Mental Health Advisor

Location: London – Bedford Square

Reports to: Head of Wellbeing Service

Hours of work: Part time; 2 days per week (14 hours) working hours: 10am-6pm

The AA is an independent architectural school and an international cultural institution that serves as a forum for ideas. Being a major Centre for debate, the AA offers an unparalleled public programme of lectures, symposia, and exhibitions, together with accompanying publications.

The Architectural Association was founded in 1847, opening as a day school in 1901. The AA is committed to public benefit attained by the learning, teaching, discussion and promotion of architecture. The School is recognised as a worldwide leader in architectural education, with graduates that include many of the world’s leading architects, scholars, critics and educators. The academic and professional programmes of study at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, up to and including doctoral level, are validated by external professional and academic bodies.

The AA campus is located in historic 18th century Bedford Square in London with a 350 acre woodland setting in Hooke Park in Dorset. The AA has an annual revenue of £18 million, a student body of 1000 students, 200 faculty, 90 staff, 6,500 members and thousands of visitors that come to engage with the most relevant debates in architecture today.

Role Overview:

The AA is currently seeking a qualified and registered mental health professional with extensive experience in assessing, providing, and coordinating individualised mental health support for students facing acute, complex, or enduring mental health challenges. This exciting role will be an integral part of the existing Wellbeing Service, and the successful candidate will demonstrate expertise and initiative in developing and establishing effective methods of delivering mental health and wellbeing support to students. They will also be responsible for managing referral pathways and implementing ongoing case management strategies.

The postholder will conduct triage assessments and drop-in appointments, as well as offer short-term and long-term support to students seeking assistance with managing various psychological issues. A key aspect of this role is actively participating in risk management and proactively providing rapid and effective support to prevent potential crises. This will include cases that require internal or external liaison on behalf of the students, devising and managing Reasonable Adjustment Plans, and providing guidance and advice to AA staff regarding student mental health matters. The postholder will also have an understanding of specific learning difficulties and other learning needs, and how these may interact with mental health and academic functioning, providing appropriate guidance, signposting and liaison where needed.

The Mental Health Advisor will play a crucial role in identifying and implementing institution-wide support systems and psychoeducational initiatives, which encompass staff training and student workshops. It is highly beneficial for the candidate to possess experience and comprehension of the specific challenges prevalent in the higher education sector and how they influence mental health and wellbeing within an HE setting.

Operating within a fast-paced and dynamic academic environment, the successful candidate will thrive in collaboration while also displaying self-motivation; an essential aspect of this role involves the ability to work effectively and independently, showcasing their aptitude for managing responsibilities independently with diligence and dedication.

By joining our Wellbeing Service, the post holder will contribute significantly to the enhancement of student support within the AA School, promoting mental health and wellbeing at our institution. If you are an ambitious and compassionate mental health professional, seeking an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic higher education environment, we encourage you to apply and become part of our service.

What we offer:

We offer a wide range of staff benefits, including up to 40 days’ leave per annum, in addition to Bank Holiday, a defined pension scheme, season ticket loans and access to professional development opportunities.

You will also be able to take part and be involved in a creative and unique teaching environment, where the students display their amazing work with various on-site exhibitions, public programmes and lectures.

Our Bedford Square campus is based just a 5-minute walk from Tottenham Court Road station, right in the heart of Central London.

How to Apply:

Please email the below documents via the 'Apply' button above (E: recruitment@aaschool.ac.uk) by the closing date of 7th October 2026 stating the job title in the subject heading.

• AA Application Form
• Cover Letter / Email highlighting why you feel you are the right person for the role. This should be no more than two-pages
• Full CV

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Interviews will be held the week commencing on 12th October 2026.

Informal enquires should be addressed to recruitment@aaschool.ac.uk or 0207887 4079.

We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. Reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Please note that it will not be possible for the AA School to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship for successful candidates. Therefore, the appointed candidate will need to be eligible to work in the UK for the duration of their employment with the AA School, in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

Thank you for your interest in the AA and this role.