Counselling jobs in Chatham

ASCLD Trainee

Location: North Kent
Salary: £32,700 - £35,162

Hours: Full time, 37 hours
Contract: Fixed term, 12 months from January 2027
Closing Date: 13.11.26
Interview Date: 18.11.26

Every role at North Kent Mind contributes to improving mental health and wellbeing outcomes for people and communities across Dartford, Gravesham, Swanley and Medway. By working together to deliver high-quality, person-centred support, we help ensure that people experiencing mental health challenges receive the support and respect they deserve.

About North Kent Mind

North Kent Mind is an independent mental health charity supporting people living in Dartford, Gravesham, Swanley and Medway.

We provide a wide range of services that help improve mental health and wellbeing, including counselling, community support, children and young people's services, wellbeing programmes and employment-related support.

Our vision is that everyone experiencing a mental health problem receives the support and respect they deserve. We are committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred services that make a meaningful difference in our local communities.

About the Opportunity

We're looking for a Trainee Autism and Learning Disability Psychological Practitioner (Recruit to Train) to join our Children and Young People's Service.

This role combines postgraduate study at University College London (UCL) with supervised clinical practice, supporting Autistic children and young people and children and young people with Learning Disabilities experiencing mental health and emotional wellbeing difficulties.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary team across North Kent, you'll develop specialist skills in assessment, formulation and delivering adapted evidence-based interventions while completing a nationally recognised training programme.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

· Deliver supervised psychological interventions to children and young people.

· Undertake assessments and contribute to formulation and intervention planning.

· Adapt communication and intervention approaches to meet individual needs.

· Work collaboratively with families, schools and partner agencies.

· Maintain accurate clinical records and outcome measures.

· Manage risk and safeguarding concerns appropriately.

· Successfully complete all academic, clinical and placement requirements of the programme.

Essential Criteria

The successful candidate will have:

· Degree (minimum 2:2) in a relevant subject, or equivalent experience demonstrating ability to study at postgraduate level.

· Minimum two years' experience in children's mental health, emotional wellbeing or related support services.

· Minimum one year's experience working with Autistic children and young people and/or children and young people with Learning Disabilities.

· Knowledge of Autism and/or Learning Disabilities and children's mental health.

· Knowledge of safeguarding children and young people.

· Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

· Ability to balance university study alongside placement requirements.

Desirable Criteria

It would be advantageous if you also have:

· Experience of multidisciplinary or multi-agency working.

· Experience within a VCSE organisation.

· Knowledge of evidence-based psychological approaches.

Why Join North Kent Mind?

As part of our team, you will:

· Make a genuine difference to people's lives.

· Join a supportive, values-driven organisation.

· Contribute to services that improve mental health and wellbeing.

· Be encouraged to develop professionally and personally.

· Help shape the future of mental health support across North Kent.

Benefits

· 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days with length of service, plus bank holidays (pro rata for part-time employees)

· Occupational pension scheme

· Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

· Learning and development opportunities

· Wellbeing support and initiatives

· Blue Light Card discounts

· Family-friendly and compassionate leave policies

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

North Kent Mind is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and supported. We recognise that a diverse workforce strengthens our organisation and helps us better understand and meet the needs of the communities we serve.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives and are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion throughout our recruitment, employment and development practices.

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is fair, accessible and inclusive. Reasonable adjustments will be considered and supported at every stage of the recruitment process and throughout employment where required.

Safeguarding Commitment

North Kent Mind is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and to creating safe environments in which they can thrive. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and to uphold our safeguarding responsibilities at all times.

As part of our safer recruitment approach, the recruitment and selection process for this role will assess the candidate's suitability to work with children and young people. Successful applicants will be subject to appropriate pre-employment checks, which may include an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check with Children's Barred List check, verification of qualifications, employment history, references and right-to-work checks, as appropriate to the role.

North Kent Mind is committed to safeguarding children and young people from harm, abuse and exploitation. We seek to recruit and retain individuals who share our values and who demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Recruitment Process

Applications will be assessed against the criteria set out in the Person Specification. Applicants must apply to both the university and North kent Mind to be Shortlisted. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview and may be required to complete a role-related assessment.

Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks applicable to the role.

How to Apply

For further information, please review the Job Description and Person Specification.

To apply, please submit:

· A completed application form to North Kent Mind

· A completed application to the university, following the guidance pack.

Please ensure your application demonstrates how you meet the essential criteria set out in the Person Specification.

Closing Date: 13.11.26

Interview Date: 18.11.26

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received.

Pay: £32,700.00-£35,162.00 per year

Benefits:

• Bereavement leave
• Company pension
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Sick pay

Work Location: In person