Deputy Manager, Welfare and Counselling

Company description:

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

Job description:

The Role

The Student Health and Wellbeing Service is seeking to appoint an impactful candidate to the post of Deputy Manager, Welfare and Counselling Services. Reporting to and working closely with the Manager of Welfare and Counselling, you will play a pivotal role in the effective operational leadership and team management of the service.

The role requires strong line management skills to lead and support Counsellors and Mental Health Advisers, oversee daily operations, and uphold service standards. You will also form a key part of the senior escalation process, offering expert advice and guidance to internal and external colleagues and students in complex or high-risk situations, ensuring responsive, informed, and legally compliant decision-making that supports a safe and positive student experience.

A central aspect of the role involves line management of Counsellors and Mental Health Advisers; supporting them to provide expert support to students with diverse welfare and mental health needs.

You willl also promote a positive, respectful, and inclusive culture team culture that supports team cohesion and student access, progression, and retention. 

The role will involve close operational collaboration with the Students' Union, university departments, and key external stakeholders to support strategic priorities and ensure compliance with legal and sector obligations regarding disabled students. 

As visible leadership is key to the success of this post, it is primarily campus-based. There may be occasional flexible hybrid working dependent on service need.

The fixed working hours are Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm. However, the post requires some out of hours working to support the management of the Counselling Evening Clinic, and occasional crisis management support for students.

Interviews to be held on Friday 28th November 2025.

If you are interested in applying and would like an informal chat about the role, please contact Kirsty Hutchinson, Manager of Welfare and Counselling Services via kirsty.hutchinson@ncl.ac.uk.

You can also find further information about the Student Wellbeing Service online.

To apply please upload your CV and cover letter evidencing how your skills and experience align to the person specification as set out in job description, there are also 3 role specific questions to answer.

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