ESOL Counselling and Mental Health Officer (0.4 FTE) (LUM192/245)

About the Role

Please apply as soon as possible as we are shortlisting/interviewing candidates as and when we receive applications therefore the role may close before the advertised closing date.

To promote positive student mental health and wellbeing for the student cohorts accessing courses within the college’s ESOL (English for Speakers of Second Languages) departments.

The primary purpose of the role will be to offer short term and longer term counselling and therapeutic interventions to support the wellbeing of,  and work to alleviate the presenting needs of these students, so that they may effectively engage in their education and progress.

Many students within these cohorts are children looked after, refugees or claiming asylum and have experienced and witnessed violence, traumatic events and experienced multiple losses.

This role will aim to address some of the barriers to wellbeing and education faced by these students as a result of these traumatic experiences. The role requires a creative approach to communication to overcome language barriers and cultural awareness, appreciation and sensitivity.

What You Will Do

• Support student success and retention by delivering high quality mental health and counselling services, including short term supportive interventions for students experiencing a range of psychological and emotional difficulties. 
• Lead on the development of new initiatives and ways of working, to meet the changing needs of students.
• Provide guidance to staff on student mental health issues and to design and deliver  training around mental health awareness and other related topics, to ensure wider staff development. 
• Develop specialist resources on student mental health and wellbeing for staff. 

About You

• Must have a Professional qualification in counselling or psychotherapy at Diploma level 4 or above or equivalent mental health professional practice qualification
• Registered member of BCAP or equivalent professional body
• Experienced mental health or counselling practitioner with experience of delivering wellbeing and therapeutic interventions.
• Proven experience working with individuals who are refugees or claiming asylum and have experienced and witnessed violence, traumatic events in a supportive capacity.
• A clear commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion within wellbeing and therapeutic  practice, as well as demonstrable cultural awareness, appreciation and sensitivity. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills which can be adapted to meet the needs of students, colleagues and other partners.
• Able to develop, coordinate and implement the delivery of  therapeutic interventions with students and holistically assess risk and need to inform appropriate ongoing actions and package of support.
• A good listener who is empathetic and non-judgemental.
• Able to stay calm and work under pressure and utilise available resources effectively.
• Able to work well both as a member of a team and using own initiative.
• Maintain accurate and objective record keeping.

Benefits

There are plenty of benefits available to our staff members, here are just a few:

• Annual leave entitlement - If you work full time, you'll get at least 27 days holiday plus bank holidays and up to 5 discretionary closure days at Christmas (pro rata for part time staff).
• Support Staff 27 days (increasing to 32 days after 5 years service)
• Academic 37 days
• Senior Management 37 days
   
• Generous Pension schemes
• Teachers’ Pension Scheme 
• Local Government Pension Scheme 
   
• Memberships and discounts - employees can sign up to various membership cards and discount schemes such as TOTUM card (formerly NUS card). 
• Travel and commuting - discounted travel available through Metro card, Northern Rail, First Bus, Arriva Bus and Cycle to work schemes.
• Learning and development opportunities -  including staff development days
• Employee wellbeing initiatives
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities - this will vary depending on role requirements

About Us

Leeds City College is one of the largest further education institutions in the country and is one of the biggest providers of apprenticeships regionally. 

We provide a vibrant and diverse learning environment, delivering excellent and innovative education which is supportive, inspiring and life changing. Leeds City College’s values put students first and are at the heart of everything the college does.

We are committed to lifelong learning and investing in our staff. You’ll have access to a broad variety of training and professional development designed to help you continually develop and grow. We offer a wide range of job vacancies, and our large size means there are always exciting opportunities to progress.

Join us on the journey to being the best that we can collectively be for our students, apprentices, staff and our stakeholders.

For further information about the role including job description and application form please visit the vacancies section of our website via the apply link.