Counsellor(UK Visa Sponsorship Available)
Job Description
Join Our Student Counselling Team at Aston University
Aston University is seeking an experienced and accredited Psychotherapist or Counsellor to join our dynamic Student Counselling Service. This is an exciting opportunity for a compassionate, skilled professional committed to supporting student wellbeing and mental health within a vibrant university community.
We welcome applicants with a Level 7 or Master’s qualification (MSc) in Counselling or Psychotherapy and a minimum of three years’ post-qualification supervised practice. Current accreditation with BACP, UKCP/HPC, BABCP, or BPS is essential. Experience of providing brief counselling within a higher education or fast-paced clinical setting is highly desirable.
About the Role
As a key member of the Student Counselling Service, you will provide short-term, culturally competent therapeutic counselling (typically six sessions) to students experiencing a wide range of emotional and psychological challenges — including anxiety, depression, trauma, self-harm, relationship difficulties, and academic stress.
You will work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team, conducting risk assessments, offering individual therapeutic support, and contributing to the wider delivery of wellbeing initiatives such as workshops and drop-in sessions.
Given current student needs, this is a predominantly on-campus role, requiring regular in-person engagement throughout the academic year.
Key Areas of Expertise (Desirable)
We are particularly keen to strengthen our team with expertise in:
- Humanistic Integrative Psychotherapy or Counselling
- Rape and sexual abuse/violence
- Trauma, loss, and bereavement
- Self-harm and suicidal ideation
- Cultural sensitivity and diversity awareness
- Spiritual and faith-based issues
About the Counselling Service
The Counselling Service forms part of Student Wellbeing, which includes Wellbeing and Chaplaincy teams. Together, these services are part of the wider Student Life Directorate, working closely with Mental Health & Welfare, Disability & Neurodiversity Support, and Student Engagement and Advice Services to ensure holistic student support.
This role is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check.
What We Offer
- Excellent training and development opportunities
- Generous annual leave entitlement (30 days plus 13 bank holidays and University closure days)
- Access to an on-site gym and swimming pool with discounted staff membership
- A range of everyday discounts for shops, travel, and leisure
- Excellent transport links via bus and train
- Family-friendly policies and flexible working options
- Further details about staff benefits can be found on the Aston University Benefits and Rewards page.
Visa Sponsorship
This position may meet the requirements for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship. Eligibility will be assessed if you are shortlisted for the role.
Applicants who require sponsorship are encouraged to review official guidance before applying:
Please note that individual eligibility cannot be confirmed prior to shortlisting.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Aston University is proud to be an equal opportunities employer, committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace. We celebrate equality across gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, and faith, and actively support the Athena SWAN Charter and Race Equality Charter.
We also recognise the value of flexible working and encourage candidates to discuss potential arrangements with the recruiting manager.
