Volunteer School Based Counsellor
About the role
Do you have a passion for working with children and young people?
We are currently recruiting for a Volunteer School Based Counsellor to join our warm and friendly team. The ideal candidate will be qualified at a minimum diploma level and may have had experience working in an education setting or with children and young people however this is not essential.
We are looking for counsellors who would like the opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of children and young people struggling with mental health concerns across NPT.
The role will support our team of counsellors working directly with secondary school pupils aged 11-18 who present with a range of mental health concerns or issues. There may also be opportunities to work in other parts of the service.
You will be expected to work in accordance with BACP (or equivalent) ethical guidelines and within the processes and procedures of NPT SBCS.
The successful candidate will be required to commit to 1 day per week, for the full academic year and will be expected to engage with a minimum of 4 clients per day.
This post is available until the 31st of July 2027 in the first instance.
Neath Port Talbot School Based Counselling Service (NPT SBCS) is a multi-modality team of therapists comprised of School Based Counsellors, Play Therapists and a Drama Therapist. NPT SBCS is committed to helping Children and Young People (CYP) address emotional and mental health issues so that they may rise through adversity, achieve their potential and lead fulfilling lives. This is achieved through the provision of counselling and child therapy to CYP in Years 1-13 across NPT. Counsellors and Play Therapists provide targeted therapy to CYP in order to address a range of emotional and mental health issues. We support schools in this joint endeavour through consultation, support and high quality in house training which is available to head teachers, school Governors, teaching and non-teaching staff.
What current team members say about working in NPT SBCS
‘It is certainly true that no day in this job is the same! I have been working as a School Based Counsellor for three years now and find the role is stimulating and highly rewarding. It is a privilege to be able to work with children and young people therapeutically and to be part of a team that is supportive and allows space for individuality and creative ways of working.’
‘A day in the life of a school counsellor is rich in the range in client presentations, challenging, rewarding and varied.’
‘I am so proud of what we do as a team!’
‘The culture of the service is warm and supportive and a place that you feel heard. It is open to individuality with an abundance of knowledge and skills. We come together to help each other to achieve the best outcomes while making good friends in the process.’
About you
We welcome applications from those who hold a Professional Diploma in Counselling and are registered with the BACP or UKCP or equivalent.
On completing the application form, please ensure that you address the elements of the Person Specification.
This is a fantastic opportunity to grow your experience and develop your skills in a challenging and dynamic environment with children and young people presenting with a range of mental health concerns.
You will be provided with biweekly in house supervision and regular guidance and support from a dedicated counsellor as well as the wider team. You will also have the opportunity to take part in our team training events that take place across the year.
If this sounds like a great opportunity we would love to hear from you.
To arrange an informal discussion, please contact Rhian Miller, School Based Counselling Service Manager (r.miller@npt.gov.uk).
To apply please send a CV and cover letter to Rhian Miller (r.miller@npt.gov.uk).
Interviews will be held on 2/7/2026
This post is subject to an enhanced with child barred list DBS disclosure
Neath Port Talbot Council is totally committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Our schools/employees are equally committed to ensuring the safety and protection of all children and young people/vulnerable adults and will take action to safeguard their wellbeing.
The recruitment process for this post will be underpinned by rigorous safer recruitment assessment to ensure that children and young people are protected.
Welsh Language skills are desirable
Additional Information
Applications may be submitted in Welsh, applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.
We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who have a disability and armed forces veterans. In support of employees of Tata Steel who are at risk of redundancy, or have been made redundant in 2024, Neath Port Talbot Council is offering a guaranteed interview for jobs across the Council. Please note that applicants must meet all the essential criteria, as shown in the person specification, to qualify for a guaranteed interview. If you are or going to be affected by the job losses at Tata Steel then we would welcome an application from you. Just make it known on your application form that you are currently at risk of redundancy or you have been made redundant.
At Team NPT, we all work together to serve the people, communities and businesses of Neath Port Talbot.
We are committed to providing training opportunities and the professional development of all our employees.
We look forward to welcoming you to Team NPT.
