At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide therapeutic support to children and young people, helping them build resilience and emotional wellbeing.
- Company: Join Words First, a supportive and values-led multidisciplinary team.
- Benefits: Regular clinical supervision, career development opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Opportunities for continuous learning and contribution to service development.
- Why this job: Make a genuine difference in children's lives while working with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Recognised counselling qualification and experience with children and young people.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Full-Time School Counsellor
Join Words First and support children and young people to develop resilience, confidence, and emotional wellbeing.
Words First is looking for a dedicated and compassionate
Full-Time Counsellor to join our multidisciplinary team, delivering therapeutic support within an independent specialist school in
Chaldon, Surrey .
This is an exciting opportunity to work in a highly collaborative environment where therapeutic practice is embedded throughout the school.
You'll work closely with education staff and other specialists to support children and young people with a range of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
About the Role
As the school's Counsellor, you will provide high-quality therapeutic support to pupils experiencing emotional, behavioural, and mental health challenges.
You will help children and young people develop emotional regulation, healthy relationships, resilience, and strategies to engage successfully in school life.
Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will collaborate with teachers, families, Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Educational Psychologists, and other professionals to deliver holistic, child-centred support.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver individual and group counselling sessions using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
- Complete assessments and develop individual intervention plans.
- Monitor and evaluate therapeutic progress, adapting interventions where appropriate.
- Maintain accurate, confidential clinical records and produce professional reports.
- Contribute to Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) reviews and multidisciplinary meetings.
- Work collaboratively with school staff, parents, carers, and external professionals.
- Support trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming practice across the school.
- Promote positive mental health and emotional wellbeing through whole-school initiatives, staff consultation, and therapeutic advice.
About You
We're looking for someone who has
- A recognised counselling qualification at diploma or degree level.
- Accreditation or registration with a recognised professional body such as the
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) ,
- UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) , or
National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) .
- Experience working with children and young people, ideally within education or specialist settings.
- A strong understanding of child development, attachment, trauma-informed practice, and neurodiversity.
- Excellent communication, report writing, and interpersonal skills.
- The ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
- A commitment to safeguarding, professional development, and evidence-based practice.
Why Join Words First?
At Words First, you'll become part of a supportive, values-led multidisciplinary team committed to improving outcomes for children and young people.
We offer
- Regular clinical supervision.
- Access to specialist CPD and career development opportunities.
- Opportunities to develop specialist clinical interests and contribute to service development.
- A collaborative team including Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Educational Psychologists, Art Therapists, Play Therapists, and other specialists.
- A supportive culture where collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning are encouraged.
- Join Us
If you're passionate about supporting children's emotional wellbeing and want to work within a collaborative multidisciplinary team where your expertise can make a genuine difference every day, we'd love to hear from you.
Join Words First and help children and young people build the confidence, resilience, and emotional skills they need to flourish in school and beyond.
Full Time School Counsellor in Surrey employer: Words First
Words First is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment for its team members. As a Full-Time School Counsellor, you will benefit from regular clinical supervision, access to specialist CPD, and opportunities for career development within a multidisciplinary team that values innovation and continuous learning. Located in Chaldon, Surrey, this role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact on the emotional wellbeing of children and young people while working alongside a diverse group of professionals committed to holistic support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Full Time School Counsellor in Surrey
✨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 Words First. 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 Words First.
We think you need these skills to ace Full Time School Counsellor in Surrey
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 Words First:Take some time to research Words First 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 Words First
✨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 Words First's values and approach.
