"Counsellor"

Counsellor

Are you an experienced and accredited counsellor looking to make a meaningful impact on student mental health? Join the University Counselling Service at the University of Oxford and support students to flourish personally and academically within a world-leading institution.

Location: 2/3 Worcester Street, Oxford, OX1 2BX

Salary: Grade 7: £39,424 – £47,779 per annum (pro rata)

Contract: Permanent – 30 hours per week term time only (30 weeks per year)

About Us

Spanning the historic streets of the “city of dreaming spires”, the University of Oxford is a globally renowned institution committed to excellence in research, education and student wellbeing.

Student Welfare and Support Services (SWSS) brings together the Counselling Service, the Disability Advisory Service, Sexual Harassment and Violence support service and the Peer Support and Mental Health awareness training programmes, to provide coherent and accessible support to students. The Counselling Service supports approximately 3,200 students each year and delivers brief therapeutic interventions grounded primarily in psychodynamic and cognitive behavioural approaches.

Our vision is to create an environment in which all students can flourish at Oxford, personally and academically, and develop the resilience and skills to thrive.

What We Offer

Working at the University of Oxford offers an excellent range of benefits, including:

• 38 days’ annual leave (inclusive of public holidays), with the option to purchase additional leave.
• One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education.
• Flexible and hybrid working options in line with the University’s new ways of working framework.
• An excellent contributory pension scheme.
• Access to a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities.
• Free membership of the University Club and discounted sports facilities.
• A confidential Employee Assistance Programme available 24/7.

About the Role

As a Counsellor, you will deliver high-quality therapeutic support to students using either a psychodynamic or cognitive behavioural model, adapting your approach pragmatically to brief interventions.

You will provide individual counselling (with a minimum of five contact hours in an average 7.5-hour day), as well as group therapy and psycho-educational workshops. You will conduct comprehensive assessments, including evaluating risk of suicide, self-harm or severe mental illness, and determine appropriate therapeutic or referral pathways.

Managing your own caseload within the BACP Ethical Framework, you will maintain confidentiality while responding appropriately to the University’s duty of care. You will deliver culturally sensitive counselling to a diverse and international student population, contribute to training, presentations and service development initiatives, and work collaboratively with colleges, departments and external services.

You will also engage in regular supervision, reflective practice and ongoing professional development. The service operates extended hours during term time (09:00–20:00 Monday–Thursday and 09:00–17:00 Friday); all counsellors are expected to work one evening per week and attend weekly staff meetings.

About You

You will be an accredited practitioner holding BACP Individual Accreditation, UKCP Registration, HCPC registration (for psychologists), BPS chartership, or equivalent.

As part of our departmental commitment to openness, inclusivity and transparency, we strongly encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented or minoritised backgrounds who meet the essential criteria for the post.

You will bring:

• Substantial experience delivering psychodynamic and/or cognitive behavioural therapy for a range of psychological difficulties
• Experience adapting therapeutic models for brief counselling intervention
• A detailed and contemporary understanding of issues facing students in Higher Education
• Experience working effectively within a multidisciplinary team
• Excellent written, oral, and presentation skills, with the ability to make complex concepts accessible to a broad audience
• Emotional resilience and the ability to manage a busy and demanding caseload
• Confidence using IT systems, including Microsoft Office, and willingness to adopt new technologies

Application Process

To apply, please upload:

• A covering letter/supporting statement
• Your CV
• The details of two referees

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday 10 April 2026

Interviews are expected to take place on Tuesday 21st and Wednesday 22nd April and will be held face-to-face.