Counselling jobs

You can view the jod advert in Welsh by visting the Work with Us page on our website.

Stepping Stones North Wales is a specialist charity providing free trauma-informed counselling and therapeutic support services to adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse across the six counties of North Wales. We work from a trauma-informed, survivor-centred approach and are committed to creating safe, inclusive and empowering services. Our work is underpinned by compassion, integrity, and a strong commitment to equality and social justice. All of our services are available in both Welsh and English.

Purpose of the Role

The Volunteer and Stakeholder Engagement Officer will play a key role in strengthening Stepping Stones North Wales’ capacity, reach and financial sustainability by recruiting, supporting and retaining volunteers, and by building positive, effective relationships with key stakeholders across North Wales. This role will help raise awareness of our services, support partnership working, and ensure volunteers feel valued, supported and aligned with our trauma-informed ethos.

Key Responsibilities

Volunteer Engagement

• Develop and implement a volunteer recruitment strategy aligned with organisational needs and values.
• Recruit, onboard and induct volunteers, ensuring safer recruitment practices are followed.
• Act as the main point of contact for volunteers, providing ongoing support, supervision and guidance.
• Coordinate volunteer training, including safeguarding, boundaries and trauma-informed practice.
• Ensure volunteers feel valued and recognised for their contribution.
• Maintain accurate volunteer records in line with GDPR requirements.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain effective relationships with external stakeholders, including statutory services, voluntary sector partners, funders, businesses and community groups.
• Support the CEO in representing Stepping Stones North Wales at meetings, forums and events across North Wales.
• Support partnership working to improve referral pathways and joint working opportunities.
• Assist with stakeholder communications, including updates, presentations and reports as required.

Promotion and Awareness

• Support the promotion of Stepping Stones North Wales’ services to professionals and the wider community.
• Work with colleagues to contribute to outreach activities, events and campaigns.
• Gather feedback from volunteers and stakeholders to inform service development and improvement.

Client support

• Support the complimentary client support groups within North Wales.
• Develop partnership working in the community to deliver activities and education to support groups.
• Research and set-up of new support groups within North Wales.
• Support the Clinical Lead and work with counsellors and staff to ensure safe transition and support of clients within support groups and in moving from counselling into support groups.

Governance, Safeguarding and Quality

• Work within Stepping Stones North Wales’ policies and procedures, including safeguarding, confidentiality and data protection.
• Uphold the organisation’s trauma-informed and survivor-centred values at all times.
• Contribute to monitoring and evaluation by collecting relevant data and feedback.

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience of recruiting, coordinating or supporting volunteers.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trusting relationships.
• Understanding of safeguarding and professional boundaries.
• Commitment to trauma-informed, survivor-centred practice.
• Ability to work independently and manage a varied workload.
• Good organisational and administrative skills.IT skills, including use of email, databases and Microsoft Office or similar.
• A commitment to learning Welsh (both written and spoken) and to championing the Welsh language at every opportunity.

Desirable

• Experience of working within the voluntary or community sector.
• Experience of stakeholder engagement or partnership working.
• Knowledge of issues relating to childhood sexual abuse or trauma informed practice.
• Experience in drafting funding applications.
• Experience of working across North Wales or in rural communities.
• Welsh language skills (spoken and/or written).
• Full driving license and own vehicle (all travel expenses will be reimbursed).

Values and Behaviours

All staff and volunteers at Stepping Stones North Wales are expected to: - Work in a way that is compassionate, respectful and non-judgemental. - Demonstrate a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. - Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality. - Act with integrity and accountability. Adhere to our Whole Team Approach to all that we do.

Safeguarding

Stepping Stones North Wales is committed to safeguarding adults and young people. This role is subject to safer recruitment processes, including references and an enhanced DBS check.

How to Apply

Applications are welcome via email. Please send an email, which includes your CV and a cover letter to the email address on listed in the advert on our website by 10pm on Monday 9th March.

The cover letter must be no more than 1000 words and briefly, using bullet points, demonstrate your skills, experience, and suitability for the role.

Your CV must include details of two references. These will only be contacted after we have appointed the successful candidate.

Details for arranging an informal discussion about this role can be found on the advert on our website. 

JOB DESCRIBTION

Job title: Executive Assistant to the CEO

Contract: Part time, 3 days. Flexibility regarding working pattern: hours could be worked across 3 or 4 days in the week. Permanent contract.

Salary: £17, 398 pro rata (£29,000 full time equivalent)

Manager: Gestalt Centre CEO

Location: Hybrid working. In-person at London Kings Cross and remotely.

ABOUT US: THE GESTALT CENTRE

We are the Gestalt Centre, an established therapy not-for-profit organisation, supporting the mental and psychological well-being of individuals, groups, and organisations. We are a dynamic charity that runs, accommodates, and supports a number of counselling, psychotherapy, personal and professional development courses, and a range of therapeutic practices that enhance mental and psychological wellbeing.

As Gestalt Centre, our relationship with people who work for the centre starts from a place of trust. We see our structure as an organisational shape that we use to organise ourselves. What matters for us is how we all work together. We prioritise collaboration and ‘horizontal’ consultative decision making with individual and collective responsibility and accountability.

OUR VISION is a world were meaningful and fulfilling relationships lead to wellbeing  and positive change in people’s lives.

OUR PURPOSE is to promote the mental and psychological well-being of individuals, groups and organisations through Gestalt education, training and practice.

Gestalt is a life-changing approach to life, counselling, and psychotherapy. It enables people to develop meaningful relationships, navigate change and lead fulfilling lives by creatively utilising their own resources, skills and strengths.

OUR VALUES IN PRACTICE 

Diversity, equality, inclusion and anti-discrimination: We value equity and inclusion and welcome diversity and difference in backgrounds, identities, cultures, and voices. We also commit to anti-discriminatory action and encourage personal and collective awareness, reflection, and learning. It is integral to who we are and how we work and study together.

Kindness and respect for each other and the space we cohabit. Our relationship with people who work, learn and access therapy at the centre starts from a place of respect and kindness. This way we create a space where we can show up, work, and learn authentically and meaningfully. Feel seen, heard, and included.

Collaboration and mutuality: We work and study together, collaboratively and with respect and appreciation for each other. Every person matters and so does the collective.

Community, awareness, and personal responsibility: We are a community of staff, students, practitioners, and clients; working, studying, and accessing therapy at the centre. Individually and collectively, we are responsible for our presence and behaviour. Also responsible for our community and the space we inhabit.

