Role Profile The Associate Director of Counselling and Psychotherapy will support the Director of Counselling and Psychotherapy in providing academic, strategic, and operational leadership across all counselling and psychotherapy programmes within the College.
The postholder will play a central role in ensuring excellence in teaching, learning, research activity, programme delivery, and student experience.
Working closely with the Director, the Associate Director will contribute to the strategic development of the School in alignment with institutional priorities, while also taking responsibility for delegated leadership of key academic and operational functions.
The Associate Director will demonstrate strong academic ability within the field of counselling and psychotherapy, together with experience in programme leadership, lecturing, quality assurance, and staff support and development.
The role requires the capacity to engage effectively with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders.
The Associate Director will deputise for the Director of Counselling and Psychotherapy as required.
Reporting Relationship The Associate Director of Counselling and Psychotherapy reports to the Director of Counselling and Psychotherapy and works collaboratively with the Faculty, Research Lead, Student Support Services, and Staff.
Key Responsibilities Leadership and Management Support the Director in implementing the School's strategic objectives.
Deputise for the Director of Counselling and Psychotherapy where required.
Coordinate timetabling and faculty allocation in collaboration with the administration team Develop the college's Continuing Professional Development Programme.
Contribute to the effective leadership, management, and administration of the college.
Participate in relevant College committees as required (e.g., Academic Council, Programme Boards, Teaching and Learning Committees).
Assist in the development and implementation of college policies and procedures.
Coordinate timetabling and faculty allocation in collaboration with the administration team Academic Leadership Support excellence in teaching, learning, and assessment across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
Contribute to programme development, validation, and periodic review processes.
Assist in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of college programmes and activities.
Ensure that student learning experiences are optimised through effective programme delivery and academic oversight.
Support quality assurance and enhancement processes in line with internal and external regulatory requirements.
Contribute to the development of innovative teaching and learning practices.
Lecturing Undertake lecturing responsibilities across undergraduate and postgraduate counselling and psychotherapy programmes.
Contribute to curriculum development and module design in alignment with professional validation and QQI standards.
Engage in scholarly activity and contribute to the college's research culture.
Support the development of research-informed teaching practices.
Staff Support and Development Support Faculty in the development, delivery, and evaluation of programmes.
Support recruitment, induction, and mentoring of lecturers and clinical supervisors.
Monitor teaching quality and student feedback.
Contribute to performance review and professional development processes as required.
Encourage staff engagement in research.
Student Experience Promote a high-quality student experience across all programmes.
Support effective communication between students, Faculty, and the College.
Contribute to student retention and progression.
External Engagement Develop and maintain professional networks relevant to counselling and psychotherapy education and practice.
Contribute to the college's national visibility and reputation.
Maintain awareness of developments in higher education policy and professional accreditation standards.
Person Specification Essential Qualified to level 9 on the QQI national framework of qualifications.
Minimum 5 years Accredited Member of IACP or equivalent.
Excellent knowledge of policy, curriculum, and practice in the academic and clinical settings.
Excellent knowledge of Counselling & Psychotherapy education in Ireland.
Minimum of 5 years' experience as a counselling & psychotherapy educator and in the delivery and assessment of programmes of higher education.
Knowledge of quality assurance processes in higher education.
Demonstrated leadership and organisational skills.
Desirable Accredited Supervisor Experience of programme validation and review.
Research supervision experience.
Engagement in research activity.
Experience of committee membership within a higher education context.
Key Competencies Academic leadership Strategic thinking Collaborative working Communication and interpersonal skills Organisational effectiveness Commitment to student-centred learning To be considered for this role you will be redirected to and must complete the application process on our careers page.
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