Counsellor

Job description

Post Title:Counsellor

SBU/Department: Dean of Students Office, Student Wellbeing Services (Counselling and Mental Health

FTE: 0.6FTE (working 22.2 hours per week - 3 days per week). There is a requirement to work on campus on Tuesday.

Duration of Contract: Permanent

Annual Leave: 30 days pro rata plus standard public holidays and an additional 4 days including the closure of our office between Christmas and New Year

Location: College Lane Campus, Hatfield

This role is based within the Counselling and Mental Health Service, in Student Wellbeing Services, providing a coordinated, student‑centred approach to supporting health, wellbeing and inclusion. Counsellors provide short‑term therapeutic support to students experiencing emotional and psychological distress. We are looking for an experienced and compassionate counsellor to fill a vacant post, and to support increasing demand for mental health support across our diverse student population.

Main duties and responsibilities

You will provide short‑term, one‑to‑one counselling to students, delivered face‑to‑face and online, using an integrative and/or solution‑focused approach and working in line with the BACP Ethical Framework. You will undertake initial assessments, evaluate wellbeing and levels of risk, and provide therapeutic support to students presenting with complex and high‑risk needs, including during crises and emergencies.

The role involves maintaining accurate clinical records, contributing to service data and reports, and making appropriate referrals within Student Wellbeing, the wider University and to external services such as the NHS. You will work collaboratively within a multi‑disciplinary team, contribute to workshops, group work and mental health promotion activities, offer consultation to staff, attend regular clinical supervision and team meetings, and support the ongoing development of the Counselling and Mental Health Service.

Skills and experience required

You will have substantial experience of providing short‑term counselling and therapeutic interventions, with a minimum of 450 clinical hours, and demonstrable experience of working with vulnerable and high‑risk students, including those who self‑harm or experience suicidal ideation. You will be confident in assessing and managing risk, delivering online counselling, using outcome measures, and referring students appropriately for additional support.

You will bring a strong understanding of student mental health, confidentiality and professional boundaries, be able to work collaboratively within a multi‑disciplinary environment, communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, and demonstrate flexibility, resilience and reflective practice.

Qualifications required

You will be educated to a minimum of Level 7 (eg Masters, PGDipl or equivalent) or equivalent in Counselling or Psychotherapy and be professionally accredited or registered with BACP, UKCP, BABCP or HCPC/BAAT, or be within six months of achieving accreditation/registration.

REHABILITATION OF OFFENDERS ACT

DISCLOSURE AND BARRING SERVICE

This post is exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 as amended. The University requires that the successful applicant who is offered employment will be subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed. An Enhanced Disclosure will be required and this will include details of cautions, reprimands or final warnings, as well as convictions. The University of Hertfordshire complies with the 'Code of Practice for Registered Persons and other recipients of Disclosure Information'.

Overseas applicants and UK applicants who have lived abroad

Successful applicants who have lived outside the UK, for 12 months or more (whether continuously or in total), in the last 10 years, will be required to produce a 'Certificate of Good Character/Conduct' from each of those countries.

Please view the job description and person specification for a full list of the duties and essential criteria. Please attach a personal statement showing clearly how your skills and experience match the Person Specification.

Internal applicants- please ensure you apply via your employee self service portal.

We regret that we are unable to offer UKVI sponsorship for this post; applicants will either hold UK Right to Work or demonstrate access to UK Right to Work before an offer is made.

The counsellor post is not suitable for current students of the University of Hertfordshire

Contact Details/Informal Enquiries: Senior Counsellors: Mr Peter De Santis [email protected] or Ms Sabrina George, [email protected]

Closing Date: 20 November 2026

Interview Date: 11 December 2026

Reference Number: REQ000865

Date advert placed: 04 November 2026

Our vision is to transform lives: Herts is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and building a diverse community. We are a committed equal opportunities employer and whilst we welcome applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of their protected characteristics, we particularly encourage applications from Black candidates to reflect our diverse student cohort and staff under-representation within the Counselling and Mental Health service where it exists. We offer a range of employee benefits including generous annual leave, flexible location opportunities within the UK, discounted Sports Village memberships and free Active Staff sessions, personal and professional development and family-friendly policies. #GoHerts