ABOUT THE JOB

Job Purpose 

We are looking for an exemplary people-oriented administrator to provide administrative support to the Gestalt Centre CEO and the workstreams she manages. An important role in the organisation, working with senior leadership and across teams, in a welcoming and supportive environment with opportunities to learn and grow on the job.

Areas of work and responsibility

• Administrative Support to the Gestalt Centre CEO
• Coordinate and support projects and workstreams the CEO leads on: Operations, Communications and Marketing, Short Courses and Post Graduate Qualifications, HR, Finance, Policies, Fundraising and Health & Safety.
• Liaise with the CEO and the leadership team to update the organisational plan and workstream plans, also keep track of relevant priority actions and progress.
• Provide administrative support for governance processes such as the Annual Financial Audit, Trustee Board meetings, the Charity Commission and Companies House submissions.
• Provide administrative support to the organising and running fundraising activities and events.
• Administrative support and coordination for the annual planning of Short Courses and Post Graduate Qualifications programmes. 
• Organise, provide administrative support, and attend as appropriate, weekly operational meetings, monthly Executive meetings, and other project meetings, led by the CEO. Prepare meetings set up, information and any required papers in advance. Organise dates, taking and sending out minutes and coordinate follow-up actions ensuring progress and completion.
• Liaise with the CEO to prepare, format, edit and update reports and policies for internal and external audiences to a high standard.
• Provide a professional first point of contact for the CEO and as required liaise with her and the leadership team in order to respond to emails or phone calls and organise follow up meetings.
• Office team support such as reception/admin cover or support with events, as and when occasionally required.
• Carry out responsibilities with due regard to the Gestalt Centre values, policies and procedures.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Key Competencies and Qualities

• Educated to degree level or equivalent with good English and Maths.
• Experience working with and assisting senior leadership professionals.
• Excellent organisation and planning skills and experience, including balancing competing demands and prioritising effectively, forward planning and working to tight deadlines.
• Excellent coordination skills and good experience of coordinating projects, workstreams or activities.
• Excellent communication skills, including conveying information clearly and adjusting approach, manner, and language to suit varying situations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills (‘people person’) such as developing good working relationships with colleagues, working collaboratively and initiating relevant discussions to progress with work tasks.
• Experience and able to work well with senior professionals and in a positive professional matter.
• Able to work in a confident, calm, diplomatic and confidential way in a senior role and a therapy setting. Reliable and mature with a sense of personal responsibility for the role and the work involved.
• Flexibility and proactive problem-solving, always working with kindness and respect.
• Excellent attention to detail and confident with numbers.
• Good working knowledge and experience of databases and online administration systems, including information and files management.
• Able to plan and organise own work effectively and able to work well in a dynamic busy setting.
• Able to work collaboratively and independently on own initiative.
• Experience working effectively and appropriately with confidentiality and data protection in mind and in line with organisational policies and practice.
• Good working knowledge of MS Office applications such as MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint, email, and the internet.
• Commitment to Equal Opportunities and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
• Preferably experience working within an educational, training or therapy setting (desirable).

We know that 91% of people affected by a brain tumour will have experienced a negative impact to their emotional well-being; often exacerbated by cognitive issues, personality changes, long term side effects and reduced prognosis. We’re looking for someone who is passionate about talking to those affected by a brain tumour diagnosis and supporting them through our different channels, including phone line, live chat and email.

In this role, you will work across both our Counselling Service and Adults support team, helping us provide a seamless, joined up experience for our service users. You’ll provide empathetic, practical support directly to individuals, whilst also supporting the day to day running of our free counselling service - overseeing referrals, supporting assessments and helping ensure each element of the service meets our standards and the needs of the community. By bridging both teams, you will play a key role in making sure people receive the right emotional and practical support at the right time, no matter how they reach us.

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR:

Someone who can support a wide range of people – from those who are looking for general information about treatment or care, to those who need more detailed support from the point of diagnosis, you will be passionate about improving the lives of those affected by a brain tumour.

You will be empathetic and professional, with experience of working in a busy admin or service delivery role. The ideal candidate would also have a strong understanding of counselling principles and practice and would be able to confidently explain our different support services to service users. We are looking for someone with excellent IT and telephone skills and the ability to learn and use various databases is essential.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Provide specialist emotional and practical support and information to people affected by brain tumours, their friends, families and carers through channels including phone, email and live chat.

• Offer enhanced follow up support for individuals who may benefit from counselling, helping them explore their needs and acting as key link between the helpline and counselling service.

• Provide administrate support for our counselling team, including managing a busy diary to ensure effective and high-quality service delivery.

• Complete counselling assessments to identify needs, risks and appropriate support options for anyone who has referred into the service

• Maintain appropriate and accurate records on our service system and CRM database, as required to evidence the impact and reach of our support services

• Support a team of volunteer assessors and helpline triage volunteers to ensure they receive the help and guidance they need to deliver their role.

• Provide accurate, up-to-date information based on current research, clinical guidance and treatments, conducting your own research and adapting communication to each person, while sharing key insights with the team.

• Offer coaching guidance to empower individuals, helping them to achieve the appropriate next steps.

• Develop and review website information related to counselling, mental health and emotional support, ensuring information is accurate and accessible.

• Work to promote the service across all areas of charity and within the wider community

• Identify, manage and escalate safeguarding concerns in line with The Charity guidelines.

• Commit to confidentiality, in line with the service and organisational policy

• Support the Counselling Manager to deliver the counselling service to meet its strategic aims

Location: Camden (Head Office) / Hybrid

Salary: £36,436 -£38,075 per annum 

(Please note that applicants are usually appointed at the bottom of the relevant band)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week 

Contract: Fixed Term Contract (Until 31st March 2027)

Closing Date: Tuesday 3rd March 2026

Closing Time: 00:00am

Are you looking for a rewarding role working for an intersectional feminist organisation? If so, we have an incredible opportunity for you to join our team as an Clinical Lead at Solace Women's Aid.  

You will be joining a team of committed and inspiring individuals whose dedication has saved the lives of thousands of women, men and children in the capital. We are looking for friendly and diligent individuals to join our services and help us make a difference.

Our core values reflect our history and were developed in consultation with staff and service users. Feminism and intersectionality are key to our work and we are committed to the principles of being survivor-led, trauma-informed, empowering, diverse, anti-racist and anti-discriminatory.

About the Service

Our counselling service provides one-to-one counselling to survivors of domestic abuse, providing an assessment and 15-20 counselling sessions. The Counselling Service provides support to survivors across London and witin the community, as well as through refuge-based CYP and adult counselling services.

