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Join Our Team: School-Based Counsellors Wanted (Surrey)


At The Matthew Hackney Foundation, we believe that every child and young person deserves access to emotional support when they need it— regardless of their circumstances and especially when they are unable to get support elsewhere.

That’s why we’re delighted to be recruiting School-Based Counsellors to join our small, passionate charity team in Surrey for the Summer Term 2025, with the potential to continue beyond this subject to funding.

“We know how important it is for counsellors to feel supported, especially when working in school settings. Our aim is to create a space where practitioners feel held, valued and able to do their best work with children and young people. "Lisa Jones, Clinical Lead, The Matthew Hackney Foundation

A role with real impact

Our counsellors provide 1:1 counselling to children and young people in local schools who may not otherwise be able to access therapeutic support. We currently work with 23 schools across Surrey and support children, young people and their caregivers every week.

This is meaningful, relational work — and it sits at the heart of what we do.


Especially welcoming to newly qualified counsellors 🌱

We warmly welcome applications from newly qualified counsellors and therapists, as well as those with more established practices.

We know that starting out — particularly in school settings — can feel both exciting and daunting. That’s why we offer a supportive, ethical and containing environment where you can build confidence, gain valuable experience, and develop your professional identity.

You’ll be supported by:

  • A named Clinical Lead

  • Clear safeguarding procedures and guidance

  • Established, positive relationships with schools

  • Flexibility around days and times where possible

  • Opportunities to gradually increase hours as your confidence grows

All counselling delivered through the Foundation is provided in line with the BACP Ethical Framework (or equivalent professional standards).


Flexible working options

The role can be offered on either a self-employed or employed basis, depending on what works best for you.

  • £25 per hour (self-employed)

  • £18.50 per hour (employed equivalent, including holiday pay and employer NI)

You’ll typically work a minimum of one half-day per week (term time only), with opportunities to take on additional hours across different schools if you wish.


Who we’re looking for

You’ll be:

  • A qualified counsellor, therapist or psychologist

  • Registered (or working towards registration) with BACP, UKCP, BPC or equivalent

  • Passionate about supporting the mental wellbeing of children and young people

  • Reflective, emotionally robust and ethically grounded

  • Interested in working collaboratively within school environments

Experience of working in schools is helpful but not essential — we’re much more interested in your values, curiosity, and commitment to learning.


Interested?

If this sounds like a good fit for you, we’d love to hear from you.

If you share our values and want to make a genuine difference to children and young people’s mental health, we’d be delighted to welcome you into our community.



 
 
 

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