School Counsellor
Location: Cambridge
Salary: £7,307 per annum
Hours: 1 day per week (Thursday), Term Time only
The Perse School Cambridge is one of the country’s leading independent co-educational day schools for children aged 3-18.
Their aim is to be a leading employer of choice. This means they strive to be a school where staff say they are proud and excited to work, and feel valued, respected and motivated.
At Pelican School, they are committed to fostering a nurturing, inclusive and child-centred environment where every child feels valued, supported and able to thrive. Their approach prioritises emotional well-being, resilience, recognising the importance of early intervention and strong partnerships with families and staff.
The Perse School has been increasing its counselling provision over several years and is now looking for a new counsellor to join the team for one day per week. This role will involve working at the Pelican with children aged 3-7. They are looking for someone who is confident and experienced to work across the early years age range and who is keen to work as part of a team in developing the service. Ideally the successful candidate will have experience of developing/establishing counselling provision for younger children.
The Role
The School Counsellor will offer a dedicated counselling service to pupils at the Pelican. The successful candidate will have access to a shared office space within the School, with resources provided, including toys, a dollhouse and art materials.
The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide therapeutic support for a diverse range of emotional and psychological needs, including emotional regulation, anxiety and fears, peer relationships, transitions, bereavement and loss, sleep difficulties, depression, and experiences of abuse.
- Offer consultation and reflective space for staff to help support pupil wellbeing, fostering a shared understanding and a systemic approach to emotional wellbeing.
- Liaise closely with the pastoral management team to collaboratively assess pupil needs and ensure a coordinated approach to support.
- Work alongside other counsellors to allocate workload, reflect on emerging themes, and develop the service in response to the school community's needs.
- Build relationships with external agencies to facilitate referrals and ensure access to specialist support where needed. Maintain appropriate and confidential case records, in line with professional and legal requirements.
- Provide clear and accessible information about the counselling service, including the role of the counsellor and the boundaries of confidentiality, to pupils, parents and staff.
- Engage in regular supervision with a suitably qualified supervisor (funded by the school for work with Perse pupils) to reflect on clinical work and maintain best practice.
- Work in alignment with the School’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and other relevant policies. They will also be required to attend staff INSET and complete annual safeguarding training.
- Adhere to professional standards and perform duties within the codes of practice and ethics recommended by the BACP, UKCP, or an equivalent organisation.
Skills and Qualifications
Education/Qualifications:
- Postgraduate Diploma or Masters level qualification in Counselling or Psychotherapy.
- BACP Accreditation, UKCP registration, or equivalent organisation.
- Additional therapeutic training or qualifications related to working with children and young people.
They are looking for a professional who has:
- A strong understanding of early child development and the emotional, social, and educational challenges young children face.
- Awareness of the diverse needs of children and families from a range of ethnic, cultural, and social backgrounds.
- Knowledge of local mental health services, including CAMHS, and the referral process.
- A solid understanding of the Children’s Act and relevant safeguarding legislation.
- The flexibility to work with both short-term and long-term clients, adapting interventions to suit individual needs.
- Experience in offering parent sessions to support children’s wellbeing and development.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently, manage a caseload, and use initiative.
- Capacity to remain calm and professional under pressure while maintaining sensitivity to children's needs.
- Flexibility to adapt within a developing organisation.
- A commitment to ongoing professional development and reflective practice.
- Excellent listening and communication skills to build strong therapeutic relationships.
- Empathic attunement and sensitivity in supporting children and families.
- Minimum of 2 years post-qualification counselling experience.
- At least 1 year of experience working with children and young people.
- Experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team
To Apply
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for this reputable School, please proceed through the following link to be redirected to their website to complete your application.
https://www.perse.co.uk/work-with-us/
Closing Date: Tuesday 22nd April 2025
Interviews: Thursday 1st May 2025
