Specialist counsellors jobs

35.5 hours per week / £34,475 per annum, pro rata / permanent / working pattern to be confirmed (can be discussed at interview)

YMCA DownsLink Group is the leading charity for children and young people across Sussex and Surrey. We offer safe homes, mental health support and trusted advice.

We believe that every child and young person has the right to be safe, heard and to shape their own future. We work alongside them to make that happen.

We are here for children and young people, many of whom face multiple challenges and need our support.

Our Values - we do what’s right, we work with heart, and we build real connections – guide us in all our actions.

We have an exciting opportunity for a qualified and experienced Counsellor to join our Children and Young People (CYP) Wellbeing Service in Brighton & Hove.

In this role, you will provide culturally responsive assessments, counselling (both face-to-face and online), and group work for children and young people aged 8–24 from Black, mixed heritage and Global Majority backgrounds. You will create safe, inclusive spaces where young people feel heard, understood and supported to explore their wellbeing.

Alongside this, you will contribute to wider service delivery by supporting assessments and therapeutic interventions for young people from all backgrounds, helping ensure a flexible and responsive service. You will also play an active role in triaging referrals, working collaboratively across the CYP service to promote equitable and timely access to support.

A key part of the role is building meaningful relationships with Global Majority-led and community organisations, helping strengthen partnerships across the city. You’ll also share your expertise with colleagues, supporting inclusive practice, co-production, and equitable approaches to service design, recruitment and delivery.

Occupational Requirement:
Due to the nature of this role and the needs of the children and young people we support, this position is subject to an occupational requirement under Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010.

We are seeking a practitioner who is from a Black, mixed heritage, or Global Majority background. This requirement is a proportionate means of achieving the legitimate aim of providing culturally responsive, representative, and effective mental health support.

This role plays a key part in ensuring that young people from Black, mixed heritage and Global Majority backgrounds can access support that reflects their lived experience, identity, and cultural context.

Qualifications, experience and knowledge:

You will hold a Graduate or Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling or Psychotherapy (minimum two years), alongside BACP accreditation (or eligibility for accreditation) or registration with a relevant professional body.

You will bring experience of working with children and young people aged 8–24 with mental health needs, including delivering evidence-based, low-intensity interventions. You are a confident and collaborative team player, comfortable working under supervision and within a multidisciplinary setting. You will have strong safeguarding knowledge, the ability to run groups or structured activities, and be able to communicate clearly and sensitively, both verbally and in writing.

You will have experience of supporting children and young people from mixed heritage or Global Majority backgrounds, with an understanding of the importance of culturally responsive practice. Knowledge of, or experience working alongside, local statutory and voluntary services will be important in helping young people access the support they need.

Above all, you will be able to work ethically and effectively with children and young people within a time-limited framework, building trust, promoting resilience, and supporting positive outcomes.

CLOSING DATE: Sunday 26 July 2026 at midnight. 

PLEASE NOTE: We are unable to provide work permits or visa sponsorship for this role, so 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 check.

CONTEXT

An estimated 12,000 men are raped every year and 76,000 sexually abused or assaulted. Yet just 4% of men will tell someone. Of those who do, it takes on average 26 years to do so.

Survivors UK provides specialist support to (cis and trans*) men and boys, and to non-binary people, who have been raped, sexually assaulted or abused. Our aim is to help any man, boy, or non-binary person, to have the confidence to tell someone what’s happened to them, and to know that it’s OK to seek help. When they do, we want to ensure they have access to the right support so they can deal with the impact of their experiences.

We provide emotional support, information and signposting to survivors and anyone worried about someone they know, through a national website and webchat service (open till 8pm most evenings). Last year, 2,600 people contacted us via our webchat services and social media.

In London, we are the only organisation providing specialist services for men and boys, including individual counselling and therapeutic groupwork, available till 9pm six days a week. Across London, we provide the capital’s only Independent Sexual Advisor (ISVA) Service that helps men and boys through the criminal justice system.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is an exciting role at Survivors UK which combines counselling and practical support, specifically to the (circa) 150 people who refer themselves for individual counselling with us each year. You will work specifically with young people aged 13+ and people from Black, Asian and Multi-Heritage communities who have experienced sexual violence.

The people served include those with clinical mental health diagnoses, drug and alcohol dependencies, at risk of suicide, homelessness or involved in the sex industry. You will need to be a highly skilled counsellor with experience of dealing with very vulnerable clients, willing to work flexibly and on your own initiative. Importantly, you will be a compassionate person, able to blend therapeutic work with practical support and care.

