Are you passionate about supporting the mental health and emotional wellbeing of young people? School counsellor jobs in the UK offer an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and teenagers.
Whether you’re an experienced professional or looking to advance your career, these roles provide flexible working hours, professional development, and the chance to work within supportive school environments. With quick apply options available, now is the perfect time to take the next step in your counselling career and help shape a brighter future for the next generation.
Check Also: Professor Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship– for Qualified Applicants
Job Details:
Location: Shoreham-By-Sea
Salary: £33,795 per annum (pro-rata)
Hours: 7.5 hours per week (one day per week, Monday to Thursday, term-time only)
Contract: Permanent
YMCA DownsLink Group:
YMCA DownsLink Group is dedicated to helping children and young people have a fair chance to be who they want to be. Our mission is to provide safe spaces, increase life skills, boost self-confidence, and improve emotional wellbeing and mental health. Since 1996, our Dialogue School Counselling service has been BACP accredited and operates across Sussex and Surrey.
We have proudly supported Shoreham College since 2017, offering professional counselling services to children aged 3 to 16.
Job Role:
We are looking for a qualified counsellor or therapist with a passion for working with children and young people. You will join our dedicated team to provide confidential, ethical, and professional counselling at Shoreham College, supporting primary and secondary students.
Key responsibilities include:
- At Shoreham College, you will deliver a professional and ethical counseling service.
- Establish a flexible appointment system that is tailored to the school’s requirements, providing students with the necessary assessments and counseling appointments.
- Oversee the role’s strict time constraints and the frequently intricate and diverse workload.
- You will cultivate positive professional relationships with critical school personnel. This will involve the negotiation of a process for students to and from sessions, the management of a session timetable within the school day, and the discussion of referrals, waiting lists, and appointments.
- Perform preliminary clinical and risk assessments and identify suitable referral pathways to other services when applicable. Continuously evaluate the risk associated with each student’s counseling.
- In addition to conducting assessments with parents/carers and counseling sessions, you will be expected to attend regular clinical supervision and line management meetings, as well as to complete all associated administrative tasks.
- Adhere to the safeguarding procedures of the YMCA Dialogue; identify the designated safeguarding officer(s) of the school and determine how to reach them in the event of a safeguarding concern.
- Maintain individual membership in the BACP (or another professional organization, such as the HCPC) and adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions at all times.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Minimum Level 4 counselling or psychotherapy qualification; Level 6 preferred
- BACP Registered, Accredited, or equivalent (HCPC) membership essential
- At least 2 years post-qualification experience working with children and young people, including risk management
- Strong understanding of child protection and safeguarding policies
- Experience working in school settings and using creative therapeutic approaches
- Excellent interpersonal and time management skills
- Professional, flexible attitude with a genuine passion for supporting young people
Benefits:
- Flexible Working Hours: Many roles offer part-time or term-time only schedules, ideal for work-life balance.
- Professional Growth: Access to ongoing clinical supervision and continuous professional development.
- Meaningful Impact: Opportunity to make a real difference in the emotional wellbeing and mental health of young people.
- Competitive Salary: Pro-rata pay that reflects experience and qualifications.
- Collaborative Environment: Work closely with school staff, parents, and external support services.
- Safe & Supportive Workplace: Schools provide structured safeguarding and child protection policies.
- Diverse Work Settings: Opportunities in various schools across the UK, including primary and secondary levels.
- Community Engagement: Play a vital role in fostering a positive school culture and student development.
- Professional Recognition: Membership in accredited bodies (BACP, HCPC) recognized and valued by employers.
- Accessible Application Process: Quick apply options available through multiple recruitment platforms.
Additional Information:
- This role requires the right to live and work in the UK; we cannot provide visa sponsorship.
- An Enhanced DBS check (including barred lists) and references are required before appointment.
How to Apply for School Counsellor Jobs in UK 2025?
Please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for this role. For informal enquiries, contact Sashka Dunlop
YMCA DownsLink Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the typical working hours for school counsellors?
Many school counsellor roles are part-time or term-time only, often around one day per week, but hours can vary by school.
Do I need to be a UK resident to apply?
You must have the right to live and work in the UK. Some roles may not offer visa sponsorship, so check the job details carefully.
Is previous experience working with children required?
Yes, most employers prefer candidates with experience working with children and young people, especially in school or educational settings.
