Wellbeing Consultant

University of Exeter; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 39,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Exeter is seeking a Wellbeing Consultant for a fixed-term maternity-cover role starting January 2027. The role combines on-campus and remote work with a hybrid arrangement.

The post entails short-term counselling, triage, and liaison with NHS and GP services to support students with emotional distress and complex mental health needs. Prospective candidates should hold an additional counselling qualification and be or working towards BACP accreditation, with the ability to apply

Qualifications

• We are looking for a highly qualified and experienced practitioner who can offer mental health support and advice to students, provide a range of clinical interventions and manage and coordinate cases.
• You will be required to have an additional qualification in counselling and be accredited by the BACP (or working towards accreditation).
• Able to transfer skills to a Higher Education context and demonstrate excellent communication to negotiate and influence.

Responsibilities

• Provide short-term counselling and triage for students in distress.
• Liaise with GPs, NHS, Mental Health services and the Wellbeing team.
• Deliver ongoing therapeutic interventions for students with emotional instability, on campus or remotely.

Job description

Location: Exeter (Hybrid)

Contract type: Fixed-term contract

About The Role

This full-time post is available from January 2027 on a fixed term basis to cover a maternity until January 2028. Applications for secondments will be considered subject to agreement from your current line manager.

The starting salary will be from £43,482 on Grade, depending on qualifications and experience.

This role offers the opportunity for hybrid working – some time on campus and some from home.

Please note this role is subject to a DBS check. At the University of Exeter, we are committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We expect all our staff to share this commitment.

We are seeking to recruit a flexible and adaptable Wellbeing Consultant to join our highly skilled and committed team. The role will involve short term counselling, triage and liaison with GPs, NHS, Mental Health services and the Wellbeing team. You may be the first point of contact for students experiencing acute emotional distress and will be able to deal with their complex mental health difficulty. You will also provide on-going therapeutic interventions for students experiencing difficulty with emotional instability either in the Wellbeing Centre or off site, remote services and web provision.

The role involves close liaison and joint working across the Wellbeing Service to support students with a range of disabilities alongside liaison with other university staff and external agencies (e.g. Student Finance, Access Centres, GP, statutory mental health services and voluntary sector agencies).You will also be committed to the advancement of inclusive practice and widening access to this important student community.

About You

We are looking for a highly qualified and experienced practitioner who can offer mental health support and advice to students, provide a range of clinical interventions and manage and coordinate cases. You will be required to have an additional qualification in counselling and be accredited by the BACP (or working towards accreditation) so that you are equipped to offer a range of specialist therapeutic services for students. You will need to demonstrate a breadth of therapeutic and clinical expertise and show the ability to transfer their skills to a Higher Education context.

This is an exciting and rewarding opportunity for someone to join an innovative service allowing you to develop your skills and engage in service development projects. As a skilled practitioner who has a sensitive and adaptable approach to their work, you will show a real interest in supporting students, assessing and managing risk and in contributing to the advancement of stepped therapy services within a multi-disciplinary team context. You will be a skilled practitioner, able work with colleagues at all levels and demonstrate excellent communication skills to negotiate and influence.

Further information

Please contact Joanne Belfield, [e-mail]

About The Division

In collaboration with the academic Faculties, the Education and Academic Services (EAS) Directorate provides all of the key administration and education support and enhancing activities that underpin the student experience from Welcome Week to Graduation. Service divisions within EAS include Education and Student Support, Learning Experience and Innovation, Faculty and Cornwall Operations, Sport and Wellbeing.

About Us

Transform your Career and Help Shape a Greener, Healthier, and Fairer Future

We are committed to understanding different cultures and perspectives, supporting diverse leadership, and striving for social justice. We encourage applications from all groups underrepresented in our community, including racially minoritised individuals and those with disabilities. Our inclusive, merit based recruitment processes seek to embrace a diverse set of experiences to ensure colleagues feel supported equitably. With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 countries, we foster a culture where everyone can thrive.

You can read more about our current accreditations and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here, including our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

Why our colleagues love working here

• Flexible working opportunities and leading parental leave initiatives
• Generous annual leave (39 - 41 days including bank holidays)
• Competitive pension contributions
• A genuine dedication to supporting the health and wellbeing of all colleagues - see initiatives here
• Sustainability and the environment being at the heart of what we do