Academic Associate - Counselling
| Posting date: | 12 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £34,610 to £39,906 per year, pro rata |
| Additional salary information: | £17,305 to £19,953 pro rata |
| Hours: | Part time |
| Closing date: | 29 March 2026 |
| Location: | York, North Yorkshire |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | York St John University |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | 034-26 |
Summary
Part time fixed term
Location: York
Salary: £34,610 to £39,906 per annum (£17,305 to £19,953 pro rata)
Introduction to YSJ university
York St John is an ambitious, modern university at the heart of historic York and there has never been a more exciting time to join us.
As one of the fastest growing universities in the U.K over recent years, we have a new strategy for the next decade, emphasising our commitment to widening opportunity through the power of education and contributing our talents to creating a fairer world, and a more prosperous region. We are putting inspirational learning and impactful research at the heart of this strategy, recognising our academic expertise as our greatest asset.
The Team
Counselling sits within the School of Education, Language and Psychology. Our programmes and our philosophy as a subject area sit firmly in a humanistic tradition. Our reputation is based on a successful history that spans almost 40 years of offering humanistic counsellor training that has a national acclaim for excellence. Our provision incorporates a BA in Counselling and Mental Health, and postgraduate courses including the PG Dip/MA in Humanistic Counselling and Person-Centred Experiential Counselling for Depression both of which are accredited by the BACP. We also run a Certificate in Counselling Skills and a range of short CPD courses focused on working with Children and Young People. An integral part of our subject area is the YSJ Communities Centre where we offer a community facing counselling service, CPD activities and undertake research. We work collaboratively with partners a wide range of placement providers across the city of York and further afield. Our commitment to social justice is at the heart of all that we do.
The Role
Our team is expanding, and we are seeking to recruit an enthusiastic Academic Associate to undertake a PhD looking at what therapeutic support is available, and might be developed for trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming people. The role is designed to provide an opportunity for a mix of teaching and research. You will be part of the wider counselling team and undertake teaching across a variety of settings, including small group skills sessions/seminars, lectures, assessments, and marking.
As part of our commitment to providing an inclusive working environment, consideration is given to all requests for job share or flexible working arrangements. Any appointment will be conditional upon acceptance to a PhD programme at York St John University.
Required Skills and Experience
The successful candidate will hold a professional qualification and be a member of a relevant professional body, such as BACP, NMC or SWE.
The successful candidate will hold an honours degree (2:1 or above) and a postgraduate masters degree (or working towards this) from a UK HEI, or an internationally recognised equivalent. The degree must be in a discipline that is relevant to the research.
Key attributes
Knowledge and experience to teach on counselling and mental health modules
Understanding of trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming contexts, experiences and complexities
Ability to engage in creative, participatory and inclusive research methodologies
A proven ability to work well both independently and with others in a research environment
A high standard of written English and the ability to communicate clearly in both academic (within the university setting) and non-academic contexts (with community groups) where and when appropriate
The Research
This project seeks to better understand trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming experiences in counselling and mental health settings. A particular focus will be in developing training or a toolkit for the sector which takes a trauma-informed approach. We are looking for a candidate who will be able to take the lead and steer this project in a community-informed direction.
We anticipate this would be pursued using Participatory Action Research and coproduction methodologies. It is hoped that the research will not only feed into the body of literature concerned with supporting individuals from this community but also service development for the York St John Communities Centre.
Main Supervisor/contact for further details: Dr Penn Smith p.smith2@yorksj.ac.uk
Additional Information
Unfortunately this role is not eligible for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship however we welcome your application if you are able to evidence right to work in the UK via an alternative route.
It is anticipated that the selection process will include an interview and presentation. Further details will be provided if you are shortlisted for interview.
We offer a range of family friendly and inclusive policies and facilities and welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. As part of our commitment to providing an inclusive working environment, consideration is given to all requests for job share or flexible working arrangements.
This vacancy is scheduled to close on the date indicated at the bottom of this advert, but we may close earlier if we receive a high level of applications.
Application process support
We are keen to support you throughout the recruitment process. Before starting your application please refer to the attached candidate application form guidance below which provides advice about completing the application process.
