School Counsellor (Part-Time)

School Counsellor (Part-Time) required for January 2022

Thomas’s Battersea has an exciting opportunity for an experienced School Counsellor to join our dedicated team. This permanent position is suited for a qualified individual with previous experience in the education sector.

Reporting Line: Deputy Head Pastorals (Prep & Senior School)

Tenure: Permanent; Monday to Wednesday, 24 hours per week

Key Responsibilities: 

● To carry out one-to-one therapeutic work with children and teenagers, covering a variety of emotional health issues

● To abide by either the BACP or UKCP ethical framework of good practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy

● To work as part of a counselling team

● To liaise with parents where necessary (respecting appropriate confidentiality) to ensure the young person is supported well. For example: discussing parenting techniques or facilitating communication between the young person and their family 

● To liaise with teaching and other pastoral staff where necessary to ensure the young person feels supported in school 

● To coordinate where appropriate (after discussion with Deputy Head Pastoral) with external parties such as CAMHS, GPs and psychiatrists to ensure the young person’s well-being and safety is protected 

● To carry out brief, anonymised session notes; forms provided by Thomas’s 

● To adhere to the school’s Safeguarding policy as well as all other policies at all times

● To have Professional Indemnity Insurance 

● To have external clinical supervision, as appropriate 

The successful candidate will be likely to fit the following profile:  

● Post-graduate qualification in Child counselling or Child & Adolescent psychotherapy, either to Masters or Postgraduate Diploma level (minimum training of 3 years) 

● They will also be accredited by the British Psychological Society, the UK Council for Psychotherapy or the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy or equivalent. 

● At least 3 years’ post qualification and accreditation.  

● Demonstrate a clear track record in working with children and adolescent clients, preferably in a school or institutional setting such as CAMHS. 

● A systemic qualification would also be an advantage, although not completely necessary, providing there is evidence of experience in working with families. 

● Whilst this is primarily a child and adolescent focused role, experience of working with adults in a therapeutic setting is also necessary, given that our School community also includes staff and parents. 

● Therapeutic attributes such as empathy, respect and excellent listening skills. 

● Excellent communication skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with everyone in the school community from the youngest pupil to the most senior member of staff. 

● Excellent organisational skills; you will be managing your own diary and appointments, as well as media needs and all other administration tasks. 

● The maintenance of appropriate and respectful boundaries and other ethical requirements such as confidentiality, discretion and integrity. 

● Confidence in liaising with parents and outside professionals. 

● Committed to Thomas’s values and strategic vision. 

● Committed to professional development and show a willingness to undertake any appropriate training for this role including CPD.

Competitive salary and conditions are offered.

For further details go to the Thomas’s London Day Schools website: https://www.thomas-s.co.uk/join-our-team/ or email: kkeating@thomas-s.co.uk   

To apply for this post please complete the school’s application form and forward it together with your CV to kkeating@thomas-s.co.uk  

Applications considered on receipt.

Closing date: Thursday 21st October 2021

Interviews to be held:    Monday 1st November 2021

We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment and work in accordance with our child protection policies and procedures. All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS check.