Counselling Service Coordinator - 3 Month Fixed Term Contract

BIMM Institute; Bristol; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A higher education institution in Bristol seeks a Counselling Service Coordinator to lead the delivery of high-quality counselling services. You will ensure timely, professional support for students, oversee a counselling team, and implement best practices to enhance student wellbeing. The ideal candidate holds a degree in counselling, has experience in higher education settings, and is accredited with BACP. This role includes administrative responsibilities and the promotion of mental health awareness among staff.

Benefits

25 days holiday per year

SMART pension

Comprehensive benefits package

Qualifications

• A counselling or psychotherapy qualification to at least degree level (or equivalent).
• Substantial experience in providing counselling services in a higher education setting.
• Accreditation with BACP and thorough knowledge of the BACP Code of Ethics.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the counselling service on campus.
• Assess student referrals from the wellbeing teams.
• Implement counselling policies and procedures.

Skills

Counselling experience

Team leadership

Risk assessment

Policy development

Data analysis

Education

Degree in counselling or psychotherapy

Job description

BIMM University is a vibrant community dedicated to nurturing creativity and empowering students to reach their full potential. With campuses across the UK, Ireland, and Germany, we offer a diverse range of courses in modern music, performing arts, filmmaking and creative technology. Our commitment to excellence in creative arts education sets us apart, providing students with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities they need to succeed in their chosen fields.

Overview

About the Role: As Counselling Service Coordinator you would lead and manage the delivery of high quality counselling services for our student community. In this role, you will ensure that students referred for counselling receive timely, professional, and impactful support, helping them navigate personal challenges during their academic journey. Along with overseeing administrative tasks, the Counselling Services Coordinator will play a hands-on role in providing in-person counselling to students, offering direct support while managing the broader operations of the service.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the counselling service on campus, ensuring the effective delivery of support to students.
• Oversee and coordinate the caseload of the counselling team, providing guidance and support as needed.
• Assess student referrals from the wellbeing teams, making informed decisions on the appropriate support and risk management.
• Facilitate group counselling sessions on key topics, such as exam anxiety, when appropriate.
• Collaborate with the Student Wellbeing, Academic Administration, and Assessment teams on student risk management, fitness to study protocols, and crisis intervention.
• Liaise with external agencies and departments to create effective referral pathways for students requiring additional support.
• Implement counselling policies, procedures, and best practices that align with BIMM University's mental health and wellbeing strategies.
• Promote mental health awareness among staff and students, supporting staff development and improving understanding of its impact on student success.
• Provide regular reports to senior management on the performance of the counselling service and ensure compliance with the BACP Code of Ethics and other legal requirements.
• Ensure the efficient use of technology and systems to improve access to resources and counselling services for students and staff.

Qualifications

• A counselling or psychotherapy qualification to at least degree level (or equivalent).
• Substantial experience in providing counselling services in a higher education setting.
• Accreditation with BACP and thorough knowledge of the BACP Code of Ethics.
• Proven experience in coordinating a service or leading a team within a similar environment.
• Experience in developing and implementing policies and procedures to enhance service delivery.
• A confident and resilient practitioner, capable of making informed decisions based on thorough risk assessments.
• Strong administrative, IT, and record-keeping skills, with experience in data collection, reporting, and analysis.
• Ability to handle a high volume and emotionally sensitive workload with resilience and professionalism.

Benefits

• 25 days holiday per year (FTE)
• SMART pension
• A comprehensive benefits package

Equal Opportunity and DBS

We continually strive to create a culture of inclusivity so that we truly represent our diverse communities. We particularly welcome applications from people of colour who are underrepresented in our organisation. We are committed to promoting the safety and welfare of our students; therefore all successful applicants are required to complete a basic DBS disclosure. Depending on the role, you may be required to complete an enhanced check / enhanced check with barred list if required by statute and internal policy.