In-School Counsellor, Kirkwall Grammar School and Stromness Academy (2 Posts)

Orkney Islands Council; Scotland; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Kirkwall Grammar School and Stromness Academy are seeking experienced Counsellors for their School Counselling Service. The role involves providing in-school counselling to children and young people aged 10 and over, requiring relevant qualifications and experience. Candidates should be able to adapt to both in-person and video consultations, ensuring support delivery remains effective across various platforms.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years relevant experience.
• Full registration on an appropriate register (BACP, PTUK, COSCA, BAPT).
• Commitment to additional training for video communication.

Responsibilities

• Support the School Counselling Service for children age 10 and over.
• Provide counselling through face-to-face and video communication.
• Travel between various work locations within Orkney.

Skills

Counselling

Communication

Empathy

Education

Qualification at SCQF 8/9 (SVQ4, HND, or equivalent)

Job description

Kirkwall Grammar School and Stromness Academy

In-School Counsellor (2 posts)

35 hours per week, 52 weeks per year

Permanent

Applications for full or part-time working would be welcome.

Kirkwall Grammar School and Stromness Academy are looking for skilled and experienced Counsellors to support its School Counselling Service.

In-school Counselling offers a universal service for all children and young people aged 10 and over. The service was originally established in line with Good Practice Guidance for Counselling in Schools (published by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and has been providing In-school Counselling for secondary aged students for a number of years.

While there have been changes to the service since it was first conceived, it is expected that the core principles underpinning delivery will continue to be applied as the service expands.

Within an Orkney context, it is essential that, alongside face-to-face counselling, there is provision for the service to be delivered by video communication. It is expected that within the Orkney service, counsellors will have undertaken (or commit to undertake) additional training in order to support this approach.

You should hold a qualification in counselling at SCQF 8/9 i.e. SVQ4, HND, General Degree, Higher Apprenticeship, Technical Apprenticeship or have a minimum of 5 years previous relevant experience as detailed in the experience section of the person specification.

You must also hold full registration on an appropriate register, approved by the PSA e.g. BACP, PTUK, COSCA, BAPT.

You should be able to travel efficiently and effectively between various work locations within Orkney to meet the operational requirements of the Service.

This post is subject to Level 2 Disclosure Check with PVG for working in a regulated role with children.

For further information or to discuss the role of School Counsellor, please contact Siobhan Wilks, Service Manager, Support for Learning & Inclusion on 01856 873535 ext 2451 or email [e-mail]

Closing Date: 23:59 on Sunday July 13 2025

Please note that interview and relocation expenses are not payable for this post.