At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and young people with mental health challenges through innovative counselling interventions.
- Company: Join ABL Health, a leader in youth mental health support.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible leave, birthday off, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with opportunities for leadership and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young lives while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must have relevant counselling diplomas and experience working with children and young people.
Location: Swindon
Salary: £30,000 – £32,000 per year
Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Time (37.5 hours per week; Part time also considered)
Closing Date: 30th of August 2026
Role Purpose: You will support a team to deliver Person Centred interventions for children and young people experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties to support them to improve their emotional health and build resilience. This will include (F2F & virtual) individual, group work and peer support. This post will work under the line management of the Head of Service/ Service Lead at Be U Swindon. Managerial and clinical supervision will be provided. The role will be varied, challenging, and rewarding as you will work as part of a diverse clinical team pro-actively developing the service through co-production, delivery, and ongoing innovation.
To provide Clinical Supervision to counsellors and Mental Health Support Workers or relevant experience and willingness to undertake a funded Clinical Supervision course becoming a qualified supervisor. This qualification is designed to give learners the knowledge, skills and competencies to provide clinical supervision for counselling practitioners. It is aimed at counsellors who have acquired sufficient client work experience to contemplate the move into a clinical supervision role.
Participants will need to:
- Have both supervisees and supervisory supervision.
- Be working as counsellors under supervision.
This qualification is designed to lead to a role as a clinical counselling supervisor in a counselling agency or in independent practice. Supervision is an ongoing professional requirement for all practising counsellors and those with a recognised qualification are more likely to find employment.
Entry requirements: You must have completed our Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling, Level 5 Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutic Skills and Theory, Level 5 Diploma in Counselling Children and Young People or their equivalents plus have at least one year’s post-qualifying experience of supervised client work. Alternatively, you must have completed our Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling or its equivalent and have at least two years’ post-qualifying experience of supervised client work.
Key Duties and Responsibilities: The successful candidate will provide clinical leadership and day-to-day support to the wider team, contributing to the safe and effective delivery of services for children and young people (CYP). The role involves triaging referrals, undertaking comprehensive assessments, providing safeguarding support and developing safety plans for CYP presenting with self-harm or suicidal ideation. The postholder will deliver one-to-one and group therapeutic interventions, maintain accurate and confidential clinical records, use risk assessments to inform decision-making, and ensure appropriate signposting and escalation where required. They will work closely with children, young people, families and professionals, communicating with sensitivity and compassion while ensuring young people feel heard, respected and involved in their care. In addition, the role includes supporting clinical record audits, delivering training, facilitating peer support initiatives, and providing cover and guidance to colleagues to ensure the smooth and effective operation of the service.
Skills & Competencies required:
- An experienced and qualified mental health practitioner used to a fast-paced environment.
- Experienced in working with children and young people across early intervention/mental health settings and experienced in engaging the whole family.
- Confident in supporting/offering interventions to children and young people presenting mild to moderate risk behaviours.
- Able to build strong therapeutic relationships in a short period of time.
- Positive and proactive to achieve the highest standards and outcomes in engagement with children, young people, their parent/carers and professionals.
- Adept in communication and confident communicating with CYP (Children and Young Peoples), their parents/carers and health professionals.
- Open, respectful, committed to equality and inclusiveness and motivated by new ideas and perspectives.
- A team player.
- Be able to work independently using initiative and problem-solving skills to ensure best outcomes for CYP.
- Be able to manage own diary effectively.
Employee Benefits:
- Birthday Day off
- Flexible Annual Leave scheme
- Employee Referral scheme
- 37.5 hours working week
- Flu jabs
- Blue Light Card
- Cycle to work scheme
- Leadership and staff away days
- Training and Development
Please note that we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.
To Apply: If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for ABL Health, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.
Senior Counselling Practitioner in Swindon employer: ABL Health
ABL Health is an exceptional employer located in Swindon, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and the children and young people they serve. With a strong focus on professional development, including opportunities for clinical supervision training, employees can expect to grow their skills while enjoying benefits such as flexible annual leave, a birthday day off, and team-building events. Join a diverse clinical team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community, where your contributions are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Counselling Practitioner in Swindon
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at ABL Health. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like ABL Health.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Counselling Practitioner in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for ABL Health:Take some time to research ABL Health and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at ABL Health
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for ABL Health's values and approach.