The core service is open 9.00am to 5.00pm. However, appointments can be arranged outside of these hours if required, and may offer flexibility around working hours.

About the role

We are looking for a Clinical Lead to join our counselling service, which provides one-to-one counselling to survivors of domestic abuse. The Clinical Lead delivers line management support to a team of Counsellors and Therapists, supporting with clinical decision making across the counselling service. The Clinical Lead will also work from a trauma-informed perspective, and use multi-modal interventions considering the needs of a diverse group of survivors of domestic abuse.

About you

The ideal candidate will offer a trauma-informed perspective to therapeutic intervention and clinical decision making. They will also have great organisational skills, good communication skills (both written and verbal), and an ability to manage their own workload. You will be able to balance competing priorities and support the wider counselling team to deliver a high-quality service to the survivors accessing support. 

It is imperative to us at Solace that the suitable candidate is a warm, empathetic, and diligent individual with a strong work ethic. You would also be a person who is happy to join and contribute to our services, helping us to make a difference to the lives of those that we support.

Previous management experience is desirable, but not essential. If you hold a recognised professional counselling qualification to Diploma level or equivalent with 2 years’ post-qualification experience, and are passionate about ending VAWG, we would love to hear from you.

What we can offer you

We provide a comprehensive benefits package to all our employees, including:

• Flexible working
• Focus on learning and development (internal career progression and training)
• Generous holiday entitlement
• Employer pension contribution
• Family-friendly leave and enhanced maternity pay
• Access to Inclusion Networks
• Daily clinical debriefing
• Employee Assistance Programme providing free 24/7 support and advice
• Employee Benefits Platform offering staff discounts, benefits and savings
• Flow & Restore yoga classes
• Meditation sessions
• Cycle to Work Scheme

How to apply

When applying for this role, kindly highlight in your Supporting Statement how your values, knowledge, transferrable skills, and experience align with each point within the following sections of the Job Profile Document:

• Values, Behaviours & Competencies
• Knowledge, Experience and Skills

Solace Women's Aid values diversity, promotes equity, and challenges discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, abilities, perspectives, and lived experiences. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay, and benefits. Our Inclusion Networks support staff with protected characteristics and offer inclusive spaces to connect.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We anticipate and provide reasonable adjustments as needed and support employees who acquire a disability or long-term health condition, enabling them to stay in work.

This service is run by women for women and is therefore restricted to female applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, and Part 1. Section 7(2) e of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 apply. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

As part of safer recruitment practices, we carry out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and right to work in the UK checks.

No agencies.

All counselling delivered through The Matthew Hackney Foundation is provided in line with the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions (or equivalent professional standards).

The Matthew Hackney Foundation is a small, registered charity (Charity No. 1208669) dedicated to improving access to emotional and mental health support for children and young people who would not otherwise be able to access counselling.

We currently provide funded, school-based counselling across 23 Surrey schools and support approximately 45 children, young people and their caregivers each week. We are proud of the strong, trusting relationships we have built with the schools we work with, all of whom provide appropriate, private spaces for counselling sessions. Session days and times are arranged collaboratively, with flexibility for our counsellors wherever possible.

The Role

This role is particularly well suited to newly qualified counsellors or therapists looking to build confidence, experience and regular school-based hours within a highly supportive charity setting.

We are delighted to invite one or more fully qualified Counsellors to join our small, passionate team on a self-employed basis, initially for the Summer Term 2025.

You will provide a minimum of 3 hours of counselling per week in one school. There is flexibility to take on additional paid hours, up to 6 hours per day and up to 5 days per week, delivered across different schools, depending on availability and funding. Placements typically run for up to 11 weeks, aligned with individual school terms.

You will need access to your own transport, as travel between schools may be required.

Should funding continue, there may be opportunities to extend this work into the next academic year.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Practice

· Deliver high-quality, safe and confidential 1:1 counselling to children and young people

· Undertake assessments and agree appropriate therapeutic interventions

· Manage and maintain a clinical caseload, including regular reviews

· Work using an integrative therapeutic approach

· Maintain accurate, confidential and up-to-date clinical records

· Engage in monthly clinical supervision with a suitably qualified supervisor experienced in working with children and young people (external supervision is acceptable and expected)

Working with Schools

· Build and maintain positive, professional relationships with pupils and school staff

· Work closely with the school’s designated contact and the Foundation’s Clinical Lead

· Embed the counselling service within the ethos of each school

· Work autonomously and proactively within the school environment

· Identify and discuss potential referrals appropriately

· Promote positive mental health and share good practice where appropriate

Safeguarding and Professional Practice

· Demonstrate a strong commitment to safeguarding and child protection

· Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns and follow reporting procedures

· Work in line with KCSIE, statutory guidance and the Foundation’s safeguarding policies

· Maintain high standards of professionalism, conduct, punctuality and communication

· Promote the values, reputation and policies of The Matthew Hackney Foundation

Person Specification

We warmly welcome applications from newly qualified counsellors and therapists, as well as those with more established practice.

Essential Criteria

· A recognised post-graduate qualification in Counselling, Psychotherapy, or Psychology

· BACP Accreditation, UKCP or BPC registration (or working towards), or equivalent

· Experience of working therapeutically with children and/or young people or relevant transferable experience and a clear interest in developing this specialism

· A sound understanding of child development and the emotional, social and educational needs of children and young people

· A clear understanding of safeguarding and child protection responsibilities

· Commitment to equality, diversity and anti-discriminatory practice

· Ability to work independently while recognising when to seek support

Desirable Criteria

· Experience of working within a school setting

· Additional training in child and adolescent therapeutic approaches

· Knowledge of local CAMHS and mental health services

Personal Attributes

· A genuine passion for supporting the mental wellbeing of children and young people

· Emotionally resilient, reflective and self-aware

· Friendly, approachable and professional

· Proactive, organised and reliable

· Creative and flexible in approach

What Support Will I Get?

We recognise that working in schools — particularly as a newly qualified counsellor — can feel both exciting and daunting. We are committed to providing a supportive, containing and ethical environment in which you can develop your practice.