Closing Date - Sunday 29 March 2026 at midnight
Provisional Interview Date - Wednesday 15 April 2026
Location: York
Salary: £34,610 to £39,906 per annum (£17,305 to £19,953 pro rata)
Introduction to YSJ university
York St John is an ambitious, modern university at the heart of historic York and there has never been a more exciting time to join us.
As one of the fastest growing universities in the U.K over recent years, we have a new strategy for the next decade, emphasising our commitment to widening opportunity through the power of education and contributing our talents to creating a fairer world, and a more prosperous region. We are putting inspirational learning and impactful research at the heart of this strategy, recognising our academic expertise as our greatest asset.
The Team
Counselling sits within the School of Education, Language and Psychology. Our programmes and our philosophy as a subject area sit firmly in a humanistic tradition. Our reputation is based on a successful history that spans almost 40 years of offering humanistic counsellor training that has a national acclaim for excellence. Our provision incorporates a BA in Counselling and Mental Health, and postgraduate courses including the PG Dip/MA in Humanistic Counselling and Person-Centred Experiential Counselling for Depression both of which are accredited by the BACP. We also run a Certificate in Counselling Skills and a range of short CPD courses focused on working with Children and Young People. An integral part of our subject area is the YSJ Communities Centre where we offer a community facing counselling service, CPD activities and undertake research. We work collaboratively with partners a wide range of placement providers across the city of York and further afield. Our commitment to social justice is at the heart of all that we do.
The Role
Our team is expanding, and we are seeking to recruit an enthusiastic Academic Associate to undertake a PhD looking at what therapeutic support is available, and might be developed for trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming people. The role is designed to provide an opportunity for a mix of teaching and research. You will be part of the wider counselling team and undertake teaching across a variety of settings, including small group skills sessions/seminars, lectures, assessments, and marking.
As part of our commitment to providing an inclusive working environment, consideration is given to all requests for job share or flexible working arrangements. Any appointment will be conditional upon acceptance to a PhD programme at York St John University.
Required Skills and Experience
The successful candidate will hold a professional qualification and be a member of a relevant professional body, such as BACP, NMC or SWE.
The successful candidate will hold an honours degree (2:1 or above) and a postgraduate masters degree (or working towards this) from a UK HEI, or an internationally recognised equivalent. The degree must be in a discipline that is relevant to the research.
Key attributes
Knowledge and experience to teach on counselling and mental health modules
Understanding of trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming contexts, experiences and complexities
Ability to engage in creative, participatory and inclusive research methodologies
A proven ability to work well both independently and with others in a research environment
A high standard of written English and the ability to communicate clearly in both academic (within the university setting) and non-academic contexts (with community groups) where and when appropriate
The Research
This project seeks to better understand trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming experiences in counselling and mental health settings. A particular focus will be in developing training or a toolkit for the sector which takes a trauma-informed approach. We are looking for a candidate who will be able to take the lead and steer this project in a community-informed direction.
We anticipate this would be pursued using Participatory Action Research and coproduction methodologies. It is hoped that the research will not only feed into the body of literature concerned with supporting individuals from this community but also service development for the York St John Communities Centre.
Main Supervisor/contact for further details: Dr Penn Smith p.smith2@yorksj.ac.uk
Additional Information
Unfortunately this role is not eligible for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship however we welcome your application if you are able to evidence right to work in the UK via an alternative route.
It is anticipated that the selection process will include an interview and presentation. Further details will be provided if you are shortlisted for interview.
We offer a range of family friendly and inclusive policies and facilities and welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. As part of our commitment to providing an inclusive working environment, consideration is given to all requests for job share or flexible working arrangements.
This vacancy is scheduled to close on the date indicated at the bottom of this advert, but we may close earlier if we receive a high level of applications.
Application process support
We are keen to support you throughout the recruitment process. Before starting your application please refer to the attached candidate application form guidance below which provides advice about completing the application process.
Closing Date - Sunday 29 March 2026 at midnight
Provisional Interview Date - Wednesday 15 April 2026
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