Job Description
Job Title:
Student Counsellor (1.0FTE)
Reports to:
Head of Wellbeing
Responsible for:
n/a
Department:
Student Experience
Grade:
RU07
Main purpose of the job:
Student Wellbeing is part of the Student Support section of the Student Experience Department.
Its purpose is to enable student retention, achievement and satisfaction by supporting student
wellbeing. The Service provides general advice and support, counselling and mental health
advice, and makes a key contribution to the University’s mission to support all students,
whatever their background, to reach their full potential.
Led by the Head of Wellbeing, staff with a range of professional specialisms work in
collaboration with student services, academic staff, the Students’ Union, and external providers
to support students to overcome emotional, psychological or practical difficulties. The Service
enables students to develop skills to manage these challenges, and to participate fully in
student life.
The post of Student Counsellor is responsible for the delivery of short-term counselling
provision to students. All members of the Student Experience Department are expected to take
every opportunity to foster cross team projects, collaborative working and a positive and
success focussed culture.
Main duties and responsibilities:
1.
Carry out assessments with students to assess the complexity of presenting issues and
agree a schedule of counselling and/or refer to other agencies as appropriate.
2.
Deliver brief therapeutic counselling sessions to students.
3.
Provide weekly supervision for the volunteer counsellors and support them with the
practitioner development.
4.
Support a coherent approach to wellbeing support and advice that it is integrated with
other student support and development services.
5.
Support the Head of Wellbeing in implementing, monitoring and evaluating the Service’s
strategic and operational plans. This includes administration tasks.
6.
Work proactively as part of a multi-disciplinary team within both Wellbeing Services the
Student Experience, contributing to case review, joint projects and proactive service
delivery where required.
7.
Support appropriate levels of Service awareness and attractiveness to all students,
including especially those in greatest need. Within this, to contribute to ensuring an
appropriate online presence for the Service and availability of online resources.
8.
Take part in the collection, maintenance and analysis of appropriate Service data and
management information to monitor, evaluate and continuously enhance the Service.
9.
Attend and contribute to relevant internal and external meetings when required.
10.
Liaise with external agencies and professional bodies to ensure up to date specialist
knowledge and maintain awareness of best sector practice.
11.
Undertaking any other appropriate duties as required.
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Person Specification
The Person Specification focuses on the knowledge, skills, experience and qualifications
required to undertake the role effectively. Please ensure that your application demonstrates how
you meet the essential criteria. You will be assessed by your completed application form (A), at
interview (I) and in some instances through an exercise (E).
Requirements
Essential
Measured
by:
Education and
Qualifications
Degree or hold degree and post graduate
qualification in counselling and psychotherapy.
A
Qualification in counselling supervision.
A
Membership and accreditation with BACP.
A
A thorough knowledge of Wellbeing, Student Advice
and Counselling in HE or FE sector.
A, I
An understanding of statutory and voluntary sector
medical, mental health and similar provision for a
student population.
A, I
Knowledge and skills
Work experience
Significant experience in therapeutic counselling
individuals presenting with a wide range of
difficulties.
Experience of clinical supervision of other
counsellors’ work.
Communication skills
A, I
A, I
Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
A, I
Team player with a collegial and collaborative
approach.
A, I
The ability to present confidently and in an engaging A, I
manner.
Other requirements
A demonstrable understanding of equality and
diversity, and professional conduct and their
practical application within a student support
environment.
A, I
A, I
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High levels of personal organisation and efficiency.
A, I
Positive, resilient and determined attitude.
Demonstrable commitment to own professional
development and willingness to cover a wide range
of activities within the role as it develops.
Willingness and ability to work outside office hours
on occasion.
Desirable
A, I
A, I
Experience in brief intervention methods (e.g. CBT).
Experience in working with clients with chronic
mental illnesses (such as psychosis and
schizophrenia).
Have experience of working in Higher or Further
Education.
Additional Information
 Salary range: £34,172 to £37,008 p.a. including London weighting. The appointment is
usually made at the bottom of the range
 The appointment is offered on a basis, subject to confirmation with an immediate start date.
Appointment is subject to references
 The annual leave entitlement is 30 days p.a., additionally there are 3 – 4 days when the
University closes for Christmas
 The normal hours of work will be between 35 and 40 hours per week, plus a lunch break of
one hour each day, with a full professional commitment expected entailing working flexibly
beyond core hours as required. You will be expected to work occasional evenings and
weekends to meet the needs of students or to cover such hours for team members.
Job description prepared by: Aleata Alstad-Calkins
Date: December 2015
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