Counselling jobs in Frinton-on-Sea

About Acharya Mentoring

Acharya Mentoring is a specialist provider of mentoring and study skills support to university students receiving Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA).

We are a small, specialist-led organisation that takes pride in providing personalised support and carefully matching students with mentors who understand their individual needs.

We are looking for suitably qualified and experienced Mental Health Mentors to join our growing freelance team.

The role

You will provide one-to-one specialist mentoring to university students experiencing mental health difficulties that affect their ability to manage and engage with their studies.

Your role will be to help students develop practical strategies, confidence and independence to overcome barriers to learning and achieve their academic goals.

Responsibilities include:

• Supporting students with organisation, planning and time management.
• Helping students manage academic workloads, deadlines and competing demands.
• Developing strategies to improve motivation, confidence and independent working.
• Helping students recognise and manage barriers associated with their mental health.
• Supporting goal setting and the development of practical action plans.
• Maintaining accurate session records and progress notes.
• Recognising safeguarding concerns and following appropriate procedures.
• Maintaining professional boundaries and confidentiality.

This is a non-clinical mentoring role, not counselling or therapy.

Essential qualifications – DSA requirements

Undergraduate degree

Applicants must meet the Department for Education's mandatory qualification requirements for Specialist Mentor – Mental Health (SM).

Eligible professional membership routes include:

• Addiction Professionals (NCAC).
• Association of Child Psychotherapists (ACP).
• Association of Christians in Counselling and Linked Professions.
• British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP).
• British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
• British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC).
• British Psychological Society (BPS).
• Counselling and Psychotherapy in Scotland (COSCA).
• General Medical Council (GMC) – Psychiatry.
• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• International Society of Psychotherapy and Counselling (ISPC).
• Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP).
• National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS).
• Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
• Social Work England (SWE).
• Social Care Wales (SCW).
• Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC).
• UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP).
• University Mental Health Advisers Network (UMHAN).

Important: Applicants must hold the specific membership or registration level recognised by the DfE, not simply general membership of one of these organisations.

BPS applicants must also meet the additional requirements relating to postgraduate qualifications, annual CPD and professional supervision, where applicable.

Current professional registration and evidence of eligibility will be required. Please refer to the DfE September 2026 NMH Mandatory Qualifications Matrix.

What we're looking for

• Experience supporting individuals with mental health difficulties.
• A good understanding of mental health and its impact on academic functioning.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• An empathetic, patient and non-judgemental approach.
• The ability to work independently and maintain professional boundaries.
• An understanding of safeguarding and appropriate referral procedures.

Experience working with university students or within higher education is desirable.

What we offer

• £35 per hour.
• Flexible freelance working arrangements.
• Face-to-face and remote opportunities.
• Careful matching of students based on your experience and suitability.
• Ongoing communication and support from a small, specialist-led organisation.
• Opportunities for continued work as student referrals arise.

Additional requirements

Successful applicants will be required to complete our onboarding and compliance checks, including identity and right-to-work verification, DBS evidence, professional references, qualification checks and insurance evidence.

How to apply

Please submit your CV and include details of your relevant qualifications, professional membership, registration level and experience.

Please only apply if you meet the mandatory DSA qualification requirements for Specialist Mentor – Mental Health provision.

We look forward to welcoming new professionals to the Acharya Mentoring team.

Pay: £35.00 per hour

Application question(s):

• Are you registered with a society mentioned in the job description?

Licence/Certification:

• DBS certificate (required)

Willingness to travel:

• 100% (required)

Work Location: In person