Role Introduction

Eton College wishes to recruit an experienced Counsellor/Psychologist on a permanent basis. The post holder will contribute to the provision of psychological/wellbeing services to the student body and provide leadership in the understanding and support of pupils with neurodiversity such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). The main focus of the work will be improving the provision of mental health services to pupils with neurodiversity. This does not include any expectation to fully assess ADHD or ASC but to liaise with the SENDCo about provision and contribute to assessments with specialist providers as appropriate. Applications are welcomed from BACP/BABCP/UKCP accredited Counsellors or HCPC Registered Clinical/Counselling Psychologists.

The position is part-time or 3 days a week, and there is flexibility to discuss exact working hours with the right candidate, but the ability to work on a Saturday would be ideal. Working hours will range between 8am – 7pm.

In person interviews will be held on Tuesday 1st and/or Wednesday 2nd August.

Due to the needs of the school and the department, we may interview suitable candidates before the closing date. This job may also close early if a large number of applications are received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing your chance to apply.

Main Duties

• Developing the provision of mental health services to pupils with neurodiversity
• To lead the provision of mental health support to pupils with neurodiversity closely monitoring the latest developments and distributing relevant guidance as necessary.
• To work closely with the Lead of the Learning Support (SENDCo) service each week in the identification of pupils with neurodiversity such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) who may require more specialist assessment and to liaise in planning appropriate support.
• To act as a resource for therapists in the Stephenson Centre for Wellbeing and staff in the Learning Support service, providing expertise on the management and mental health support required for pupils with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Condition.
• To liaise, alongside the SENDCo, with expert professionals such as psychiatrists and psychologists (from ADHD / ASC assessment centres external to the school) on the management of specific pupils with neurodiversity.
• Alongside the Learning Support Department, to offer teaching, guidance and support to housemasters, dames and teaching staff with regards the classroom and boarding house management of pupils with neurodevelopmental difference.
• To develop and provide individual and group psychological therapies and group teaching on executive functioning skills/social communication to pupils with formally diagnosed or exhibiting traits of ADHD and/or ASC.
• To provide social-skills training groups to boys with Autism Spectrum Condition.
• Provide psychological assessments and evidence- based treatments.
• Work closely within a team of mental health professionals and the school’s wider healthcare team.
• Communicate with staff and parents, where appropriate, and within the limits of confidentiality.
• Adhere to the ethical guidelines and responsibilities of the relevant professional body (BACP/UKCP/BABPC/HCPC).
•  Responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons, and working closely with the Director of Safeguarding.
• Adhere to, and ensure compliance with, the school’s Child Protection Policy at all times.
• Any other duties reasonably requested.
• Commitment to and promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion;
• All positions at Eton are classed as ‘regulated activity’ as per the Keeping Children Safe in Education 2022 guidance, therefore a good understanding of safeguarding procedures is essential;
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including but not limited to, completing safeguarding training as required, and ensuring any safeguarding updates issued by the College are read and understood;
• Understand and comply with procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality
• Commitment and promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion;
• All positions at Eton are classed as ‘regulated activity’ as per the Keeping Children Safe in Education 2022 guidance, therefore a good understanding of safeguarding procedures is essential;
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including by not limited to, completing safeguarding training as required, and ensuring any safeguarding updates issued by the College are read and understood;
• Understand and comply with procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality.

Stakeholders

The School Counsellor will have the ability to work independently as well as part of a team. Key stakeholders include, but are not limited to:

•       The Psychological Services Department
•        The Learning Support Department
•        The Eton College Health Centre ​

Working Pattern

• Your working hours will be 20 hours per week. Ideally to be worked 3 days a week, however there is flexibility to discuss exact working hours with the right candidate. The ability to work on a Saturday would be ideal. Working hours will range between 8am – 7pm.
• You will be working 32 weeks per year. (You will be paid over 12 months)
• You will be entitled to 5.6 weeks holiday.
•  You must use all your entitlement (including any lieu days) during periods of school holidays. If a bank holiday falls during a school term period, you will be required to work this day and you will receive an additional day’s holiday in lieu.)
• Any remaining weeks, save as outlined in your annual leave provisions below, are deemed to be non-working weeks.

The Ideal Candidate

To be successful in this role, the incumbent should have:

• Hold a recognised clinical qualification (in counselling, psychotherapy, clinical psychology)
• A minimum of 1 years’ experience in a clinical role working therapeutically with children, young people and schools
• BACP/UKCP/BABCP Accredited Counsellor/Therapist or HCPC Registered Counselling/Clinical Psychologist.
• Good working knowledge of other treatment modalities is essential.
• Training and experience in the support and teaching of pupils with neurodiversity
• Ability to demonstrate excellent interpersonal, organisational and time management skills.
• Skills in communicating clearly and persuasively both verbally and in writing.
• Proactive and able to use consultative, systemic and innovative ways of working.
• The ability to remain calm under ongoing pressure and be approachable, empathetic and engaging.

Benefits

Eton College offers a wide range of benefits, including an 11% employer contribution to your pension (with 4.9% employee contribution), Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities and discounts at local retailers and businesses.

About the College

We are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils by fostering perseverance, tolerance and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.

If you have any queries about the application process or any problem with submitting your application online, the Recruitment Team will be happy to help. Should you require any reasonable adjustments to be made or facilities provided to enable you to apply online, please do not hesitate to contact us on recruitment@etoncollege.org.uk so we can make adjustments accordingly. 

DISCLOSURE CHECKS

Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including, but not limited to, reference checks with past employers, an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (including Barred List information), an online search and, where applicable, Prohibition checks. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form.  Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with any guidance and/or Code of Practice published by the DBS. The College is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings (including those which would normally be considered as “spent” under the Act) must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to attempt to apply for a position at the College.

Eton College