Keyham Lodge School

Permanent Child Counsellor

Grade 10 Pay Points  23-26

32.5 hours per week, 39 weeks per year

Discovery Therapeutic Services at Keyham Lodge School are seeking to appoint a full time (32.5 hours per week), permanent Child Counsellor for 39 weeks per year (school term time) who shares our values and ambitions, and has the vision, drive, resilience, and experience to build on our success to date and provide further capacity to our partner schools and families.  

We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic clinician to join our ever-growing multidisciplinary team of Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Counsellors at Discovery Therapeutic Services. The successful candidate will be expected to have an extensive knowledge of paediatric counselling and have experience of providing care to children and young people with SEMH and/or neurodevelopmental disorders. The successful candidate will also demonstrate a drive and commitment to learn from others and maintain their continuing professional development. We are a trust committed to upskilling our staff and as such, comprehensive CPD opportunities will be available to the successful post holder, alongside a commitment to offering flexible working arrangements.

Why choose Keyham Lodge School?

Keyham Lodge School is part of a large academy Trust who puts the child at the centre of our decision-making process and uses our values to guide us in all decision making. Our schools, professionals, children, and stakeholders work closely together to raise outcomes for children from all backgrounds regardless of their starting points. We have high expectations for both children and staff but provide the best support possible for everyone to achieve.

We are looking for someone who has:

• A recognised Level 4 qualification in therapy/counselling and be registered with an appropriate body. (e.g. UKCP or BACP)
• GCSE English and Maths at Grade C or above or equivalent qualifications such as level 2 Basic Skills in Literacy and numeracy.
• Willingness to undertake DSL training and refresher courses.
• Experience of supporting pupils with a range of SEMH needs and neurodevelopmental disorders.  

Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification attached to support with your application.

What we offer: 

• Flexible working options
• Support for continuous professional development in the role
• Opportunities to visit other organisations for professional learning
• Highly committed and motivated Team
• A role which has the opportunity to make a real difference whilst having fun
• Free car parking
• Annual incremental pay increases with the pay scale range
• A defined benefit pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme - EAP
• Employee self-service portal.
• Eyecare voucher scheme.
• Cycle to work scheme
• Retail discounts
• Dental support
• Gym discount
• Be an integral member of the team in a vibrant school
• Create an outstanding learning environment for the success of all of our children
• Play a significant part in continuing to develop our school
• Be part of a wider community of Discovery Schools Trust
• Excellent opportunities for personal and career development
• A established Central Services Team who support schools and wider colleagues

We would encourage potential applicants to arrange an appointment to discuss the role informally. Please contact Melanie Carte to arrange a visit before the application deadline: mcarte@salt.discoverytrust.org

More about Discovery Schools Trust

Discovery Schools Trust is dedicated to improving learning and teaching by creating a culture that promotes excellence. The needs of all children are placed at the heart of all decision making regardless of the school they attend. Teaching and learning excellence are shared through learning networks, sharing of ideas and materials as well as leading practitioners between schools. Discovery has developed a school improvement system which focuses on improving outcomes for all children. It also places staff development, talent management and succession planning at the heart of achieving outstanding organisations.

Please note that interviews for this position may be made earlier than the stated closing date if a suitable candidate is identified. Therefore, we encourage interested applicants to submit their applications promptly. Early submission will not only ensure consideration for the position but also increase the likelihood of being invited for an interview. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to receiving your application.

Safeguarding Statement: We are committed to safeguarding our pupils; therefore, the successful applicant will require an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and references. 

While we acknowledge the advantages of AI in crafting personal statements for applications, we strongly encourage and expect applicants to personalise and tailor responses. Please note that the Trust may utilise AI checking solutions during the application review process and will be considered when shortlisting.