Main responsibilities include:

• Provide counselling and practical support interventions to boys, men, trans people and non-binary people from the BAM community who have been raped, sexually abused or assaulted with high levels of need and who are most vulnerable.
• Deliver counselling interventions by phone, video calling and face-to-face with clients 13+ years old.
• With clients, develop action plans to help them address emotional and practical needs and ensure clients can engage with a flexible service.
• An ability, interest and commitment to working and developing a therapeutic approach that is culturally attuned to Black, Asian and Multi and Dual Heritage clients.
• Maintain accurate and timely client case notes, ensuring adherence to confidentiality, safeguarding and data protection procedures.
• Support the monitoring and reporting to funders on the development and delivery of the service.

This post is subject to an enhanced DBS Clearance
 

PURPOSE

• Provide counselling and practical support interventions to boys, men and non-binary people who have been raped, sexually abused or assaulted with high levels of need and who are most vulnerable.
• Collaborate with clients to discover what their needs are from our service
• Support the monitoring and reporting to funders on the development and delivery of the service.

KEY OUTCOMES

• Survivors who are highly vulnerable and distressed will have access to a service that meets their needs, with improvements in their overall health and wellbeing.
• A reduction in harmful behaviours, such as less suicidal ideation, reduced drug & alcohol use, reduced incidences of self-harm.
• Survivors who are leading chaotic lifestyles report feeling more stable, better able to cope and better supported.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Service Delivery

• Deliver counselling interventions by phone, video calling and face-to-face
• Maintain accurate and timely client case notes, ensuring adherence to confidentiality, safeguarding and data protection procedures.
• With clients, develop action plans to help them address emotional and practical needs and ensure clients can engage with a flexible service.
• Provide regular and timely communications with clients so that they are encouraged to remain with the service.
• Attend clinical supervision.
•  
• Liaison and Promotion
• Maintain good working relationships with other support services associated with the client.

1. Monitoring, evaluation and dissemination

• Collect and accurately record one-to-one contact data, including presenting issues, client notes, socio-economic demographics, using Survivors UK Salesforce database.
• Monitor individual client’s progress through the outcomes monitoring framework.
• Where appropriate, and within safeguarding and data protection policies, collate qualitative client stories for reporting back to funders, evidencing need and service user opinion.
• Ensure all clients are aware of and have access to the organisation’s complaints policy.

1. General Duties

• Be responsible for administrative functions associated with the role, including accurate record keeping and filing.
• Provide input and comment on the development of Survivors UK policies and procedures and ensure you follow established procedures.
• As a member of a small team, contribute to the development of new initiatives and services in response to client need.

The post-holder will be required to carry out additional duties from time to time. Such duties will be commensurate with the role.

Survivors UK is an equal opportunities employer.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Experience and qualifications

• A BACP, UKCP or BABCP accredited counsellor, psychotherapist or CBT practitioner.
• Completed at least 3 parts of EMDR training. Potential for completion of the training to be offered with the role
• At least 2-years’ experience of working with highly vulnerable clients in a counselling and/or support service.
• Knowledge of trauma informed practice
• Demonstrable caseload management, with experience of undertaking initial counselling assessments.
• Experience of using creative approaches such as art, drama or play when working therapeutically with children and young people.
• Proven track record in helping clients who are experiencing high levels of distress and/or chaotic lifestyles, to improve their health and wellbeing.
• Efficient and accurate use of outcomes monitoring frameworks, such as CORE, Outcomes Star, or similar

Skills, knowledge and competences

• Strong understanding of the experiences, needs and impact of rape, sexual abuse or assault on (cis and trans*) men and boys, and on non-binary people
• Self-motivated and a self-starter: high level of confidence to develop and deliver a new service.
• A mature, calm and empathic manner: able to engage with clients who have challenging needs and deal with highly emotional and stressful situations.
• Strong communication skills: able to build trusting relationships and rapport with clients and interact and engage effectively with external agencies.
• Adherence to confidentiality and boundary policies and practices.
• High degree of flexibility in approach to working with clients and the wider team.
• Positive attitude and willing to contribute to developments, improvements and changes more broadly within Survivors UK.
• Competent administrator and highly organised: committed to maintaining accurate client records and reporting on performance.
• Demonstrable commitment to equal opportunities, with a non-judgemental approach to helping men, non-binary and trans people
• A commitment to pursuing professional excellence, personal development and learning.

