Counsellor (1 year FTC)

Are you a qualified counsellor who is passionate about making a difference to lives of children and families?

We have a part-time role working 15 hours per week which is fixed term until 31 March 2026, There is potential to increase hours and contract length if additional funding is secured.

Signpost is a subsidiary charity of One YMCA and offers counselling and other therapies to support children and young people aged 5-25 years, and their families.
At Signpost, we offer a safe and confidential space for children and young people to talk about their mental health in the hope of supporting them to develop coping strategies, to build their self-esteem and confidence.

The Role: We are seeking a qualified counsellor who is passionate about making a difference to lives of the children and families they work with. The post holder is expected to have a `hands on’ approach to the delivery of service and co-ordinate and deliver clinical and therapeutic interventions which meet the needs of children, young people and their families, both at the centre and within the community.

• To deliver creative and appropriate therapeutic interventions to children, young people and their families.
• Monitor the counselling service waiting list and complete clinical assessments to safely allocate to a Signpost Therapist or refer onwards to an appropriate service.
• To adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions
• To assess levels of presenting risk and support the management of risk by escalating cases appropriately according to service operational procedures
• To provide timely, accurate and up-to-date information and advice to referring professionals and families about mental health and emotional wellbeing services
• Provide support to volunteer counsellors when identified as needed.
• To work in partnership with schools, health services and community organisations
• To support the co-design of information about the service with children and young people

Requirements:
• Preferred working days are Tuesday and Wednesday, 12-8pm.
• Access to a car and travelling around Hertfordshire is essential, including travel to Bedfordshire.
• Counselling Diploma /Degree (Level 4 minimum).
• Qualifications or working towards creative and play therapies.
• Level 5 diploma or higher in counselling children and young people is desirable
• Member of nationally recognised professional body e.g. BACP, NCS, UKCP.
• Accredited, eligible for or working towards accreditation by BACP, UKCP, NCS

A full JD is available at the bottom of the page.

*Please do not delay in applying as we will be interviewing on a rolling basis*

At One YMCA we are an inclusive organisation and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We do not discriminate on the basis of Age, Disability, Gender Reassignment, Marriage/Civil Partnership, Pregnancy/Maternity, Race, Religion/Belief, Sex and/or Sexual Orientation. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities, and industries, and are committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills, experiences, and abilities.

This is a  Part Time role.

Hours per week:  15

Working Pattern: Tuesday and Wednesday 12-8pm, but can be flexible on days