You can expect: - A named Clinical Lead for guidance, consultation and professional support - Clear safeguarding procedures and support with decision-making - Well-established relationships with schools, reducing administrative burden - Flexibility around days and times where possible - Opportunities to gradually increase hours as your confidence and availability grow - A values-led organisation that prioritises ethical practice, reflection and care for practitioners

Additional Information

Employment Status

• This role can be offered on either a self-employed or employed basis
• Self-employed counsellors are responsible for their own tax, National Insurance, supervision and professional insurance
• Employed counsellors will receive statutory holiday pay and employer National Insurance contributions; the employed hourly rate has been calculated to reflect this difference
• You must be able to commit to a minimum of one half-day per week (term time only) for at least one school term (ideal for newly qualified counsellors building a portfolio of experience)
• You will be required to obtain an Enhanced DBS check, provide evidence of safeguarding training, and supply three professional references
• Counsellors may also have the opportunity to be listed on our website for self-referrals and to receive referrals for part-funded work

If you share our values and are passionate about making a meaningful difference to children and young people’s mental health, we would love to hear from you.

Salary: £38,000 per annum

Hours: 37.5 hours per week 

Location: Hybrid working, with regular attendance at Head Office

Duration: Permanent 

The Role

The Marketing and PR Manager leads Devon Air Ambulance’s media relations, public relations, and integrated marketing activity to build awareness, advocacy, and income, shaping the organisation’s narrative through compelling PR and multi‑channel campaigns while safeguarding its reputation. They will manage proactive and reactive press activity, oversee social media strategy, produce and approve high‑quality content, and maintain strong relationships with media and stakeholders. The role works collaboratively across teams to create cohesive supporter journeys and develop patient and supporter stories. Additionally, the postholder integrates AI‑enabled and monitoring tools to enhance coverage and content quality, ensures brand and regulatory compliance, and line‑manages the Marketing and Communications Officer to support workload, development, and wellbeing.

The Candidate

We're looking for a strong communicator with proven PR and marketing experience. You will create compelling content, lead multi‑channel campaigns, manage media relations, and confidently handle sensitive stories. The role will suit someone who is creative, collaborative, and digitally skilled, and someone who will bring professionalism, empathy, and the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, varied role.

The Package

Salary: £38,000 per annum.

As a valued member of the team you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including:

- 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays (pro rata)
- Maternity/Paternity & Adoption leave
- Pension scheme
- Occupational sick pay scheme
- Free counselling and financial wellbeing services

Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience and career.

The post-holder will work within Warwickshire Family Wraparound Service

Staff will be based within Family Help localities within Warwickshire - actual address to be discussed at interview or prior

Fixed Term contract for a year from start date

Hours: 28 hours per week

Salary: £26,271.62 pro rata

INFORMTION ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for people who will work with families to ensure increased access to support for the whole family as part of a multidisciplinary team.

The role will require you to develop relationships with several professionals across organisations and other service providers to enhance the emotional, mental health and wellbeing offer with the aim to increase the family's personal resilience and empower them to manage their own mental health.

We are looking for dedicated professionals to join our team.

In order to be considered for this post you will have to demonstrate that you already have:

Experience

-Experience in family support: Direct experience working with families facing complex social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) challenges

-Multi-agency collaboration: Proven ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (e.g., health, education, social care) and coordinate holistic care plans.

-Community outreach: Experience engaging hard-to-reach families and providing accessible support in community settings.

Skills

-Able to develop effective therapeutic relationships.

-Ability to effectively amplify the voices of children and families, ensuring their needs are heard and addressed in multidisciplinary settings.

-Ability to conduct full and robust assessments where required (including service-based and risk-based assessments).

Qualification

-Experience in working with children, young people and families in a similar setting, delivering support and structured interventions for the whole family.

-Relevant professional qualification in such as Social Work, Diploma in Counselling or Psychotherapy, Psychology, Youth Work or Nursing and or significant relevant experience.

-The post holder will be required to hold a full driving licence and have use of a car for The Children's Society business.

-Managerial experience in working with children, young people and families in a similar setting, delivering support and structured interventions for the whole family.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE CHILDREN'S SOCIETY

The Children's Society runs over 100 local services that help thousands of young people who desperately need our support, and we campaign to get laws and policies changed to make children's lives happier and safer. 

Every day we're changing the lives of children in this country for the better - and with your help, tomorrow we can be there for even more. 

Benefits

Enhanced Annual leave 28 days length of service extra 2 after 2 5 and 7 goes up to 36 days plus bank holidays.

Free eye test claim back

Pension match contribution up to 8% can op out

Life Assurance death in service 4 x salary gets paid to nominated person.

Cycle to work 39% of bike costs can be spread across the year

770 retailers discounts offered with You Star App.

All people within diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply, and particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities  

The Children's Society is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children and young people that we work with.  As such, all posts are subject to a safer recruitment process, including the disclosure of criminal records and vetting checks.  We ensure that we have a range of policies and procedures in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practices across our services.  

Therefore, candidates applying for work in our Youth Impact Domain will be required to complete an “Employment history_template” document prior to interview. 

The closing date for applications is midnight on Friday 20th February 2026.

Interviews will be held on a date TBC

For an application pack please visit the web site

http://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/about-us/work-us

or telephone

The Childrens Society Recruitment team on 020 7841 4400

For an informal discussion please contact Lisa Millichamp Operations Manager [email protected]

IN1

Kentown Family Support Worker

£24,000 annual salary plus Company Car (additional benefit of approx. £5K), 5% employers pension contribution and 25 days annual leave.

To Cover East Lancashire

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity is going through an exciting time where we are growing, with the aim of reaching more families in need.

About the role:

We are looking to appoint a Family Support Worker to deliver a high-quality family support service as part of our Kentown Team.

Reporting to the Family Support Manager of the Kentown Team and working in partnership with health, education and social care professionals, you will take responsibility for providing needs-led emotional, social and practical support to families where a child/young person has a life threatening or terminal illness.

Having worked in a demanding and emotional environment you have a genuine interest in building supportive relationships and helping people; and having provided bereavement support to families, you understand processes of grief, loss and change - and how best to help others deal with its impact.

What we’re looking for:

· An experienced child health, education or social care professional - applications will be particularly welcome from those who have worked in a community environment and those with a recognised qualification in education, health or social care.

· A warm, inclusive approach to achieving goals quickly and correctly.

· Practiced in child protection, information sharing and the rules around data protection - you lead by example, drawing on your own professional experience and working within established guidelines.

· Practical and people-oriented - you will thrive working at a fast pace whilst maintaining accuracy and be a confident user of IT (including MSOffice)

· A persuasive and open communicator, you will work collaboratively with your team and volunteers to ensure delivery of a high-quality service and support fundraising colleagues by writing case studies and family updates

· A practical knowledge of diversity issues affecting children, young people, and their families – aware that being responsive to others needs and concerns, is essential.

What we offer:

We have a range of fantastic benefits that we offer our employees, this includes.

