Counselling jobs in Thornbury

POSITION: Counsellor - Young People (11-16)

DURATION OF POST: 12 Months (Subject to funding)

HOURS: 30 - 37.5 hours

Varied shift patterns between the hours of 9am and 7pm. Due to the nature of our work, we require the successful candidate to be flexible with their working pattern.

SALARY: £28,940.00 - £31,250.00 per annum (pro rata)

HOLIDAY: 25 days per annum plus bank holidays

PENSION: Auto enrolment pension in place

RESPONSIBLE TO: Delivery Manager

LOCATION: Your normal place of work will be one of the following offices.

• The Old Dock Office, Commercial Road, Glos, GL1 2EB,
• Graphic House, Greyfriars, Glos, GL1 1TS

but you agree to perform your duties in such other place or places as we may reasonably require from time to time.

MEMBERSHIP: Counsellors must have individual BACP registration and meet the BACP guidelines or equivalent

DATE JD WRITTEN: September 2026

WHO ARE YOUNG GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Young Gloucestershire supports disadvantaged young people who are facing challenges in their lives. Our vision is for young people to have the confidence motivation and skills to improve their lives. We work to achieve this vision by creating opportunities that educate, inform and inspire by;

• Providing training for young people to take the next step
• Working with young people to make informed decisions by offering practical support
• Working with communities to provide opportunities for young people

OUR BENEFITS INCLUDE

• EAP
• Life Insurance
• Entitlement of 25 days annual leave (Pro rata) plus bank holidays
• December Shutdown (Christmas Period)
• In house CPD training
• Enrolment into Pension Scheme and employer contribution
• Comprehensive induction programme including face-to-face training, online modules, and shadowing
• Clinical supervision (Counsellors)
• Staff days

JOB SUMMARY

The main responsibilities include:

• Providing one-to-one counselling to young people 11-16 (and where required 16-25)
• Short- and long-term interventions
• Completing assessment tools
• Maintaining appropriate paperwork and confidentiality
• Working within a team
• Upholding BACP ethics

JOB PURPOSE

To provide counselling to vulnerable young people to improve their outcomes

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Assessing referrals that are received and identify needs.
• Identifying what level of support is needed.
• Providing therapeutic counselling to clients and maintain a case load target of up to 20 (dependant on working hours and travel)
• Offering structured support in self-harm reduction
• Support with reports for funders and partners. Ensuring that clients understand the service and are competent to consent to engage with counselling in line with Fraser Guidelines.
• Maintaining appropriate records of counselling in line with legal ethical and organisational constraints.
• Communicating and liaising with other agencies within the limitations of the role and confidentiality.
• Encouraging and engaging with the client’s family where appropriate, e.g. to facilitate attendance at appointments.
• Maintaining professional membership and practice in accordance with the ethical framework of a professional body including the participation in regular supervision and CPD.
• Maintaining awareness of the rights of the child and allow them autonomy within the counselling process.
• Ensuring that monitoring and feedback is maintained as part of the ongoing sustainability of the service.
• Development of appropriate marketing and publicity materials.

GENERAL DUTIES

• Maintain a quality service to young people across all YG provision
• Collect and review data ensuring projects are meeting KPI’s and project outcomes
• Maintain accurate records/reports and ensure required paperwork is completed on time
• To oversee the control, servicing and maintenance of equipment as relevant to your staff team
• Take responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of young people with specific safeguarding duties

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain accurate records using YG’s data management systems
• Keep up to date with current affairs and maintain an awareness of resources that may be of benefit to Young Gloucestershire
• Complete essential training
• Uphold Young Gloucestershire’s ethos and policies
• Promote a positive image of Young Gloucestershire
• Work as part of the wider organisation and undertake duties as required to ensure the strategic objectives of the organisation are achieved
• To undertake training and other developmental activities as require
• To operate within the policies and procedures of Young Gloucestershire
• To ensure that the work reflects the organisation’s commitment to equality and diversity
• To oversee the control, servicing and maintenance of equipment
• To maintain a teamwork approach to all aspects of the work
• To promote and maintain a positive image of Young Gloucestershire as a responsible and professional service

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The following are the criteria that will be used for shortlisting:

• Understanding of a youth work intervention
• An appropriate professional qualification in a relevant field
• Experience or knowledge of working with multi agencies
• Good at sourcing and building relationships with key partners from the charity, statutory and business sectors
• The ability to provide a positive role model for young people
• A background in supporting and motivating individuals to achieve their potential
• Knowledge and experience of working with young people
• Experience of leading public presentation/training/meetings
• Evidence of recent commitment to personal professional development
• High level of communication, interpersonal and presentation skills, including experience of writing accurate and concise reports
• Experience of working on their/them own initiative to an agreed action plan
• Understanding and promotion of equal opportunities in both staff and client work.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team with shared and overlapping objectives
• Ability to support members of an extended, geographically diverse team
• Clean current Driving licence
• A “can-do” approach
• Ability to work flexibly
• Enthusiasm, stamina and a willingness to adapt
• Commitment to motivate and inspire disaffected young people to achieve their potential

ESSENTIAL

• Relevant Level 4 diploma qualification or equivalent.
• Post qualification training in counselling children & young people
• BACP Membership or accreditation
• Experience of working with young people with complex needs. Exploring alternative approaches
• Experience in short term intervention and long-term interventions
• Experience of working on their own initiative and work effectively as part of a team with shared and overlapping objectives as agreed plan.
• Experience of handling sensitive issues with tact and diplomacy
• Communication, interpersonal and presentation skills, including experience of writing accurate and concise reports
• Understanding and promotion of equal opportunities in both staff and client work
• Flexible working hours to meet the needs of the business
• Driving licence and willing to drive company vehicles
• Evidence of recent commitment to personal professional development.
• Understanding of self- injury
• Knowledge of assessment

DESIRABLE

• Relevant Degree Level qualification or equivalent
• Awareness of current issues faced by the Voluntary Sector
• Adaptable and shows initiative
• Has a high level of personal resilience and emotional and social intelligence
• Evidence of recent commitment to personal professional development
• IT skills - experienced with Microsoft Office and knowledge of the database
• Ability to clear the high-level prison security procedures
• Experience in managing a diverse caseload
• Experience of presentations/group meetings, training and delivery
• Post-qualification training in counselling children & young people

If you have been driving for under a year or are under the age of 21, you are unable to drive the company vehicles due to our insurance policies. You can drive your personal vehicle, if you have shown evidence of business insurance to claim mileage.

We celebrate our inclusive work environment and encourage people of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

We are unable to provide sponsorship for this role; you must have the right to work in the UK.

Pay: £28,940.00-£31,250.00 per year

Application question(s):

• Do you have right to work in the UK?
• Do you have a Full Valid UK Driving Licence? (This is a requirement of the role)

Work Location: In person