Job Description

Job Title: Cross College Counsellor (Mon-Thurs 0.8 FTE)

Nature of role: 12 Months, Fixed Term

Location: London, Victoria (With occasional travel to our Manchester campus)

Start Date: September 2025

Actual Salary: 28,000

Holidays: In line with local authority term dates

Pension: Aviva Pension Scheme

Welcome to Ada!

We are the National College for Digital Skills, established in 2016 as the first new Further Education College in England since 1993. Our mission is to educate and empower the next generation of diverse digital talent, and our values of Rigour, Resilience, Creativity, Curiosity and Collaboration sit at the heart of what we do and how we go about our work.

We seek to harness tech as a positive tool for social mobility and improve the gender and ethnic diversity of the tech workforce. At present, 38% of our learners are female, 51% are from ethnic minority backgrounds and 50% come from low-income households compared to national averages of 20%. Our diversity metrics are significantly ahead of national averages for colleges and training providers but we want to go further and achieve in excess of 50% for each of these metrics by 2025.

We are a specialist college with c.500 students and apprentices on roll at present but with plans now well underway to grow to 850+ learners by December 2025 across our two fantastic new city centre hub campuses in London (Pimlico) and Manchester (Ancoats).

We stand apart from other Colleges due to:

The quality of teaching, learning and assessment of computer science and related subjects Our fantastic progression outcomes for our learners The breadth and depth of our industry partnerships Our focus on outreach and learner diversity, especially those from more disadvantaged backgrounds Our high-support, high-expectations culture for staff and learners
The college is constituted as a charity and approximately one third of our income comes from donations raised by the Corporate Partnerships team.

Job Purpose

To provide confidential, accessible, and high-quality counselling support to students aged 16-18 and apprentices at Ada, the National College for Digital Skills. The counsellor will play a key role in promoting emotional wellbeing, resilience, and positive mental health to enable students to thrive academically, socially, and personally. The role supports the college's mission to empower a diverse generation of digital pioneers by removing emotional barriers to learning and contributing to a safe and inclusive environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Direct Student Support

Provide one-to-one counselling sessions to students and apprentices, including those experiencing mental health challenges, emotional distress, trauma, and/or personal issues. Deliver short-term, goal-focused therapeutic interventions based on students' needs and referral pathways. Maintain appropriate and confidential records in line with safeguarding and data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR). Using the College's CPOMS systems to record sessions.

2. Collaboration and Safeguarding

Work closely with the Safeguarding and Wellbeing team, including the Designated Safeguarding Lead, to assess risk and provide timely interventions. Attend and contribute to safeguarding meetings, case conferences, and strategy discussions where appropriate. Make referrals to external mental health and support services when specialist or long-term intervention is required. Be a visible and approachable member of the learner services team, building trusted relationships with staff and students.

3. Promotion of Wellbeing

Support the delivery of a proactive mental health strategy that reduces stigma and encourages help-seeking behaviours. Facilitate a weekly well - being sessions with the safeguarding team. Contribute to college-wide initiatives, workshops, and campaigns that promote positive mental health, resilience, and emotional intelligence. Help create a psychologically safe, inclusive space for under-represented and neurodiverse learners.

4. Professional Practice

Adhere to ethical guidelines set by a recognised professional body (e.g., BACP, UKCP) and uphold standards of best practice. Participate in regular clinical supervision and CPD to maintain and develop professional skills and knowledge. Evaluate the impact and outcomes of counselling provision using appropriate tools and data. Provide monthly intervention and support reports to the Assistant Principal Learner Services and College DSL. Work closely with the College Safeguarding and Apprenticeship team.

Person Specification

Essential:

Qualified counsellor or psychotherapist (minimum Level 4 diploma or equivalent). Registered member of a professional body (e.g., BACP, UKCP, NCS). Experience of working with young people (16-18) and/or apprentices in an education or youth setting. Understanding of safeguarding principles and a commitment to student welfare. Ability to manage sensitive issues with professionalism, discretion, and cultural awareness.

Desirable:

Experience of working in a further education or sixth-form environment. Familiarity with digital safeguarding risks and challenges faced by digitally engaged young people. Understanding of intersectional mental health needs (e.g., LGBTQ+, neurodiverse, BAME students).

Other Requirements:

Ability to represent Ada at external events when required. Able to travel as necessary for the role A commitment to ongoing professional and personal development A willingness to work flexibly and where necessary outside of normal working hours Suitable to work with young people and vulnerable adults in accordance with Government guidelines for safeguarding.

Variation to this

This is a description of the job as it is at present and is current at the date of issue. The duties and responsibilities described above are not exhaustive and additional assignments, duties or responsibilities may be required of this position. The job description will be reviewed and updated as necessary to ensure that appropriate revisions are incorporated, and that it relates to the job to be done.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and young people and we expect all staff to share this commitment. Any job offer will be conditional on various, appropriate, pre-employment checks, including a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check and Barred List Check, having the legal right to work in the UK and having satisfactory overseas criminal records checks, if deemed necessary, and supportive references.

Equal opportunities

Ada. National College for Digital Skills recognises that equality of opportunity and the recognition and promotion of diversity are integral to its strengths. The following principles apply in respect of the College's commitment to equality and diversity:

To provide and promote equality of opportunity in all areas of its work and activity; To recognise and develop the diversity of skills and talent within its current and potential community. To ensure that all employees and prospective employees of the College are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential without receiving any unjustified discrimination or unfavourable treatment on grounds such as age, disability, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender reassignment, trans status, socio-economic status or any other irrelevant distinction; To provide and promote a positive working, learning, and social environment which is free from prejudice, discrimination and any forms of harassment, bullying or victimisation; To promote good relations between individuals from different groups.

Applicants with disabilities

Ada. National College for Digital Skills is keen to increase the number of disabled people it employs. We therefore encourage applications from individuals with a disability who are able to carry out the duties of the post. If you have special needs in relation to your application please write to us at jobs@ada.ac.uk .

Sponsorship

We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role so can only accept applications from candidates who have the legal right to work and remain in the United Kingdom.

How to apply for the role

Please submit your CV and a supporting cover letter outlining your interest in the role and the relevant experience you have to jobs@ada.ac.uk, in the subject field please write "Application for Cross College Counsellor" along with your full name.

Closing date: Friday 8th August 2025

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, as they are received, and we may decide to stop accepting applications before this date, so early applications are recommended.

Thank you for your interest in the role and good luck with your application!

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: 28,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Bereavement leave Casual dress Company pension Cycle to work scheme Health & wellbeing programme Referral programme Sick pay
Work Location: Hybrid remote in London SW1V 4LD