· Flexible working hours to balance home and working life

· 25 days of annual leave plus public holidays – rising to 26 days after 1 year, 27 days after 5 years and 30 days after 11 years, with an additional 5 years to use in your 10th or 20th year of service (pro rata for part time)

· Employee Assistance Programme with access to remote GP, counselling, physiotherapy, resources to support your mental health and financial wellbeing, as well as a 24/7 helpline via Help@Hand

· Company car for front line care posts

· Access to the Blue Light Card Scheme, and other rewards and discounts

· Bike to work, season ticket loan and payroll giving schemes, as well as a recommend a friend recruitment bonus

· Family friendly policies, focused on employee wellbeing, and an active cross-organisational wellbeing group running a number of initiatives throughout the year

· Pension scheme where we contribute 5% of your salary and you contribute at least 3%

· The option to buy/sell annual leave, as well as additional leave for your birthday, wedding/civil ceremony and an extra half day off for Christmas shopping

· Robust training and development programmes to support your learning and growth

We have a range of fantastic benefits that we offer our employees. If you’d like to find out more about these benefits and working with us, please visit our website.

We also have a fantastic learning and development programme - the Anne Harris skills development programme - in which we aim to provide a high level of training and development opportunities for all staff, so you are able to perform to the best of your ability, achieve individual and team objectives aligned to Rainbow Trusts strategic plan, supporting staff to be the best they can be, and feel a valued member of a high performing organisation.

Our Family Support Workers are given the opportunity to complete a number of diverse training courses in their first 12 months, including but not limited to: Mental Health First Aid, Makaton, counselling skills, and Introduction to Play.

The programme aims to provide a building block for you to individually tailor your own learning and development needs, with all family support workers having a foundation level of skills within their first year.

About us:

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity enables families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness to make the most of their time together, providing expert practical and emotional support where they need, it for as long as it is needed. For families living with childhood illness, time is everything. Right now, there are too many families coping alone with no support, no time to think, no time to make memories and no time for each other. We believe that no family should go through this alone, so we are here to change that.

How to apply:

To apply please visit our website via the link and apply online.

Interviews will take place via Teams or in person with a date to be confirmed. We will only contact those applicants who have been successful.

There will be a requirement for flexible working and a full current driver’s licence to accommodate the team and family need. An enhanced DBS disclosure will be required for this post.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we expect all employees to share this commitment.

Rainbow Trust is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are a Best Companies One-Star rated organisation.

Title: Active Recovery Lead 

Employer:  The Southmead Project 

Accountable to: Head of Active Recovery

Place of Work: The Southmead Project, Southmead, Bristol. BS10 6AS

Hours: 4 days per week

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £32,216.00 p/a pro rata 

The Southmead Project:

The Southmead Project is an equal opportunities employer providing free counselling and support for survivors of abuse and addiction across Bristol and surrounding areas. We welcome adults aged 18 and above of any race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, class, ability, language, religion and cultural background. We respect and cherish the differences between people and affirm every person as an individual. Our recruitment is done in line with safer recruitment practices. 

We value our team very highly and pride ourselves on being a supportive employer. We provide the following benefits to encourage every staff member to have a supported, well-rounded and enriched working experience:

• Paid supervision for 1.5 hours per month, with an external clinical supervisor 

• Line management for 1 hour per month

• Training budget of £500 per year to spend on relevant training of that person’s choice 

• Optional private counselling for up to twelve sessions per year with an external counsellor of that person’s choice

• Employer pension contribution of 5%

The Active Recovery Project gives adult survivors of abuse the opportunity to take part in community-based activities. Members of Active Recovery can participate in a variety of group activities with others who share or understand their experience and develop peer relationships, resulting in increasing confidence and reduced isolation. The activities are based on ideas from our members and include water-based activities (such as rowing, canoeing, sailing and kayaking), surfing, trips to community spaces and creative sessions (such as arts and crafts). Activities take place every week. Each activity will last approximately 2.5 hours each. Members can attend the group sessions for up to 18 months. 

Job Purpose: 

We are looking for a warm and passionate leader to come and join the Active Recovery Service.

As an Active Recovery Lead, their job will be to develop and deliver the Active Recovery Project in Bristol and in Somerset. Using a trauma-informed approach, the Active Recovery Lead will create and provide a safe and supportive space for clients from The Sexual Violence Alliance organisations (The Southmead Project, SARSAS, Womankind and the Bridge Sarc) to participate in a variety of group activities, with others who share or understand their experience and develop peer relationships, resulting in increasing confidence and reduced isolation. 

Principal Tasks:

1. Run two Active Recovery groups a week, with , with the help of the Practitioner.

2. Provide initial trauma-informed assessment phone calls and/or meetings with potential members as part of the registration process for Active Recovery. This includes assessing need, risk and suitability for the service using a trauma-informed approach. 

3. Create safety plans and tailor activity sessions where appropriate after building relationships with members following the initial phone calls.

4. Plan trauma-informed sessions for members, including producing risk assessments for each activity, visiting activity locations and delivering relevant trauma training to activity providers. 

5. Oversee and lead on setting up, delivering and debriefing about activity sessions with members, volunteers and staff. Ensuring members are clear on each session's ground rules and safeguarding processes, using the Member’s Agreement.

6. Provide trauma-informed face-to-face support to members at sessions who may become overwhelmed or require help dealing with flashbacks and dissociation.

7. To support volunteers and staff with safeguarding queries and ensure safeguarding procedures are followed. To be the safeguarding lead at activity sessions, escalating any onward safeguarding referrals and queries to the Southmead Project Designated Safeguarding Lead.

8. Participate in and support the recruitment and induction training of volunteers.

9. Support and line manage a team of volunteers.

10. Develop and maintain an Active Recovery community through email, phone calls, texts and in person.

11. Develop and drive forward the project’s aim to have the members’ voices at the heart of the project.

12. Collaborate with developing outcome processes in line with the Southmead Project and its funders’ requirements.

13. Analyse data and feedback collected through outcomes processes to adapt and constantly improve the planning and delivery of the project sessions.

14. Contribute content for reports as required. 

15. Build and maintain positive relationships with partnership organisations for the project.

16. Manage the day to day budget for the project sessions, keeping accurate records to report to the Head of Active Recovery and planning how the budget will be spent across sessions, within guidelines provided by the Head of Active Recovery.

17. Record data accurately and in a timely manner on Oasis.

18. Produce social media and website posts about the project, including producing and editing videos.

19. Attend monthly one-to-one line management meetings with the Head of Active Recovery. 

20. To attend monthly one-to-one clinical supervision with a Supervisor who is approved by the Southmead Project. Supervision is a requirement of this charity as an organisational member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy. 

