Counsellor - Maternity leave cover

Buckinghamshire New University; Bridge; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 38,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous holiday entitlement

Hybrid working

Training & development support

Contributory pension scheme

Free gym membership

Job summary

Buckinghamshire New University is seeking an experienced Counsellor to join the Counselling and Mental Health Service on a 12-month maternity cover. The role is part-time (0.4 FTE) with travel between campuses and Wednesdays/Fridays availability.

You will provide short-term counselling, conduct risk assessments, and contribute to wellbeing initiatives within a supportive Student Experience Group. The successful candidate will hold a recognised qualification in counselling or psychotherapy, with

Qualifications

• Professional qualification at Diploma, Degree or Masters level in Counselling, Psychotherapy or Counselling Psychology.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality, short-term counselling to students.
• Manage caseload (typically up to 10 clients per week).
• Assess risk and provide safeguarding actions and referrals as required.
• Design and deliver psychoeducational workshops and wellbeing initiatives.

Skills

Counselling

Risk assessment

Collaboration

Education

Professional qualification in Counselling or Psychotherapy

Job description

Part Time (15 hrs per week) - Fixed Term Contract (12 months)

Location - High Wycombe with travel to other campuses where/if needed

Salary - £ 34630 - 38448 (pro-rata) We’re not trying to fit in with the higher education status quo. We’re challenging it. We’re doing things differently - because our students, our staff, and our world need us to.

Part Time (15 hrs per week) - Fixed Term Contract (12 months) Location - High Wycombe with travel to other campuses where/if needed Salary - £ 34630 - 38448 (pro-rata) We’re not trying to fit in with the higher education status quo. We’re challenging it. We’re doing things differently - because our students, our staff, and our world need us to. So, this is an exciting moment to join us. We’re boldly reimagining what a university can be: a place rooted in social mobility, a community where difference is celebrated, and an institution that empowers people to become more than they thought possible. We are seeking an experienced, compassionate and professionally qualified Counsellor to join our Counselling and Mental Health Service within the Student Experience Group on a 12-month maternity cover contract. You will provide high-quality, short-term counselling and clinical assessments to students experiencing emotional and psychological difficulties, helping to support their wellbeing, academic engagement and progression. Working collaboratively with colleagues and external mental health professionals, you will manage a varied caseload, assess and respond to risk, make appropriate referrals and contribute to psychoeducational workshops and wellbeing initiatives. The successful candidate will have a recognised professional qualification in counselling or psychotherapy, at least two years' post-qualifying experience and accreditation, or be working towards accreditation, with a recognised professional body such as BACP, UKCP or BPS. You must be available to work Wednesdays and Fridays, attend monthly team meetings and peer supervision, and travel between campuses as required.

What We Offer

• a generous holiday entitlement (30 days per annum, plus bank holidays & closure days)
• Hybrid working (dependent on business needs)
• training & development support opportunities
• contributory pension scheme
• free gym membership for our on-site gym
• a range of staff discounts with major retailers.

For further information about this role please contact [e-mail]

We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace and aim to continue building an environment where everyone thrives and can be themselves.

Please let us know if you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that would enable you to perform to the best of your abilities in your role.

Please reach out to [e-mail] or People team at BNU, if you have any specific needs or if you would like more information on how we can support you

We ensure that our interview/shortlisting Chairs complete the relevant e-learning and/or inclusive recruitment training.

If you’re considering using AI to support your application, we encourage you to question the value it adds. The use of AI tools sometimes erodes authenticity and prevents us from being able to assess the real you. We strongly recommend you prepare your application using your own skills and knowledge and that AI is only used for the purpose of review.

