Inspired by the Christian vision, Marino Institute of Education (MIE) is a teaching, learning and research community committed to promoting inclusion and excellence in education. MIE is an associated college of Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin and offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in education, including initial teacher education programmes. The Governing Body invites applications from suitably qualified persons for the position of Student Counsellor (Maternity/Parental Leave Cover) 12-month Specified Purpose Contract | Full-Time or Part-Time | Commencing January 2026 Duties and General Terms & Conditions of Employment CANDIDATE PROFILE AND SCOPE OF THE POSITION Marino Institute of Education (MIE) wishes to appoint a Student Counsellor (Maternity /Parental Leave) from 01 January 2026 to provide Counselling Services to students. MIE Student Counselling Services provide mental health and wellbeing support for students registered in the Institute. These include one-to-one counselling, groups, and other outreach and prevention activities. MIE is seeking an experienced student counsellor to assist the Director of Counselling & Student Support Services in the provision of Counselling Services to MIEs student population of approximately 1,500. The focus of the post is the provision of clinical assessments, and counselling. The brief includes, outreach & prevention activities, crisis intervention, referrals, consultation provision, training & clinical supervision, research, and service evaluation & development. MIE Student Counselling Service works with other staff including academics, tutors, administrators, and support services health, disability, chaplaincy, student engagement officer, access, careers etc. in order to provide a coherent and consistent approach to student wellbeing and to support the MIE Strategic Development PlanMIE Strategic Plan - Marino Institute of Educationand key strategic objectives such as student transition and retention, accessibility & diversity and globalisation /internationalisation.The ambition is to inspire in our staff, students and alumni a commitment to social justice, inclusion, sustainability and transformation in education settings, partnering relationships and the broader educational landscape.?? This post would be of interest to someone who is interested in being involved in developing the counselling service in line with international standards of best practices. It may provide a career development opportunity for a candidate who wants to be involved in all elements of service delivery, clinical, training, supervision, and service development, policies and procedures. The position may be offered on a fulltime (temporary) basis or as a part-time position. Essential Qualifications & Skills. In order to be considered, applicants must clearly demonstrate that they possess the following essential requirements. Qualifications and Registration a) A postgraduate degree or professional clinical qualification (level 9 or equivalent or higher) in counselling/clinical psychology, psychotherapy or counselling, recognised by a professional body such as the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) or the Irish Council for Psychotherapy (ICP) or Irish Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy (IACP) or equivalent. b) Full accreditation (or eligibility for accreditation) as a counsellor, psychotherapist, or chartered psychologist status by a recognized professional body. Experience At least two years, relevant work experience working therapeutic with clients. At least two years relevant applied experience subsequent to achieving level 9 professional qualification and or Professional Registration. Clinical skills including assessment, brief therapy, risk management, liaison and referral. Experience in managing a large clinical caseload and providing online video or telephone appointments as well as face-to-face sessions. Competency in Microsoft Office packages and ability to use data management software (e.g. Titanium for client records). Teamwork, consultation and liaison skills. Facilitation skills, e.g. groups, workshops, training and outreach Solid organisational skills and or project management skills. Desirable Criteria Experience of using social media to provide psychosocial or self-help materials for clients is desirable. The provision of clinical supervision and or supervision training is desirable. Personal Attributes Demonstrate a commitment to best practice, quality service standards, professional development and research. Be enthusiastic, flexible and able to adapt to change. Show commitment to an ethos of service to students and staff. Understand the importance of quality service and pro-actively deliver this. Interested in issues of diversity, multiculturalism and equality, including mental health stigma reduction, non-traditional students, international students, gender etc. Able to work on their own as well as on a team Note: Preference will be given to candidates who have substantial experience in mental health/clinical services or student counselling services and who have supervision experience or qualifications. Candidates must clearly indicate in their applications how they meet each of these pre-requisites. 2.JOB DESCRIPTION Reporting Relationship The appointee will be required to carry out the duties attached to the post, under the general direction of the Director of Counselling and Student Support Services, to whom she/he will report and to whom he/she will be responsible for the performance of these duties in the first instance. The reporting relationship may be subject to periodic review, in line with service needs and developments in the Institute. Duties and Responsibilities The duties include the following: Clinical/Professional Undertake assessments of students requesting appointments Carry an active caseload each week Conduct risk assessments of students who may be highly vulnerable, developing appropriate follow-up action plans Use the Titanium database and maintain an accurate and confidential counselling service record system to ensure compliance with Data Protection legislation and best practice Network & Liaison Refer students internally and externally as appropriate to their needs. This involves networking and building relationships with providers e.g. Medical and Mental Health Services voluntary & statutory. Liaise with other MIE staff including academics, tutors, administrators, and