Be Part of Meaningful Change

Rape Crisis South London (RCSL) is entering an exciting new chapter. With a new CEO, refreshed Senior Leadership Team, and an ambitious vision for the future, we are laying the foundations for a bold new organisational strategy.
 

We are now seeking an Deputy CYP Lead to join our CYP Team at this pivotal time on a permanent basis.

As a specialist charity supporting survivors of sexual violence across twelve South London boroughs, we provide counselling, group therapy, advocacy, prevention education, and professional training. With an annual income of approximately £4 million, we are growing and strengthening our infrastructure to better serve survivors and communities.

About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced and committed Deputy Children and Young People (CYP) Lead to support the development and delivery of our therapeutic services at a pivotal time of growth and transformation.
 

Reporting to the CYP Clinical Lead, the successful candidate will play a key role in providing day-to-day leadership and guidance to CYP counsellors and therapists. You will help ensure that services for children and young people are consistently safe, effective, trauma-informed, and survivor-centred.
 

This is a varied and impactful role that combines clinical leadership, safeguarding oversight, service development, and line management. It offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to shaping, strengthening, and expanding high-quality CYP services.
 

What You’ll Do

• Support the CYP Clinical Lead with assessments, allocations and case distribution across CYP pathways
• Provide clinical guidance and day-to-day support to CYP counsellors and therapists
• Line manage allocated CYP staff and contribute to recruitment, induction and staff development
• Oversee group work programmes, including family support groups
• Undertake the role of Designated Safeguarding Officer for the CYP team
• Deputise as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead as part of the rota when required
• Provide guidance on complex safeguarding concerns and ensure appropriate escalation
• Contribute to service improvement, contract delivery and performance monitoring
• Build and maintain effective relationships with external agencies and partners
• Deputise for the CYP Clinical Lead where required

About You

• Degree-level qualification in counselling or psychotherapy (or equivalent experience)
  Professional membership with an accredited counselling/psychotherapy body
  Minimum of 200 hours post-qualification supervised client work
  At least 3 years’ experience working with children and young people affected by rape and sexual violence
  Experience leading or supporting a team
  Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation (children and adults)
  Completed Level 3 safeguarding training
  Experience in the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) sector
  Understanding of trauma-informed, survivor-centred and feminist practice
  Experience working with diverse communities
  Ability to use data and outcomes to support service improvement
• Experience working with marginalised or under-served communities
  Knowledge of housing, welfare benefits or related legislationn

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Take the next step in your leadership journey
• Gain experience of safeguarding, clinical leadership and service development
• Support and develop a dedicated team of CYP practitioners
• Contribute to the future direction of CYP therapeutic services at RCSL
• Be part of a dynamic, creative and values-led organisation

Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment

Rape Crisis South London is committed to safeguarding survivors and service users. The post holder will contribute to maintaining the organisation’s safeguarding standards.

This includes:

• Promoting the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and adults at risk
• Identifying and reporting safeguarding concerns
• Following organisational safeguarding policies and procedures
• Supporting a culture where everyone feels safe, respected and supported

Our safer recruitment processes include:

• Values-based interviews
• Verification of identity, qualifications and employment history
• Reference checks
• Enhanced DBS checks where required
• Safeguarding training and supervision
• Equality, Feminist Commitment and Values

Rape Crisis South London is an equal opportunities employer. We particularly welcome applications from women who are under-represented in leadership roles within the violence against women and girls (VAWG) sector.
 

Our work is grounded in feminist principles, recognising sexual violence as both a cause and consequence of gender inequality. We centre survivor voices and prioritise empowerment, inclusivity and intersectionality.
 

Intersectionality and Reasonable Adjustments

We recognise that experiences of sexual violence are shaped by intersecting factors such as:

• Race and ethnicity
• Disability
• Sexuality and gender identity
• Socioeconomic background
• Immigration status
• Faith and culture
   

We are committed to removing barriers and creating an inclusive workplace.
 

Applicants are encouraged to let us know if they require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, such as:

• Alternative interview formats or timings
• Additional time for written tasks
• Accessible documentation
• Support relating to disability, neurodivergence or health needs
   

Learning and Development

As a charity undergoing transformation and growth, we welcome colleagues who are committed to continuous learning and professional development.

Interview Process

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview, conducted via MS Teams.

Stage one: MS Teams with the Director of Programmes and two other panel members.

The whole process from advertisement to appointment, may take up to 3 -4 weeks.

The role will initially be open for two weeks (until 12:00 noon on Wednesday 16 April 2026). However, due to the urgent need for support, applications will be reviewed and interviews arranged on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged.

