At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide professional counselling to individuals affected by cancer through face-to-face and remote sessions.
- Company: Join Cancer Focus Northern Ireland, a leading charity dedicated to supporting cancer patients.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous annual leave, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with opportunities for continuous professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your counselling skills.
- Qualifications: Must have a professional counselling qualification and experience in clinical practice.
The predicted salary is between 26300 - 27500 € per year.
Overview
Counsellor (Southern Trust)
Reports to: Counselling Team Co-ordinator / Director of Services
Hours: 28 hours per week
Location: Southern Trust - Craigavon Area Hospital and remote services
Campaign Service/Cause: Counselling
Remuneration: £31,357 - £33,301 pro-rata (FTE 35 hours)
Overall Purpose of Post
This post forms part of Cancer Focus Northern Ireland’s Counselling service. The postholder will be responsible for providing a professional Counselling Service to individuals whose lives have been affected by cancer.
Responsibilities
- To develop and deliver a counselling service to Cancer Focus NI’s clients using a blend of face-to-face and remote sessions.
- To assess the needs of clients and provide appropriate therapeutic interventions to meet these needs, primarily through one-to-one counselling.
- To manage the waiting list in the area as part of the Cancer Focus NI Counselling Team.
- To plan and implement therapeutic interventions or re-refer to other services as appropriate.
- To maintain records on an online Data Management system in accordance with recording procedures.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of counselling through agreed outcome monitoring tools, regular review, and audit.
- To evaluate own work and contribute to the evaluation of the effective delivery of the service.
- To support collection of case studies to ensure service users’ views help to inform future service provision and influence wider strategic objectives.
- To adhere to the code of ethics and practice of a professional counselling body such as the BACP Ethical Framework.
- To attend regular external supervision, for which an employer contribution will be provided.
- To work as an integral part of the multidisciplinary team and liaise with relevant staff as appropriate.
- To participate in ongoing training and continuous professional development as facilitated by Cancer Focus NI.
- To participate and contribute to educational programmes for other health professionals as appropriate.
- To promote existing Cancer Focus NI services (e.g. Counselling, Family Support, Nurseline, Support Groups, and the Bra-Fitting Service) as appropriate.
- To assist in the development of appropriate resources for both patients and health professionals.
- To comply with all Cancer Focus NI policies and procedures.
- To carry out any other duties that may be required by Cancer Focus NI.
This Job Description is not exhaustive. It merely acts as a guide and may be amended to meet the changing requirements of the charity at any time after discussion with the post holder.
This post may require some evening work, so an element of flexible working is required.
Person Specification
The below specification shows the essential skills, abilities, knowledge and/or qualifications required to be able to carry out the duties of this post. Therefore, please address in a covering letter, each criterion listed in the specification, drawing upon all of your experience, whether at work of on a voluntary basis.
Essential Criteria
Experience
- Minimum of 2 years’ post-qualification supervised clinical practice, accumulating to at least 200 hours of post-qualifying supervised practice.
- Experience in working with statutory and voluntary agencies
- Experience of carrying out client assessments
- Experience with administrative systems, including the use of relevant ICT packages.
Qualifications
- Professional qualification in Counselling or Psychotherapy (minimum Level 4 Advanced Diploma or equivalent)
- Professional Registration and Accreditation as a practitioner with BACP, IACP, UKCP or equivalent; or meet all the criteria to apply for accreditation/ meet the criteria for future entry at SCoPEd Column B
- Have completed training in remote counselling such as “How to do Counselling Online” by the Open University and BACP.
Skills
- Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and appropriate boundaries in all work-related matters
- Ability to manage and monitor a caseload with competing priorities
- Ability to work with complex needs
- Ability to ethically work with risk and safeguarding issues
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to build good working relationships with individuals and organisations.
Personal Qualities
- Flexible attitude towards working hours to meet clients’ needs and as demanded by the requirements of the job
- Ability to work well within a team
- Ability to use own initiative
- Enthusiasm, drive, and commitment to continuous improvement.