support services (e.g. access, disability, careers, chaplaincy, student engagement officer, etc) in order to provide a coherent and consistent approach to student wellbeing and in support of individual students needs. Liaison with and support the Student Union and other student groups Service development and Administration Administer/Manage and develop the administration of the appointments system for the service, through emails, online bookings and drop-ins Assist with the development of and maintain the administrative systems of the service Assist with the development and updating of policies and procedures for the service and the Institution Contribution to the production of annual/ other reports and quality and accreditation reviews as required Outreach Provide outreach and consultation to the MIE community of staff and students, Develop, support and engage in mental health promotion activities for students Provide crisis intervention and emergency response if required Develop and facilitate relevant workshops for students such as Prep for Placement and Pre Gaeltacht, etc Promote the Student Counselling Service and assist with Mental Health Promotion using social media Clinical Supervision and CPD Provide clinical supervision of staff including trainees, assistant psychologists and sessional counsellors if required Participate in regular external clinical supervision and engage in continuing professional development, to keep up with new developments and best practice and maintain professional accreditation/registration Membership of professional organisations is encouraged, e.g., PCHEI, CSSI, etc. (Posts of responsibility must be agreed with the Director of Counselling & Student Support Service). Education and Training Design and deliver staff and student training in areas including but not limited to sexual consent, first responder, supporting distressed students, providing support as a tutor, Student Union class rep training etc Research and evaluation Assist with service evaluation, client/student feedback surveys, Oversee research being undertaken by Trainees and or APs Contribute to research focused on improving clinical practice, such as client satisfaction, comparing effective therapies, using routine outcome measures, etc. Compliance with Best Practice & Health and Safety Work within the Guidelines of the MIE Student Counselling Services and the ethical guidelines of the relevant professional body Adhere to MIE policies and procedures. Comply with all legal and statutory requirements, with particular reference to Children First and vulnerable adults, the Data Protection Acts 1988-2011, The Freedom of Information Acts 1999-2014, Health & Safety etc Ensure anti-discriminatory practice and cultural competence at individual and service levels and promote a culture that values equality, diversity and respect. Be aware of and apply Health & Safety Policies, relevant legislation, regulations and standards. Other Report to the Director of Counselling and Student Support Service and attend relevant clinical team and service development meetings To deputise for the director of Counselling and Student Support Service if/as required Work as rostered including lunchtimes and one late evening a week during term time and if required. Undertake other relevant duties as assigned by the Director of Counselling and Student Support Service 3. APPLICATION, SELECTION PROCESS AND OTHER GENERAL INFORMATION. Method of Selection for Recommendation A shortlisting of applicants will occur which will be based on the applicants qualifications, suitability and relevant work experience as detailed in the application. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all relevant information is included in their application and that they clearly identify how they meet the specified candidate criteria. Interview will be by interview panel consisting of not fewer than 3 persons and will comprise of the most suitable and qualified people to assess applicants in the discipline. All appointments to employment at MIE are made by the Governing Body. The interview panels recommendations for appointment of successful applicants for all posts will be submitted to the MIE Governing Body for their consideration and decision. Candidates must produce satisfactory documentary evidence of all training, and professional registrations, and experience claimed by them and a minimum of two references. Probationary Period The appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of a 4-month probationary period. The probationary period may be extended at the discretion of the Institute but will not in any case exceed 6 months. Absences during the period of probation will extend the probationary period. Performance and conduct during the probationary period will be monitored through a process of assessment meetings. Termination of employment during the probationary period will be at the discretion of the Institute. An abridged version of the disciplinary procedure will apply to employees on probation. Garda Vetting The successful applicant will be required to participate in Garda vetting. Specific instruction on this process will be given at the appropriate time. Applicants who do not comply with the Institutes requirements in this regard will be excluded from consideration for appointment. Essential Training The successful applicant will be required to undertake the following essential compliance training: Orientation, Health & Safety and Data Protection (GDPR), must provide evidence of completion of Tusla Child Protection Training. Other training may need to be undertaken when required. Salary The current annual salary scale: €68,042 to € 98,060 (9-point scale) Making of Applications Application by Cover letter and CV only (no special application forms are supplied), preferably by email to or by post to: The Human Resources Office Marino Institute of Education Griffith Avenue Dublin 9. D09 R232. Completed applications must be received by 4.00 pm on Wednesday 15 October 2025. Late applications will not be accepted. Informal enquiries to Scott Ahearn, Director of Counselling and Student Support Services The Institute will not be responsible for any expenses, including travelling expenses, which candidates may incur in connection with their candidature. The Marino Institute of Education is an equal opportunities employer. Skills: Counselling MS Office MS Word communication skills. Consultation Teamwork Facilitation