Job summary
The Mental Health Support Team in Schools (MHSTs) are looking to recruit a creative, innovative, enthusiastic qualified counsellor ( Band 6) to our team in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP). The post is advertised as a full time position (37.5 hours a week). However part time would be considered

The Mental Health Support Team in Schools is part of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) within Dorset Healthcare and you would be joining a team of committed professionals from a range of backgrounds and with a wealth of experience. Learning anddevelopment is promoted and encouraged, and we have a number of trainee staff working with us at all times.

Our base is in Winton, Bournemouth but you would be expected to travel to work across the whole of the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area as required. You should have a full driving license and access to a car for work purposes.

Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.

Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of. Applicants who subscribe to the DBS update service are able to present a valid DBS certificate instead of requiring a new check.

Main duties of the job
You will be working within education settings offering counselling intervention to children and young people presenting with mild to moderate mental and emotional health needs.You will also work alongside colleagues both within the team, and within educational settings, to promote whole school approaches to good emotional wellbeing, which may involve small or large group interventions, staff training and work with parents, carers and families.You will maintain live registration with the British Psychological Society (BPS) or British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and to adhere to all relevant codes of practice and guidelines for professional and chartered psychologists.

You will co-ordinate and deliver individualised care packages / programs for children and young people and evaluate these programs, ensuring high standards of practice in accordance with national guidelines and trust policy.You will demonstrate the ability to make appropriate decisions with regard to the confidentiality of clients and their families taking into considerations the risks to clients, self and the wider public

About us
At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.

We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.

Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion and expertise in all we do.

Details
Date posted: 13 August 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time
Reference number: 152-M242.26
Job locations: Winton, Stokewood Road, Bournemouth, BH3 7ND, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities
For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

We understand that using AI can be a useful and supportive tool when completing your application. However, we have also seen an increase in the over-reliance of AI tools which is negatively impacting applications as they remove candidates individuality, and it becomes much harder to get a sense of who you are and your authentic experience. If you do use AI, it should be used to enhance your application and not to create your supporting statement in its entirety. If we suspect you have used AI to create your supporting statement and this does not match your experience, we may withdraw your application.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net

Person Specification
Essential

• BACP approved Diploma in Counselling
• On the BACP register of accredited members with designation MBACP, or On the Accredited register of counseling of the professional standards authority (BACP, UKCP, BPC, HCPC, National Counselling Society, UKAHPP)
• 3 years post qualification of generic counseling (minimum 450 supervised clinical hours, plus 450 theoretical taught hours)
• Experience of working with children and young people
• Current driving license and access to a car

Desirable

• Experience of working within education settings
• Experience of working as part of a multi agency team

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer details
Employer name: Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Winton, Stokewood Road, Bournemouth, BH3 7ND, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Team Lead, MHST BCP, Helen Smith, Helen.Smith54@nhs.net, 07407826911