School Counsellor & Lead Practitioner (Therapy Lead)

Job overview

School Counsellor & Lead Practitioner (Therapy Lead)
Reporting to: Principal
Working Pattern: Part Time 2 – 4 days per week (Term Time) / Open to Job Share
Location: Arco Academy, Camberwell Leisure Centre

About Arco Academy
Arco Academy is an independent alternative provision school in Camberwell, London, specialising in sports. We provide tailored education for students referred by mainstream schools and local authorities, with a strong focus on pastoral care and holistic development.

Our vision is to unlock every student’s potential through a creative curriculum that supports academic progress, wellbeing, and personal growth. Alongside academic learning, we encourage participation in sports, life skills development, and positive community relationships.

We value and invest in our staff through CPD, wellbeing initiatives, and professional support, recognising their vital role in our students’ success. Diversity and individuality are celebrated across our school community.
Arco Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students. All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Role Overview
The School Counsellor & Lead Practitioner will lead the delivery of a high-quality, trauma-informed therapeutic offer that supports pupil wellbeing and enhances teaching and learning across Arco Academy.

The postholder will provide direct counselling and therapy to pupils, lead the therapeutic team, coordinate reflective practice and supervision, contribute to inclusion strategy and safeguarding, and lead on CPD and professional development for staff.

They will be both a practitioner and a strategic leader - ensuring the highest standards of therapeutic care and inclusion while supporting the growth and development of the Academy’s counselling and wellbeing provision.

Scope of Services• Assessment & Intervention - Assess pupil needs, design and implement intervention plans, and provide individual/group counselling, including crisis intervention where required.
• Collaboration & Consultation - Work with teachers, parents, administrators, and external agencies to support pupil wellbeing and inclusion, and provide consultation to staff on mental health and behaviour.
• Reporting & Documentation - Maintain accurate and confidential records, and provide reports on counselling outcomes, specialism, and emerging trends.
• Professional Development & CPD - Lead CPD sessions for staff on wellbeing and inclusion, while engaging in ongoing professional development.
• Strategic Inclusion Support - Contribute to school-wide policies and strategies that promote safeguarding, mental health, and inclusion.
• Volunteer & Student Support - Recruit, onboard, and support the development of volunteers or student therapists provided by Arco, enhancing service capacity and increasing the number of students supported.

Deliverables• Pupil Assessments & Plans - Completion of needs assessments and tailored intervention plans with documented progress reviews.
• Counselling & Crisis Support - Delivery of individual/group counselling sessions and immediate crisis response.
• Reports - Regular reports on outcomes, emerging themes, and recommendations for leadership.
• CPD Delivery - Design and delivery of staff CPD sessions with supporting materials.
• Strategic Support - Active contribution to wellbeing and inclusion strategies through meetings and written input.
• Record Keeping & Professional Development - Maintain accurate, confidential documentation and evidence of ongoing training.
• Capacity Building - Increase the number of students accessing support through enhanced service delivery.

Responsibilities

Clinical and Therapeutic Practice
• Provide confidential individual and group counselling to students addressing emotional, behavioural, or academic concerns.
• Deliver crisis intervention, including immediate emotional support in emergencies or trauma.
• Conduct assessments to identify student needs and make referrals to internal or external support services.
• Design and deliver psychological interventions based on trauma-informed, attachment-focused, and evidence-based practice.
• Work with pupils who may have complex or enduring mental health difficulties.
Leadership & Supervision
• Lead, supervise, and coordinate the multidisciplinary therapy team (psychotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, trainees, and volunteers).
• Provide clinical supervision, reflective practice sessions, and line management where appropriate.
• Lead the Arco Academy Inclusion Panel and ensure the delivery of school-wide interventions informed by annual needs analysis.

Collaboration & Consultation
• Work closely with staff, parents, and external professionals to promote wellbeing and inclusion.
• Provide consultation to teachers on classroom behaviour, trauma responses, and student engagement.
• Build partnerships with local mental health services, including CAMHS, and community-based organisations.

Strategic Development
• Develop and evaluate the Academy’s therapeutic offer.
• Lead initiatives that promote emotional health, safeguarding, and inclusion across the school.
• Represent Arco Academy at external networks and promote the school’s therapeutic reputation within the community.

Documentation & Reporting
• Maintain detailed and confidential records in line with data protection and safeguarding regulations.
• Provide regular outcome reports, service reviews, and progress updates to senior leadership.
• Capture and analyse data using the school’s management information system.

Training and Professional Development
• Undertake mandatory and relevant CPD as required.
• Engage in ongoing clinical supervision and reflective practice.
• Complete mandatory training as directed (funded by the school).
• Self-fund any additional or external non-mandatory training.
• Support the delivery of in-school training events and contribute to research or audit projects.

Monitoring and Reporting
• Quality Assurance: All interventions adhere to professional and ethical standards, ensuring confidentiality and safeguarding compliance.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all sessions, assessments, and interventions.
• Progress Reporting: Provide regular updates to leadership and relevant stakeholders while maintaining confidentiality.
• Collaboration Reports: Summarise consultation and multidisciplinary meetings to document strategies and progress.
• Professional Development Reporting: Provide evidence of ongoing learning and improvement.
• Time Commitments: Adhere to agreed schedules and promptly communicate any delays or rescheduling needs.

Qualifications & Experience
• Level 5 qualification in Counselling or equivalent.
• Postgraduate qualification in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy (or equivalent).
• BACP accreditation (or working towards).
• Demonstrable experience working with children and young people with complex emotional needs.
• Experience in leading a multidisciplinary therapeutic team.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed, attachment-based approaches.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Commitment to safeguarding, diversity, and inclusion.