21. To work within the framework, spirit and ethos of the Southmead Project’s Equal Opportunities Policy, and actively engage in promoting the policy within the charity and in all dealings with clients and other agencies.

22. Follow the Southmead Project policies, procedures and professional code of conduct as outlined in the Staff Handbook.

23. All members of staff, paid and unpaid, are required to undergo the   enhanced level of Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Person Specification

ESSENTIAL

• Full drivers licence and access to own transport.

• Professional qualification, such as a Diploma or degree in Counselling or in other relevant fields of work, such as; social work, psychology, mental health, education, support work or similar: or extensive experience in any of these fields.

• A sound understanding of the issues affecting members who have experienced trauma and abuse.

• Experience in managing projects. 

• Excellent administration and organisational skills, including experience of managing sensitive personal information.

• Experience of and confidence in using multiple computer and case management systems. 

• At least 2 years’ experience of delivering groups in the community, preferably activity based.

• At least 1 year’s experience of providing face-to-face support for survivors of abuse. 

• The ability to arrange group activities and liaise with other local organisations to help plan them. 

• The ability to plan sessions in detail to ensure that they are trauma-informed and having the experience and confidence to ‘hold’ groups when things do not go to plan.

• The ability to work flexibly within a team and support those within it. 

• Experience in managing volunteers. 

• Knowledge and awareness of how particular activities and social situations could improve people’s self-esteem, self-confidence, build friendships and reduce their isolation. 

• A sound understanding of safeguarding and experience of supporting others to act in accordance with safeguarding policies and within the best interests of the Active Recovery member or those at risk.

• Experience in managing a long-term budget.

• Knowledge of survivors’ voice work.

• To be able to attend monthly one-to-one line management meetings and monthly clinical supervision.

• To work within the framework, spirit and ethos of the Southmead Project’s Equal Opportunities Policy, and actively engage in promoting the policy within the charity and in all dealings with clients and other agencies.

DESIRABLE:

• Experience of building and maintaining positive partnerships in the community.

• Experience of running a community based project. 

• Experience of setting up processes for survivors’ voice work.

• Knowledge of making content for social media, including video recording and editing skills.

• Experience managing recruitment and training.

• Experience in chairing meetings and the ability to plan and review activities with a team.

• Experience designing outcomes processes and collecting outcomes data.

• Experience in writing reports, preferably funding reports in the charity sector.

 Please note that there must be at least 12 months between receiving support from the Southmead Project as a client/member and starting this role.

Calan DVS is one of the largest domestic abuse charities in Wales and we are committed to working in partnership to end domestic violence and abuse. Our staff are passionate about what they do and deliver much needed services to support some of the most vulnerable people in society.

Our service was formed in 2012 as a result of a merger between Neath & Lliw Valley Women’s Aid and since 2012, other Women’s Aid organisations have also joined the group including Brecknock Women’s Aid, Bridgend Women’s Aid and Ammanford Women’s Aid.

Our vision:

At Calan DVS, our vision is to work towards safe and resilient communities free from domestic violence and abuse. To achieve this, we aim to relieve the distress, suffering and poverty experienced by families exposed to domestic violence and abuse. We also aim to educate the public regarding the causes and effects of domestic abuse along with prevention methods

The Lotus Project:

The Lotus Project is a new service within Calan DVS which has been co-produced with survivors and stakeholders.  The new service has been implemented to support individuals who are accessing Calan Domestic Abuse services and who have also experienced Sexual Violence.

The service will operate from a trauma informed, strengths based perspective in order to ensure each survivor has consistent yet individualised support throughout their recovery journey.

Each survivor who accesses the service will have the opportunity to receive specialist support through our Sexual Violence Counselling service, tailor made group work program and one to one support.  Survivors will have regular strength based goal setting sessions with their Sexual Violence Support Worker.

Consultations and collaborative working are at the heart of working in a trauma informed way, therefore the Lotus Project will continue to be developed alongside the support staff and survivors who access the service. 

Family Support Worker - Greater Manchester

Maternity Cover up to 12 months

£24,000 pa + Company Car and benefits (including 25 days annual leave, reward scheme and pension)

Greater Manchester region

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity is going through an exciting time where we are growing, with the aim of reaching more families in need.

About the role:

We are looking to appoint a Family Support Worker for a fixed term period of up to 12 months, on a full-time basis (35 hours per week), to deliver a high-quality family support service as part of our Greater Manchester Care Team.

Reporting to the Family Support Manager of the Greater Manchester Care Team and working in partnership with health, education and social care professionals, you will take responsibility for providing needs-led emotional, social and practical support to families where a child/young person has a life threatening or terminal illness.

Having worked in a demanding and emotional environment you have a genuine interest in building supportive relationships and helping people; and having provided bereavement support to families, you understand processes of grief, loss and change - and how best to help others deal with its impact.

What we’re looking for:

· An experienced child health, education or social care professional - applications will be particularly welcome from those who have worked in a community environment and those with a recognised qualification in education, health or social care

· A warm, inclusive approach to achieving goals quickly and correctly

· Practiced in child protection, information sharing and the rules around data protection - you lead by example, drawing on your own professional experience and working within established guidelines

· Practical and people-oriented - you will thrive working at a fast pace whilst maintaining accuracy and be a confident user of IT (including MSOffice)

· A persuasive and open communicator - you will work collaboratively with your team and volunteers to ensure delivery of a high-quality service and support fundraising colleagues by writing case studies and family updates

· A practical knowledge of diversity issues affecting children, young people and their families – aware that being responsive to others needs and concerns, is essential.

What we offer:

We are a Best Companies Two-Star rated organisation, an outstanding place to work! We have a range of fantastic benefits that we offer our employees, including:

· Flexible working hours to balance home and working life

· Employee Assistance Programme with access to remote GP, counselling, physiotherapy, resources to support your mental health and financial wellbeing, as well as a 24/7 helpline via Help@Hand

· Company car for front line care posts

· 25 days of annual leave plus public holidays – rising to 26 days after 1 year, 27 days after 5 years and 30 days after 11 years, with an additional 5 years to use in your 10th or 20th year of service (pro rata for part time)

· Time off in Lieu

· Access to the Blue Light Card Scheme, and other rewards and discounts

· Bike to work, season ticket loan and payroll giving schemes

· A recommend a friend recruitment bonus scheme

· Family friendly policies, focused on employee wellbeing, and an active cross-organisational wellbeing group running a number of initiatives throughout the year

· Pension scheme where we contribute 5% of your salary and you contribute at least 3%

· The option to buy/sell annual leave, as well as additional leave for your birthday, wedding/civil ceremony and an extra half day off for Christmas shopping

· Robust training and development programmes to support your learning and growth

As part of our learning and development Anne Harris Skills Development Programme, we aim to provide a high level of training and development opportunities for all staff, so you are able to perform to the best of your ability, achieve individual and team objectives aligned to Rainbow Trusts strategic plan, supporting staff to be their best and feel a valued member of a high performing organisation.

