The College provides a comprehensive and confidential counselling service to students, which complements the wider student support team. The service is widely advertised and very well attended. Students approach the Counselling Service directly in order to arrange an appointment and can be seen for up to twelve weeks. Enquiries are welcome from qualified counsellors and students in the latter stages of their training at Level 4 onwards, looking for a placement.

You will join an established counselling team, supported by a Counselling Coordinator based in the Student Counselling Team where we provide counselling to students aged 16 to 19 years of age.

You will need to be available one day a week, ideally on a Thursday or Friday, term time only and be a member of the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP). Clinical supervision will be provided in accordance with BACP guidelines. For successful applicants, a clear DBS check and two references will be required prior to commencing counselling.

Queen Mary’s College is a large and thriving sixth form College situated near the centre of Basingstoke set in acres of beautiful parkland. It is a lively College with excellent facilities including a theatre, sports centre and state of the art buildings which house a variety of teaching departments. The benefits of those working on site include free parking and the provision of complimentary tea and coffee. Free membership of the sports centre is also available.

Queen Mary’s College caters for students of all abilities and backgrounds; seeking to achieve excellence and build better futures for individuals.  The publication of the National School and College Performance Tables not only identifies Queen Mary’s College as one of the best in the region, but it also places the College in the top 15% of all A- level providers across the country.

The College is committed to and values equalities, diversity and inclusion for everyone. Safeguarding and Child Protection are embedded into every day College life. We believe that an organisation that values these principles should be staffed by individuals who also value them.

JOB PURPOSE

The purpose of the role is to work together with the Counsellor Coordinator and members of the counselling team to provide an efficient and supportive counselling service for individual students, which is easily accessible and endeavours to assist clients in improving their lives.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The ideal person for this role is someone wishing to experience counselling young people in an educational environment. We are looking for someone who can demonstrate a keen interest and understanding of issues facing this age group and you must be committed to continuing professional development and learning. You will provide individual, face to face or remote counselling and attend regular, in house supervision and team meetings. You also need to be able to apply the principles of equality and diversity in your work and adhere to the standards of the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions at all times.

Accountable to: Director of Foundation Learning, SEND & Wellbeing

Key Responsibilities:

• counsel clients for up to 5 hours per day (beginning with fewer clients as per course requirements for trainees)

• liaise with the Counsellor Coordinator, members of the Counselling team, Student Support Advisors, Welfare Officer, the Director of Foundation Learning, SEND & Wellbeing and other college staff as appropriate

• undertake any necessary administrative duties, including collection of statistics, and recording of basic details on college systems

• contact clients in a confidential manner

• attend supervision on a regular basis

• undertake regular and ongoing continuing professional development

Essential:

• undertaking or qualified in therapeutic counselling to Level 4 onwards

• certificate of competence to practice for trainees

• prepared to work with young people with a wide variety of needs

• possess good communication and interpersonal skills

• adaptable and friendly

• a member of the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy

Key Outcomes

To provide a free and confidential counselling service for all students during their time at Queen Mary’s College. To support clients and enable them to explore their experiences in a confidential and safe environment.

CONTRACTUAL INFORMATION

Contract Type:

 Voluntary, subject to Placement Agreement

Terms and Conditions

of Service: Because of the nature of the College’s work with young people and vulnerable adults, all College staff are required DBS clearance. Confirmation of any placement is conditional upon the outcome of your Disclosure application.

The College operates a no smoking policy.

Hours of Duty One day a week

Please contact Eleni Pickett if would like to speak to the Counsellor Coordinator - details on the Job Description.