School Counsellor / Play Therapist

Homeless Link; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free training and CPD

Line management supervision

Clinical supervision access

BACP membership costs

Job summary

GIPSIL is seeking an experienced and dedicated Counsellor or Play Therapist to deliver a high-quality school-based counselling service for children and young people aged 4-16. The role requires a recognised qualification and post-qualification experience.

You will work within a supportive team, build referral relationships with school staff and parents, manage your caseload, and use creative methods to engage young people.

Qualifications

• A recognised counselling/play therapy qualification (minimum Diploma level).
• Post-qualification experience delivering counselling or play therapy in schools.
• Experience using creative methods in counselling young people.
• Collaborative mindset and a commitment to working as part of a supportive team.

Responsibilities

• Undertake one to one Counselling/Play Therapy with children and young people within a school setting as directed by GIPSIL.
• Build and maintain good, effective referral systems and working relationships with school staff, parents/carers and other professionals.
• Respond promptly to new referrals, providing an accessible service to meet the needs of children and young people.
• Manage own caseload, maintaining records and meeting reporting requirements as appropriate.
• Use data collection tools (in accordance with requirements) to record, monitor and evaluate the projects on a regular basis.
• Participate in multi-agency working as appropriate.

Skills

Compassionate communication

Team collaboration

Creativity in therapy

Boundary setting

Education

Qualified Counsellor/Play Therapist (Diploma)

Job description

The Role

We’re looking for an experienced and dedicated fully qualified Counsellor or Play Therapist who shares GIPSIL’s values of Compassion, Courage and Collaboration. You’ll play a key role in delivering a high quality Schools based Counselling service for children and young people aged 4-16.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake one to one Counselling/Play Therapy with children and young people within a school setting as directed by GIPSIL.
• To build and maintain good, effective referral systems and working relationships with school staff, parents/carers and other professionals.
• Respond promptly to new referrals, providing an accessible service to meet the needs of children and young people.
• Manage own caseload, maintaining records and meeting reporting requirements as appropriate.
• Use data collection tools (in accordance with requirements) to record, monitor and evaluate the projects on a regular basis.
• Participate in multi-agency working as appropriate.

What We’re Looking For

• A recognised counselling/play therapy qualification (minimum Diploma level)
• Post‑qualification experience delivering counselling or play therapy in schools
• Experience using creative methods in Counselling young people
• A collaborative mindset and a commitment to working as part of a supportive team

What We Offer

• Join an established team of Counsellors/ Play therapists
• You’ll benefit from free training and CPD opportunities
• You’ll receive regular Line Management supervision and access to clinical supervision and Reflective Practice sessions
• We cover BACP membership costs and Clinical Supervision costs

Closing Date: Wednesday 30th September 2026 at 12:00 noon

Shortlisting: Friday 2nd October 2026

Interviews: Monday 12th October 2026

Please note that GIPSIL will not accept CV’s or agencies