Our Family Support Teams are given the opportunity to complete a number of diverse training courses in their first 12 months, including but not limited to: Mental Health First Aid, Makaton, introduction to play, drawing and talking training.

The programme aims to provide a building block for you to individually tailor your own learning and development needs.

About us:

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity enables families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness to make the most of time together, providing expert, practical and emotional support, where they need it for as long as it is needed. For families living with childhood illness, time is everything. Right now, there are too many families coping alone with no support, no time to think, no time to make memories and no time for each other. We believe that no family should go through this alone, so we are here to change that.

How to apply:

Please visit our website and apply online.

Please disclose on your application form if you have used AI for any part of your job application.

Interviews will take place at our Greater Manchester Care Team office with the dates to be confirmed. We will only contact those applicants who have been successful. If you require any adjustments during the interview process, please let us know.

There will be a requirement for flexible working and a full current driver’s licence to accommodate team and family need. An enhanced DBS disclosure will be required for this post.

Rainbow Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees to share this commitment.

Rainbow Trust is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Family Support Worker - Greater Manchester

£24,000 pa + Company Car and benefits (including 25 days annual leave, reward scheme and pension)

Greater Manchester region

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity is going through an exciting time where we are growing, with the aim of reaching more families in need.

About the role:

We are looking to appoint a Family Support Worker on a full-time basis (35 hours per week), to deliver a high-quality family support service as part of our Greater Manchester Care Team.

Reporting to the Family Support Manager of the Greater Manchester Care Team and working in partnership with health, education and social care professionals, you will take responsibility for providing needs-led emotional, social and practical support to families where a child/young person has a life threatening or terminal illness.

Having worked in a demanding and emotional environment you have a genuine interest in building supportive relationships and helping people; and having provided bereavement support to families, you understand processes of grief, loss and change - and how best to help others deal with its impact.

What we’re looking for:

· An experienced child health, education or social care professional - applications will be particularly welcome from those who have worked in a community environment and those with a recognised qualification in education, health or social care

· A warm, inclusive approach to achieving goals quickly and correctly

· Practiced in child protection, information sharing and the rules around data protection - you lead by example, drawing on your own professional experience and working within established guidelines

· Practical and people-oriented - you will thrive working at a fast pace whilst maintaining accuracy and be a confident user of IT (including MSOffice)

· A persuasive and open communicator - you will work collaboratively with your team and volunteers to ensure delivery of a high-quality service and support fundraising colleagues by writing case studies and family updates

· A practical knowledge of diversity issues affecting children, young people and their families – aware that being responsive to others needs and concerns, is essential.

What we offer:

We are a Best Companies Two-Star rated organisation, an outstanding place to work! We have a range of fantastic benefits that we offer our employees, including:

· Flexible working hours to balance home and working life

· Employee Assistance Programme with access to remote GP, counselling, physiotherapy, resources to support your mental health and financial wellbeing, as well as a 24/7 helpline via Help@Hand

· Company car for front line care posts

· 25 days of annual leave plus public holidays – rising to 26 days after 1 year, 27 days after 5 years and 30 days after 11 years, with an additional 5 years to use in your 10th or 20th year of service (pro rata for part time)

· Time off in Lieu

· Access to the Blue Light Card Scheme, and other rewards and discounts

· Bike to work, season ticket loan and payroll giving schemes

· A recommend a friend recruitment bonus scheme

· Family friendly policies, focused on employee wellbeing, and an active cross-organisational wellbeing group running a number of initiatives throughout the year

· Pension scheme where we contribute 5% of your salary and you contribute at least 3%

· The option to buy/sell annual leave, as well as additional leave for your birthday, wedding/civil ceremony and an extra half day off for Christmas shopping

· Robust training and development programmes to support your learning and growth

As part of our learning and development Anne Harris Skills Development Programme, we aim to provide a high level of training and development opportunities for all staff, so you are able to perform to the best of your ability, achieve individual and team objectives aligned to Rainbow Trusts strategic plan, supporting staff to be their best and feel a valued member of a high performing organisation.

Our Family Support Teams are given the opportunity to complete a number of diverse training courses in their first 12 months, including but not limited to: Mental Health First Aid, Makaton, introduction to play, drawing and talking training.

The programme aims to provide a building block for you to individually tailor your own learning and development needs.

About us:

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity enables families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness to make the most of time together, providing expert, practical and emotional support, where they need it for as long as it is needed. For families living with childhood illness, time is everything. Right now, there are too many families coping alone with no support, no time to think, no time to make memories and no time for each other. We believe that no family should go through this alone, so we are here to change that.

How to apply:

Please visit our website and apply online.

Please disclose on your application form if you have used AI for any part of your job application.

Interviews will take place at our Greater Manchester Care Team office with the dates to be confirmed. We will only contact those applicants who have been successful. If you require any adjustments during the interview process, please let us know.

There will be a requirement for flexible working and a full current driver’s licence to accommodate team and family need. An enhanced DBS disclosure will be required for this post.

Rainbow Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees to share this commitment.

Rainbow Trust is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all backgrounds.

36 hours per week / £36,530 per annum pro rata / permanent / working two days onsite and three days from home, working pattern to be discussed at interview

At YMCA DownsLink Group,  is to help children and young people have a fair chance to be who they want to be. We do this by providing a safe home, building life skills and self-confidence, and supporting emotional wellbeing and mental health.

Our Values - we do what’s right, we work with heart, and we build real connections - guide and shape how we show up for children and young people we support and for each other.

 is delivered by Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with YMCA DownsLink Group. We offer a variety of support including counselling and psychological therapies to children and young people within Brighton and Hove.

We are looking for a compassionate and experienced Wellbeing Children & Young People's (CYP) Lead to support and shape our therapeutic services for young people in Brighton and Hove.

Overview of key areas of responsibility:

Leadership

• Provide line management support and supervision to wellbeing workers (e.g. counsellors, practitioners, therapists, link workers and trainees).
• Work alongside a team of leads to support the running, development and management of the service.
• Lead induction, mentoring, and training of new staff, trainees, and volunteers.
• Foster a culture of learning, innovation, and continuous improvement across the team.

