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Job Post Details

Counsellor - Maternity leave cover
Buckinghamshire New University
·
3.9
High Wycombe
•
Hybrid work
£34,630 - £38,448 a year
Fixed term contract
Apply on company site

Job details

£34,630 - £38,448 a year
Employee discount, Company pension, On-site gym, Discounted gym membership
Fixed term contract
Hybrid work in Queen Alexandra Road, High Wycombe

Full job description

Location
Aylesbury, Oxford, Nottingham, Uxbridge, High Wycombe
Contract Type
Fixed Term Contract
Salary Range
£34,630 - £38,448
Hours per week
15
Closing Date
24/11/2026
Ref No
2138

Counsellor - Maternity leave cover

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.

Please click here to see our wide range of benefits available for employees.

Please click here for our behavioural based interview question bank.

Please click here to view our employee handbook.


If you have the qualities and attributes representative of the University’s values and ambition, we would be delighted to hear from you.


For further information about this role please contact sana.wasiq@bnu.ac.uk


All applications are to be made in full and online.


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 sana.wasiq@bnu.ac.uk 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


Please note that an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is required for this position. The successful applicant will be required to give consent to check their criminal record status through the DBS. Information will be kept in strict confidence. Your offer of appointment will be subject to the University being satisfied with the outcome of this check.

If you are invited to interview, you will be asked to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK, including details of your current immigration status where applicable. Please note that, due to the part-time nature of this role, it may not meet the requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.


Bucks is a Disability Confident employer and as such you will be given the opportunity to declare a disability as part of the application process.


Job Description


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.


To practice 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


MEANS OF TESTING



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


A



Accredited, or working towards accreditation, with a recognised professional body such as BACP, UKCP or BPS


A/I



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


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:


Managing self and personal skills

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.



Working together

Working collaboratively and across boundaries with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.

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