Overview
The Mental Health Support Team in Schools (MHSTs) at Dorset Healthcare seeks a creative, innovative, enthusiastic qualified counsellor (Band 6) to support children and young people in Weymouth, Portland and West Dorset. The role is advertised as a full‑time position (37.5 hours per week) and part‑time arrangements may be considered.
Responsibilities
* Provide counselling intervention to children and young people presenting with mild to moderate mental and emotional health needs within education settings.
* Work closely with colleagues across the MHST and within schools to promote whole‑school approaches to good emotional wellbeing, including group interventions, staff training and collaboration with parents, carers and families.
* Co‑ordinate and deliver individualised care packages/programmes, evaluate their effectiveness and ensure high standards of practice in line with national guidelines and trust policy.
* Maintain confidentiality of clients and families, making decisions that balance risks to clients, self and the wider public.
Qualifications & Requirements
* Qualified counsellor, psychologist or equivalent (must hold registration with the British Psychological Society (BPS) or British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)).
* Full time or part time availability; 37.5 hours per week preferred.
* Enhanced DBS check (Trust will cover the cost). Candidates who subscribe to the DBS update service may present a valid DBS certificate.
* Full UK driving licence and access to a car to travel across the Weymouth, Portland and West Dorset area.
* Experience in working with children and young people in an educational setting is strongly preferred.
Working Conditions
* Base location is Weymouth, with required travel across the local area.
* This is a fixed‑term role on a secondment basis for NHS staff; permission for release on secondment must be obtained before applying.
* Flexible working arrangements are available; applicants can discuss options with the recruiting manager.
Benefits
* 27 days of annual leave, rising to 33 over ten years (for staff on Agenda for Change terms and conditions)
* Excellent NHS pension scheme
* Health and wellbeing services
* Flexible working options, including family‑friendly hours
* Free training and one‑to‑one career coaching
* Preceptorship programme for newly qualified nurses and AHPs
* Access to nine staff networks
* Relocation costs where applicable
* Salary sacrifice scheme opportunities – childcare vouchers, car lease, cycle scheme, home technology equipment, buying annual leave
* NHS discounts on shopping, gym membership and more
Eligibility
Applicants who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are not eligible to apply for this position.
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