Job Reference:
ATR92836
Application deadline:
06/07/2026
Salary:
£19,010.00 - £20,218.00
Job Description
Job Title:
Lead Counsellor / Counsellor
Salary:
Lead Counsellor – £3,197 – 3,382 (FTE £34,446 - £36,441)
Counsellor – £19,010 - £20,218 (FTE £31,507 - £33,509)
Location:
Multiple sites
Hours and Weeks per Year:
Lead Counsellor - 4 hours / 38 weeks
Counsellor – 26 Hours / 38 Weeks
At Kirklees College we are always looking for new talent, and welcome applications from all sectors.
Whether in a teaching & learning role or in one of our specialised Business Support functions, you’ll be involved in nurturing and developing the next generation of construction workers, engineers, health workers and countless others.
We’re already a successful college, but we’re continually striving to be better and do better - be part of our story!
In the role of Lead Counsellor, you’ll predominantly be based at Waterfront centre, whilst providing support across Kirklees College campuses as required. Your focus will be on delivering a high-quality counselling service to students, promoting positive mental health and wellbeing, and providing professional leadership for the college counselling team.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Delivering one-to-one counselling and therapeutic support to students.
- Managing and prioritising referrals into the counselling service.
- Providing professional leadership and guidance to counselling colleagues.
- Supporting quality assurance, service monitoring and reporting.
- Working collaboratively with safeguarding, wellbeing and external agencies.
- Promoting mental health awareness and wellbeing initiatives across the College.
Ideally, you’ll have a recognised qualification at Level 4 or above, accreditation or registration with a recognised professional body such as BACP (or eligibility to receive accreditation) and substantial experience of delivering counselling services to young people and/or adults.
You’ll have experience of managing complex cases, working within safeguarding frameworks and maintaining accurate confidential records. Previous experience of providing leadership, mentoring or supervision within a counselling setting would be advantageous.
It’s important that you’re able to communicate effectively with a wide range of people, build positive relationships, work professionally under pressure and demonstrate our college values of Kindness, Unity and Excellence.
Due to the nature of our work, it’s essential you’re committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
We believe learning is not just for our students: it’s an important part of working here too. Staff development opportunities include a mentoring scheme, financial contributions for external qualifications and skills development for current and aspiring managers. You’ll also have access to a range of staff benefits including an employee assistance programme, retail and leisure discounts and reduced Metro travel.
We want people who believe in the value of education, and who can contribute to our culture of supporting and challenging one another.
Term time only staff who start mid Academic year will have their initial salary payments calculated based on actual weeks worked and the number of pay dates between the beginning of employment and the end of the current academic year.
Closing Date: Monday 06th July 2026
(We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications)
Proposed Interview Date: 13th July 2026
TO APPLY (both External and Internal applicants): Download and complete a copy of the below “Kirklees College Application Form” before clicking "Apply" – you will need to attach your completed form as your application.
If you have any queries about the role or the application process please contact [email protected]
Please check your emails regularly during the recruitment process (including spam and junk folders) as this is how you will be contacted once you have applied.
As an employer we are committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of an individuals’ sex, age, religion, race, marital status, disability status, sexual orientation, maternity or care leaver status. We are committed to exploring opportunities for flexible working and ensuring the work-life balance and wellbeing of our workforce. Please note that any job offer is subject to pre-employment checks including a DBS check, online searches and references from former employers, in line with guidance from Department for Education.