KS3​/Counsellor and Learning Mentor

Aston Community Education Trust are a forward thinking and ambitious multi-academy trust, comprising of three secondary academies and nine primary academies across the Rotherham, Sheffield and North Derbyshire areas.

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, conscientious and experienced KS3/4 Counsellor/Learning Mentor, to work as part of our dedicated Inclusion team at Aston Academy.

The purpose of this role is to raise the attainment and support the well-being of young people who are struggling with accessing mainstream school for a variety of reasons, including repeat suspension, challenging behaviour and social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) issues.

We are looking for an organised, empathetic, and committed professional to work collaboratively with our dedicated Inclusion team, working closely with students and external agencies to support wellbeing, attendance, and achievement. You will be part of an experienced and supportive team, making a real difference in the lives of young people.

The successful candidate must hold a diploma-level counselling qualification and be registered with a professional body such as BACP. They should be able to work creatively and adapt therapy and interventions to suit the developmental needs of children and young people, using tools like YP Core and SDQ.

Strong communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills are essential, along with a commitment to safeguarding and confidentiality. The successful candidate should demonstrate empathy, respect, and a genuine desire to support young people, while aligning with the ethos of Aston Academy.

This key role will ensure that pupils receive high-quality clinical support through assessment, one-to-one intervention, group work and proactive pastoral engagement.

This is an exciting role and is a key appointment in ensuring pupils receive the support they need to remove barriers and enable them to reach their full potential both academically and socially.

The role is based at Aston Academy and will involve working collaboratively with other academies across the trust. If you are looking for an exciting new role, then you are warmly encouraged to pursue an application with us. We would also welcome you if you would like to visit us. If you have any questions or wish to visit, then please contact
-Katy.wright

• Have strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise workload, manage competing demands, and maintain accurate records.
• To liaise with parents to ensure the young person is supported well.
• To provide a drop-in service for all students.
• To independently plan and deliver tailored 1:1 & small group support for KS3 & KS4 children with SEN based on the assess, plan do review model.
• To liaise with school staff, including the Designated Safeguarding Lead, and other professionals as appropriate to ensure the effective operation of the service.
• To support parents.
• To attend meetings and briefings as required and to provide an evidenced based graduated response.
• To maintain confidential notes on all counselling sessions.
• To promote a caring and supportive environment where concerns can be explored, thereby promoting mental and emotional health.
• To uphold good practice as described by the BACP ethical guidelines.
• To liaise with relevant staff within the academy, making them aware of problems experienced by students and to make recommendations as to how these may be managed/resolved, as appropriate.
• To liaise with other professionals, including attending meetings within the academy and with outside agencies, as appropriate.
• To be alert to trends and patterns of issues that affect children and adolescence.
• To play an active role in safeguarding children and adhere to the academy policies.

• A recognised professional counselling qualification to diploma level or equivalent and be a BACP member/registered to a professional body.
• The Certificate in National Learning Mentor Training is desirable.
• The ability to be creative/playful in their work in consideration of the child’s developmental age.
• The ability to adapt the therapy/intervention in a meaningful/useful way for the young person.
• The ability to…