Job Description

Student Welfare and Support Services

Senior Clinician- Two posts available - both

fixed-term for from January 2026 - January 2029 or if a secondment is offered the dates will be January 2026 - January 2028

1.

0.6 FTE (22.5 hours per week)

a.

Working days:

Monday to Wednesday
2.

0.6 FTE (22.5 hours per week)

a.

Working days:

Wednesday to Friday

Please specify which working hours you are applying for within your supporting statement, you can choose to apply for 1 or 2 or indicate you that don't have a preference.

Grade 8:

starting salary of 49,119 increasing incrementally to 58,265 pro rata, per annum

Spanning the historic streets of the "city of dreaming spires," the University of Oxford has been ranked the world's leading university for nine consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Here, you'll contribute to ground-breaking research that tackles global challenges - from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions - and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations. Apply now to become part of our extraordinary legacy.

About Student Welfare and Support Services

Student Welfare and Support Services (SWSS) works collaboratively on student health and welfare issues with colleagues across colleges, academic and administrative departments, the Oxford University Student Union, and key statutory and external partners.

Our services include the Counselling Service, Disability Advisory Service, Sexual Harassment and Violence Support Service, Peer Support Programme, and Mental Health Awareness Training -- all designed to support student wellbeing and help students thrive academically.

We are now offering a dynamic opportunity to contribute to the development and implementation of a new Mental Health Advisory Service. This service will:
Provide support for students living with serious, complex, and enduring mental health difficulties Offer clinical consultancy, incident response, and case coordination for academic and professional welfare colleagues Build proactive liaison and care pathways with NHS services
This is a rare opportunity to help shape and develop a new provision, adapting the well-established University Mental Health Advisor model to the unique welfare landscape of the collegiate university.

What We Offer

Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:
38 days of annual leave to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service. One of the most generous maternity and adoption leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay leave, followed by additional statutory and unpaid leave options. A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle. An excellent contributory pension scheme. Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans. Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.

About the Role

The

Mental Health Advisor

will play a key role in the University's new

Mental Health Advisory Service

-- a pioneering three-year pilot establishing specialist provision for undergraduate and postgraduate students experiencing serious, complex, or enduring mental health difficulties.

Working within a

culturally sensitive, neuro-inclusive, social recovery model

, you will provide expert assessment, intervention, and care and safety planning to help students engage successfully with their studies and wider university life.
You will also offer

specialist consultation and advice

to academic and professional services staff, and act as a key liaison between the University, colleges, and NHS services to ensure joined-up support and effective care pathways.

Finally, you will contribute to the development and evaluation of this new service, supporting continuous improvement and the delivery of best practice in student mental health provision.

About You

Candidates should have/be able to demonstrate:
Professional qualification and current registration in a relevant mental health profession (e.g. RMN, Clinical or Counselling Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker).

Specialist knowledge and experience

of supporting adults with serious and enduring mental health conditions (including eating disorders, major depression, schizophrenia, emotionally unstable personality disorders, OCD, and students presenting with severe self-harm, suicidality, or emotional dysregulation). Proven ability in

risk assessment, crisis intervention, and safety planning

, including calm and authoritative decision-making in high-pressure situations. Experience providing consultation and guidance to colleagues in managing complex or high-risk cases. Up-to-date training and demonstrable experience in

child and adult safeguarding at Level 3

. Strong commitment to culturally sensitive, inclusive, and neuro-affirming practice, aligned with the social recovery model. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and sensitively. Strong organisational and IT skills, with the ability to manage a varied caseload alongside service development responsibilities.

Application Process

To apply, please upload:
A covering letter/supporting statement Your CV The details of two referees
The closing date for applications is Wednesday 3rd December 2025
Recruitment processes to take place face to face as below;

First stage interviews: 11th December
Second stage interviews for successful candidates: 15th of December