnerships, and an outstanding student experience. We empower our exceptional staff, promoting a positive work-life balance and offering great benefits, including excellent pension schemes, flexible working, generous holiday entitlement and more. Our Northumbria Values, co-created by our team, define who we are: Academic Excellence, Innovation, Inclusivity, Collaboration, and Ambition. Our Behaviours shape our work culture: We listen and learn, support one another, respect everyone, trust each other, and are bold.
Based in Newcastle upon Tyne and London, we are an on-campus organisation and offer flexible hours and location where the role allows. We pride ourselves on diversity and inclusivity, holding a Silver Athena Swan in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality, a bronze Race Equality Charter Award and we are a Disability Confident Leader. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers and are members of the Euraxess initiative to deliver information and support to professional researchers. The University has implemented a range of flexible working arrangements, and we are happy to explore candidate requirements as part of the recruitment process.
Apply now and join a community committed to transforming society and the economy.
Counsellor (SLW) employer: University of Northumbria
Northumbria University is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises safety and security while fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaboration. With a commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive benefits such as flexible working hours, generous holiday entitlement, and excellent pension schemes, all within the vibrant city of Newcastle upon Tyne. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the student experience and be part of a community that values academic excellence and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Counsellor (SLW)
✨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 University of Northumbria 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 University of Northumbria can sometimes lead to the job you’ve been dreaming of!
We think you need these skills to ace Counsellor (SLW)
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 University of Northumbria 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 University of Northumbria see how you can fit into their schedule and be a valuable addition to the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Northumbria
✨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 University of Northumbria.
✨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 University of Northumbria 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 University of Northumbria 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.
