School Counsellor

Words First is a multidisciplinary team of Speech and Language Therapists Occupational Therapists Educational Psychologists and Counsellors working across schools in London. We are looking for a Counsellor to join our growing team and support children and young people within education settings.

This role involves working directly in schools to support pupils with a range of emotional behavioural social and mental health needs. You will work collaboratively with school staff families and the wider Words First multidisciplinary team to help create emotionally supportive and inclusive learning environments.

You will provide therapeutic support to children and young people experiencing challenges such as emotional regulation difficulties low self-esteem trauma friendship difficulties school avoidance and neurodivergent-related mental health needs.

The role combines direct therapeutic work with consultation and collaboration alongside school staff and families.

• Deliver counselling and therapeutic support within school settings
• Support children and young people with emotional wellbeing and mental health needs
• Work collaboratively with SENCOs pastoral teams families and multidisciplinary professionals
• Maintain accurate and professional clinical records
• Contribute to safeguarding and wellbeing planning where appropriate
• Build positive trusting relationships with pupils and school staff
• Participate in supervision CPD and team meetings

• Recognised counselling qualification
• Registration with the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP)
• Experience working with children and young people
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong understanding of child and adolescent mental health
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Commitment to inclusive child-centred and neurodivergent-affirming practice

• Experience working within schools or educational settings
• Experience supporting neurodivergent children and young people
• Understanding of trauma-informed approaches
• Experience working collaboratively with families and external professionals

• A warm supportive and collaborative team culture
• Opportunities for ongoing CPD and professional development
• Regular supervision and reflective practice
• Structured onboarding and induction
• Opportunities to work alongside highly specialist therapists and psychologists
• The chance to make a genuine difference in the lives of children and young people every day

At Words First children are at the centre of everything we do. We value collaboration clinical excellence and creating supportive environments where both young people and staff can thrive.