Core Clinical

• Carry out individual general counselling assessments of children and young people and make appropriate referrals.
• Provide guidance and oversight for complex or high-risk cases.
• Ensure all interventions are evidence-based, child-centred, and trauma-informed.
• Develop and oversee counselling protocols, therapeutic pathways, and risk assessment frameworks.

Safeguarding and Risk

• Lead and give oversight for safeguarding concerns, embedding a safeguarding-first culture across the service.
• Work to ensure all counsellors, staff, and link workers, are trained, confident, and compliant in safeguarding practice.
• Implement robust risk assessment and management processes.
• Monitor safeguarding incidents, identify themes, and strengthen safeguarding practice.
• Liaise with schools, health, social care, police, and other agencies in safeguarding matters.

Service Development

• Work with the Service Manager, Leads and Clinical Leads to strengthen and expand counselling provision, including group work.
• Triage referrals and represent the service in multi-agency triage meetings.
• Promote and develop opportunities for community participation and youth voice in service design.
• Build strong relationships with schools, health services, local authorities, commissioners, and community partners.
• Represent the service at local and regional forums, influencing CYP wellbeing strategies.

Please download the job profile (below), which includes detailed role description and person specification.

Qualifications, knowledge, and experience

• More than 2 years post-qualified at graduate or post graduate level Counselling Diploma or equivalent [of two years minimum duration including personal counselling or psychotherapy].
• BACP Registration or Accreditation and/or other eligible Professional Accreditation e.g. UKCP/HPC.
• Strong team-management and line-management experience is required, including demonstrated experience in supervising, developing, and supporting staff.
• A good level of understanding in therapeutic or counselling theory and practice and working to short-term models.
• A sound understanding of child developmental processes, Child Protection and Vulnerable Adult Safeguarding issues and procedures, along with proven experience in safeguarding young children.
• Solid experience in delivering counselling and/or therapy and assessment, along with experience with dealing with complex cases.
• Experience of multi-disciplinary team working, with the ability to work within time-limited frameworks.

CLOSING DATE: Tuesday 24 February 2026 at midnight. Proposed interview date Thursday 19 March 2026.

Please note that we are unable to offer a work permit or visa sponsorship for this role; applicants must already have the right to live and work in the UK independently.

An inclusive workplace We are committed to policies and practices of equity, diversity, and inclusion and to supporting our people to make sure our culture is consistent with this commitment. 

Accessibility If you require assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please do contact us.

YMCA DLG requires all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns. 

Successful applicants will undergo a thorough background screening process, conducted by an accredited third-party provider. This includes an Enhanced DBS check (with Children’s and Adults’ Barred Lists) as well as comprehensive reference and activity checks.

36 hours per week / £36,530 per annum pro rata / permanent / working two days onsite and three days from home, working pattern to be discussed at interview

At YMCA DownsLink Group,  is to help children and young people have a fair chance to be who they want to be. We do this by providing a safe home, building life skills and self-confidence, and supporting emotional wellbeing and mental health.

Our Values - we do what’s right, we work with heart, and we build real connections - guide and shape how we show up for children and young people we support and for each other.

 is delivered by Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with YMCA DownsLink Group. We offer a variety of support including counselling and psychological therapies to children and young people within Brighton and Hove.

We are looking for a compassionate and experienced Wellbeing Children & Young People's (CYP) Lead to support and shape our therapeutic services for young people in Brighton and Hove.

Overview of key areas of responsibility:

Leadership

• Provide line management support and supervision to wellbeing workers (e.g. counsellors, practitioners, therapists, link workers and trainees).
• Work alongside a team of leads to support the running, development and management of the service.
• Lead induction, mentoring, and training of new staff, trainees, and volunteers.
• Foster a culture of learning, innovation, and continuous improvement across the team.

Core Clinical

• Carry out individual general counselling assessments of children and young people and make appropriate referrals.
• Provide guidance and oversight for complex or high-risk cases.
• Ensure all interventions are evidence-based, child-centred, and trauma-informed.
• Develop and oversee counselling protocols, therapeutic pathways, and risk assessment frameworks.

Safeguarding and Risk

• Lead and give oversight for safeguarding concerns, embedding a safeguarding-first culture across the service.
• Work to ensure all counsellors, staff, and link workers, are trained, confident, and compliant in safeguarding practice.
• Implement robust risk assessment and management processes.
• Monitor safeguarding incidents, identify themes, and strengthen safeguarding practice.
• Liaise with schools, health, social care, police, and other agencies in safeguarding matters.

Service Development

• Work with the Service Manager, Leads and Clinical Leads to strengthen and expand counselling provision, including group work.
• Triage referrals and represent the service in multi-agency triage meetings.
• Promote and develop opportunities for community participation and youth voice in service design.
• Build strong relationships with schools, health services, local authorities, commissioners, and community partners.
• Represent the service at local and regional forums, influencing CYP wellbeing strategies.

Please download the job profile (below), which includes detailed role description and person specification.

Qualifications, knowledge, and experience

• More than 2 years post-qualified at graduate or post graduate level Counselling Diploma or equivalent [of two years minimum duration including personal counselling or psychotherapy].
• BACP Registration or Accreditation and/or other eligible Professional Accreditation e.g. UKCP/HPC.
• Strong team-management and line-management experience is required, including demonstrated experience in supervising, developing, and supporting staff.
• A good level of understanding in therapeutic or counselling theory and practice and working to short-term models.
• A sound understanding of child developmental processes, Child Protection and Vulnerable Adult Safeguarding issues and procedures, along with proven experience in safeguarding young children.
• Solid experience in delivering counselling and/or therapy and assessment, along with experience with dealing with complex cases.
• Experience of multi-disciplinary team working, with the ability to work within time-limited frameworks.

CLOSING DATE: Tuesday 24 February 2026 at midnight. Proposed interview date Thursday 19 March 2026.

Please note that we are unable to offer a work permit or visa sponsorship for this role; applicants must already have the right to live and work in the UK independently.

An inclusive workplace We are committed to policies and practices of equity, diversity, and inclusion and to supporting our people to make sure our culture is consistent with this commitment. 

Accessibility If you require assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please do contact us.

YMCA DLG requires all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns. 

Successful applicants will undergo a thorough background screening process, conducted by an accredited third-party provider. This includes an Enhanced DBS check (with Children’s and Adults’ Barred Lists) as well as comprehensive reference and activity checks.