Closing Date:

24th November, 2026

Interview Date:

30th November, 2026

Job Description

Job Title: Counsellor - Part time (0.4 FTE) - Maternity leave

College/Professional Service

Counselling and Mental Health Service - (Student Experience Group)

Grade: F

Location: High Wycombe with travel to other locations (Nottingham, Uxbridge, Oxford where needed)

Hours: 15

Responsible to: Counselling and Mental Health Manager

Responsible for: NA

Job Purpose

To provide high-quality, short-term counselling and clinical assessment to students experiencing emotional or psychological difficulties, supporting wellbeing, academic engagement and progression. The postholder will manage risk, safeguard students and make appropriate referrals within professional ethical frameworks, while contributing to a whole-university approach to mental health and wellbeing. To practise an inclusive approach and support building an inclusive university community where people can be themselves.

Main Duties & Responsibilities Of The Role

• To be an active member of the Counselling Team, providing responsive, professional counselling to students, including comprehensive clinical and risk assessments and determining suitability for short-term counselling.
• To manage an ongoing caseload, typically up to 10 clients per week (over a 2-day work week), delivering short-term counselling (normally up to 6 sessions), with flexibility for longer-term work where clinically appropriate.
• To identify and respond appropriately to students at risk, including those experiencing mental health crises, and to ensure effective referral, escalation, and safeguarding actions where required.
• To design and deliver psychoeducational workshops, group sessions, and wellbeing initiatives for students.
• To work collaboratively with colleagues (e.g. Counsellors, Clinical Lead, Psychiatrist, GPs, and external mental health services) to support case management and coordinated care, particularly for complex or high-risk cases.
• To contribute to the development and delivery of training for staff and students, in collaboration with the Clinical Lead, where required.
• To represent the Counselling and Mental Health Service at university events and across campuses.
• To maintain a high standard of professional practice by working within recognised ethical frameworks and the policies and procedures of the service.
• To engage in clinical supervision and continuous professional development (CPD) in line with professional body requirements.
• To maintain accurate, confidential, and up-to-date clinical records in accordance with legal and professional standards on the CMS.
• To effectively use information and communication technologies to support service delivery.
• To comply with relevant legislative and regulatory requirements (e.g. Data Protection Act 2018, GDPR, Health & Safety, UKVI, Equality and Diversity) in all working practices.
• To undertake such other duties, temporarily or on a continuing basis, as may reasonably be required.

PERSON SPECIFICATION - Essential Criteria Only

A = Application T = Test I = Interview

Education, Qualifications & Training

Professional qualification at Diploma, Degree or Masters level in Counselling, Psychotherapy or Counselling Psychology.

MEANS OF TESTING

Professional qualification at Diploma, Degree or Masters level in Counselling, Psychotherapy or Counselling Psychology.

Knowledge & Experience

Experience with young adults/adults and knowledge of issues including transitions, self-harm, suicide, eating disorders, substance use and examination anxiety. A/I

At least two years of post-qualifying experience delivering supervised therapeutic interventions, including some experience in an institutional setting. A/I

Ability to make sound clinical judgments about serious risk of harm and appropriate clinical responses. I

Commitment to delivering an excellent, responsive and inclusive student experience. A/I

Ability to identify and respond to clients requiring psychiatric assessment or support. I

Understanding of the role of a counselling service in a university setting. I

Thorough understanding of BACP/UKCP ethical frameworks and good practice guidelines. I

Skills

Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with a multidisciplinary team and wider University colleagues. A/I

Commitment to ethical principles within BACP/UKCP frameworks. I

Digitally able and proficient in Microsoft tools and relevant information and communication systems. A/I

Ability to work under pressure and see up to five clients per day. A/I

Ability to develop and deliver training for staff and students. I

Willingness to use supervision effectively to monitor fitness to practise. I

Special Requirements

Availability to work Wednesdays and Fridays, attend monthly team meetings and peer supervision, travel between campuses as required, and potentially cover weekend provision where needed.

Behavioural INDICATORS

Managing Self And Personal Skills

The BNU Behaviours Framework (BBF) is a framework for all University staff that sets out the key behaviours that exemplify the DRIVE values and ethos of the University. The nine categories provide a clear steer on behavioural expectations that will help support a step change in the performance and culture of the University.

The three key behavioural indicators for this post are as follows: Being aware of own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.

Delivering excellent service

Providing the best quality service to external and internal customers/students/stakeholders. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up customer service standards.