School based counsellor

All counselling delivered through The Matthew Hackney Foundation is provided in line with the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions (or equivalent professional standards).

The Matthew Hackney Foundation is a small, registered charity (Charity No. 1208669) dedicated to improving access to emotional and mental health support for children and young people who would not otherwise be able to access counselling.

We currently provide funded, school-based counselling across 23 Surrey schools and support approximately 45 children, young people and their caregivers each week. We are proud of the strong, trusting relationships we have built with the schools we work with, all of whom provide appropriate, private spaces for counselling sessions. Session days and times are arranged collaboratively, with flexibility for our counsellors wherever possible.

The Role

This role is particularly well suited to newly qualified counsellors or therapists looking to build confidence, experience and regular school-based hours within a highly supportive charity setting.

We are delighted to invite one or more fully qualified Counsellors to join our small, passionate team on a self-employed basis, initially for the Summer Term 2025.

You will provide a minimum of 3 hours of counselling per week in one school. There is flexibility to take on additional paid hours, up to 6 hours per day and up to 5 days per week, delivered across different schools, depending on availability and funding. Placements typically run for up to 11 weeks, aligned with individual school terms.

You will need access to your own transport, as travel between schools may be required.

Should funding continue, there may be opportunities to extend this work into the next academic year.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Practice

·       Deliver high-quality, safe and confidential 1:1 counselling to children and young people

·       Undertake assessments and agree appropriate therapeutic interventions

·       Manage and maintain a clinical caseload, including regular reviews

·       Work using an integrative therapeutic approach

·       Maintain accurate, confidential and up-to-date clinical records

·       Engage in monthly clinical supervision with a suitably qualified supervisor experienced in working with children and young people (external supervision is acceptable and expected)

Working with Schools

·       Build and maintain positive, professional relationships with pupils and school staff

·       Work closely with the school’s designated contact and the Foundation’s Clinical Lead

·       Embed the counselling service within the ethos of each school

·       Work autonomously and proactively within the school environment

·       Identify and discuss potential referrals appropriately

·       Promote positive mental health and share good practice where appropriate

Safeguarding and Professional Practice

·       Demonstrate a strong commitment to safeguarding and child protection

·       Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns and follow reporting procedures

·       Work in line with KCSIE, statutory guidance and the Foundation’s safeguarding policies

·       Maintain high standards of professionalism, conduct, punctuality and communication

·       Promote the values, reputation and policies of The Matthew Hackney Foundation

Person Specification

We warmly welcome applications from newly qualified counsellors and therapists, as well as those with more established practice.

Essential Criteria

·       A recognised post-graduate qualification in Counselling, Psychotherapy, or Psychology

·       BACP Accreditation, UKCP or BPC registration (or working towards), or equivalent

·       Experience of working therapeutically with children and/or young people or relevant transferable experience and a clear interest in developing this specialism

·       A sound understanding of child development and the emotional, social and educational needs of children and young people

·       A clear understanding of safeguarding and child protection responsibilities

·       Commitment to equality, diversity and anti-discriminatory practice

·       Ability to work independently while recognising when to seek support

Desirable Criteria

·       Experience of working within a school setting

·       Additional training in child and adolescent therapeutic approaches

·       Knowledge of local CAMHS and mental health services

Personal Attributes

·       A genuine passion for supporting the mental wellbeing of children and young people

·       Emotionally resilient, reflective and self-aware

·       Friendly, approachable and professional

·       Proactive, organised and reliable

·       Creative and flexible in approach

What Support Will I Get?

We recognise that working in schools — particularly as a newly qualified counsellor — can feel both exciting and daunting. We are committed to providing a supportive, containing and ethical environment in which you can develop your practice.

You can expect: - A named Clinical Lead for guidance, consultation and professional support - Clear safeguarding procedures and support with decision-making - Well-established relationships with schools, reducing administrative burden - Flexibility around days and times where possible - Opportunities to gradually increase hours as your confidence and availability grow - A values-led organisation that prioritises ethical practice, reflection and care for practitioners

Additional Information

Employment Status

• This role can be offered on either a self-employed or employed basis
• Self-employed counsellors are responsible for their own tax, National Insurance, supervision and professional insurance
• Employed counsellors will receive statutory holiday pay and employer National Insurance contributions; the employed hourly rate has been calculated to reflect this difference
• You must be able to commit to a minimum of one half-day per week (term time only) for at least one school term (ideal for newly qualified counsellors building a portfolio of experience)
• You will be required to obtain an Enhanced DBS check, provide evidence of safeguarding training, and supply three professional references
• Counsellors may also have the opportunity to be listed on our website for self-referrals and to receive referrals for part-funded work

If you share our values and are passionate about making a meaningful difference to children and young people’s mental health, we would love to hear from you.