The interview will explore experience and approach to:

• Safeguarding
• Equality, diversity and inclusion
• Wellbeing and feminist practice
• Trauma-informed therapeutic work
• Leadership responsibilities relevant to the role

This post is open to women only (Schedule 9, Paragraph 1, Equality Act 2010).
We particularly welcome applications from women underrepresented in leadership roles in the VAWG sector. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

How to apply
Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to in PDF format to our recruitment inbox.

AI in Job Applications 
We understand some candidates use AI tools when applying. Whilst we welcome the use of technology to support clear communication and structure, we want to learn more about you, so please ensure that your application reflects your own skills, knowledge and experiences 

We're looking for an experienced and motivated fundraiser to build on our strong foundations, develop new opportunities, and help ensure that The Gatehouse can continue providing life-changing support to adults experiencing homelessness, poverty and exclusion. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until a successful appointment is made.

Job Purpose 

To provide a physiotherapy service as part of a multi-disciplinary team, on a part-time basis

Key Working Relationships

Physiotherapists are self-employed contractors and report to the Clinical Lead.

Other key working relationships:

• Other physiotherapists within the team
• Other members of the services team
• Action for M.E. colleagues

Job Description

Key duties

• Respond to physiotherapy referrals
• Carry out assessments, provide advice and recommend interventions to manage the symptoms in patients with M.E./C.F.S. and related conditions, working with a whole person approach, and involving family/carers where appropriate
• Provide written reports for the person with M.E. and others involved in their care with consent of the patient
• Participate in clinical team meetings at least once a quarter (approximately 1 hour)
• Participate in quarterly physiotherapy team meetings (approximately 1 hour)

Key Tasks 

• Arrange and undertake consultations in the most appropriate manner for the patient - remotely by either telephone, Zoom or email.
• Record consultation details (date, length of consultation, charge) on Action for M.E.’s internal tracker for invoicing purposes
• Consider choices and in collaboration with the person with M.E., agree attainable and realistic goals, however small, during assessment
• Offer a selection of gentle progressive interventions to facilitate an improvement in their quality of life
• Offer follow-up consultations with patients by phone, Zoom or email
• Raise any safeguarding concerns to appropriate colleagues.

Working Practices  

• Seek to reduce fear associated with the illness and to create an environment for healing
• Offer clear and consistent information and advice to people with M.E. and their family/carers
• Work within Action for M.E. policies ensuring privacy and dignity.

Person Specification

Qualifications/Key requirements

• Must be registered HCPC
• Must be registered with Chartered Society of Physiotherapy or other professional body which can provide PLI
• Up to date professional indemnity insurance
• Safeguarding training to Level 3
• Eligible to work in the UK

Experience and Knowledge

May be varied but would typically include:

• Several years of post-graduate work experience in different aspects of the profession
• Familiarity with the NICE Guideline for the management of M.E. (2021)
• Experience in the management of long-term conditions
• Experience in the management of chronic pain and its impact on the quality of life
• Working in a multi-disciplinary team

Skills and Behaviours

• Excellent communication skills, in both active listening and careful word usage
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams) and the ability to quickly learn relevant bespoke software systems

Attitudes

• Understanding that ME/CFS is a complex biomedical condition
• A desire to help people holistically to manage their ME/CFS
• A willingness to think outside established protocols

Greenpeace is a movement of people who are passionate about defending the natural world from destruction. Their vision is a world where everyone has equal access to clean air, water, and energy; where the nature we love is protected, precious habitats are restored and communities are united by ambitious climate action.

Greenpeace UK’s Key Relationships programme raises around £15–16 million each year from major donors, trusts, foundations and legacies, playing a vital role in funding the organisation’s campaigning work.

We are looking for a talented relationship fundraiser to manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects, building authentic relationships that inspire significant philanthropic support for some of the world’s most urgent environmental challenges.

This is an exceptional opportunity to join one of the charity sector’s most successful major gifts programmes. Working closely with the Deputy Head of Major Gifts, you will take ownership of a portfolio of committed supporters, developing tailored cultivation strategies, making significant asks and delivering exceptional stewardship.

Much of your portfolio will comprise existing donors with considerable potential for growth, while you’ll also bring new supporters into the pipeline through thoughtful prospecting and relationship building. You’ll create meaningful opportunities for donors to connect with Greenpeace’s work, whether through one-to-one meetings, campaign briefings, events or bespoke engagement experiences that reflect their individual interests and motivations.

You’ll join a highly collaborative fundraising team with dedicated Events & Operations support, prospect research resource and strong internal relationships across the organisation. This is an opportunity to develop your major gifts expertise, take ownership of high-value relationships and play a visible role in the continued growth of Greenpeace UK’s philanthropic fundraising.

As Major Gifts Officer, you will:

• Manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects, building trusted relationships that maximise long-term philanthropic support
• Develop and deliver tailored cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies for each supporter, taking responsibility for the full donor journey
• Identify new prospects, secure meetings and create bespoke engagement plans that build a strong pipeline of future supporters
• Make compelling asks through face-to-face meetings, telephone conversations and written proposals, securing significant gifts for Greenpeace UK’s priorities
• Create meaningful opportunities for donors to engage with Greenpeace’s campaigning work through events, briefings, visits and other bespoke experiences
• Work closely with colleagues across fundraising, campaigns and communications to develop inspiring donor propositions and stewardship
• Manage your portfolio using donor insight, research and pipeline planning, ensuring accurate CRM records and contributing towards ambitious income targets
• Play an active role within the Major Gifts team, sharing intelligence, supporting colleagues and contributing to the continued success of the programme

Essential skills and experience:

• Experience identifying, cultivating and securing significant gifts from HNWIs or experience of personally securing high value income through developing relationships with individuals, for example strategic corporate partnerships or relevant out-of-sector experience.
• Experience managing a portfolio of donors, clients, accounts or comparable external relationships, developing tailored engagement strategies that build long-term relationships
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to develop compelling proposals, pitches and donor communications, and build credibility with senior stakeholders
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple relationships simultaneously, prioritise competing demands, maintain accurate records and deliver against income or commercial targets
• A warm, authentic and emotionally intelligent relationship-builder, able to adapt your approach to different audiences and create meaningful engagement opportunities
• Confident representing an organisation professionally at meetings, events and other external engagements
• A collaborative approach, sound judgement and genuine commitment to Greenpeace UK’s values and mission

Desirable, but not essential:

• Substantial major donor fundraising (full cycle) experience
• Experience securing high 5-figure or 6-figure+ gifts or comparable high-value income
• Experience of capital campaigns or other strategic relationship fundraising

Diversity and Inclusion

Greenpeace UK recognise the value in having a diverse workforce, as well as the importance of creating equal opportunities for all. Applications are welcomed and encouraged from people of all backgrounds.

Applications are particularly encouraged from people of colour, disabled people, and people who identify as working class now or in the past.

Candidates will be selected based on how well they meet the criteria for the role and all applicants will be treated fairly throughout the recruitment process.

If you have any specific requirements which would enable you to participate in the recruitment process more fully, in particular if these relate to a disability or access issue, please contact Laura at QuarterFive as soon as possible. If you require the job pack in a different format, please get in touch and we will happily provide you with one.

Anti-racism and inclusion commitments

Greenpeace UK wants its team to reflect the diversity of the communities it works alongside. It is committed to fairness, inclusion, and challenging discrimination and oppression in all its forms.

The environmental sector still has further to go when it comes to representation. Greenpeace UK has published ambitious race representation targets and, through its Anti Racism Plan, is working proactively to achieve stronger representation of people of colour, particularly within leadership positions.

As part of this commitment, a Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) is being piloted. Greenpeace UK aims to offer an interview to everyone who opts into the scheme and meets the essential criteria. Guaranteed interview applications will be processed by QuarterFive and shared only with the Greenpeace UK recruiting manager and HR team.

If you identify as a person of colour and meet the essential criteria for the role, you can choose to opt in to the Guaranteed Interview Scheme via the screening questions (click on 'Apply' to view these). 

Don’t meet every single requirement? Research shows that women and people of colour may hesitate to apply unless they meet every area of the person specification. If you’re excited about this role but don’t meet all the criteria, you are encouraged to apply.

Employee benefits

Employee benefits include: 

• 25 days annual leave for full-time staff, with additional leave accrued according to length of service up to a maximum of 32 days
• Once a month, all Greenpeace staff take an organisational ‘breather’ day where the office closes with no expectations of output on these days
• Office closure normally occurs between Christmas and new year and staff are not required to use annual leave to cover this period
• Employer pension contribution of 8.5% of basic salary, provided employees contribute at least 3%
• Interest free season ticket loan, or a tax efficient bicycle loan
• Life assurance scheme (4 x annual salary)
• Employee Assistance Programme that includes access to free confidential advice with a qualified counsellor