Other
- Applicants must hold a full current driving license and have access to the use of a car or some other appropriate form of transport to carry out the duties of the post.
Desirable Criteria
Experience
- Experience as a counsellor working in a cancer specialist environment
- Experience of working with cancer patients
- Experience of facilitating groups.
Qualifications
- Health professional qualification
- Certificate in online and telephone counselling.
Additional Information
Terms and Conditions of Employment
- Successful applicants must provide proof of their right to work in the UK. (This will be evidenced in the first instance by being in possession of a British or Irish passport or a valid UK Work Permit).
- The activities of this role meet the Access NI definition of regulated activity relating to working with adults and children as outlined in the Access NI Code of Practice. Cancer Focus NI will obtain an Access NI Enhanced Adult Barred List check, and/or Enhanced Children’s Barred List check for the successful candidate. Applicants who have a criminal record will be treated fairly and not discriminated automatically because of a conviction or other information revealed. Applicants with criminal records will be reviewed in line with Cancer Focus Northern Ireland’s policy on the recruitment of Ex-offenders.
- If there is any reason you cannot work in Regulated Activity, you must disclose this to us. Cancer Focus Northern Ireland has a written policy on the Secure Handling, Use, Storage and Retention of Disclosure information.
- Satisfactory reference checks.
- 12 months probationary period.
- Evidence of relevant academic and professional qualifications.
- Evidence of appropriate vehicle documentation (i.e. driving licence and insurance cover) must be provided where the role necessitates travel on company business in own vehicle.
Benefits
- Flexible working policy
- 25 days Annual Leave, plus 12 statutory days (pro rata for those working less than 35 hrs per week)
- 2 additional days of annual leave after 5 years’ service and a further 3 days after 10 years’ service
- Enhanced Maternity / Adoption Pay
- Enhanced Occupational Sick Pay Scheme
- Contributory Pension Scheme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Mileage Allowance at the prevailing HMRC rate
- Life Assurance
- Healthcare Plan
Disability
Cancer Focus NI is an Equal Opportunities Employer and all applications are dealt with in accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act. A person is disabled if they have, or have had, “a physical or mental impairment which has, or has had, a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day to day activities”.
If you consider yourself to have a disability relevant to the position for which you are applying, please contact us so that we can process your application fairly, make any specific arrangements for your interview, and make any necessary reasonable adjustments or adaptations, or provide any aids to assist you in completing the duties of the post if appointed.
Equal Opportunities
Cancer Focus NI is an Equal Opportunities Employer and all applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit.
Application Process
The closing date/time for submission of CV and cover letter is 5.00pm, 22nd October 2025.
Interview dates: week commencing 3rd November 2025.
If you would like to apply for this role, please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV and cover letter before this date/time to: or, mailed to:
Human Resources, Cancer Focus NI, 6th Floor, 29-31 Montgomery Street, Belfast BT1 4NX
We cannot accept applications received after the closing date/time.
Guidance Notes on Applying for our role
Please ensure your CV is up-to-date and accurate. Cancer Focus NI will not make assumptions from the title of your post(s) or the nature of any employing organisation(s) as to your skills and experience gained.
- If you do not provide sufficient detail, including the appropriate dates needed to meet any eligibility criteria, your application may be rejected.
- ONLY the details provided by you in your CV and cover letter will be used for determining your eligibility for the post/shortlisting purposes.
Counsellor (Southern Trust) in Craigavon employer: Cancer Focus
Cancer Focus Northern Ireland is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. With flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and a commitment to continuous training, employees are empowered to grow in their roles while making a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by cancer. Located at the Craigavon Area Hospital, the organisation fosters a collaborative environment where team members can thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Counsellor (Southern Trust) in Craigavon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the counselling field, especially those who work with cancer patients. They might have insider info on job openings or can even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common counselling scenarios. Think about how you'd handle client assessments or therapeutic interventions. This will show you're ready to hit the ground running!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your flexibility! Highlight your willingness to work evenings or adapt to client needs. This is key in the counselling world, especially when dealing with sensitive situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Cancer Focus NI team and making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Counsellor (Southern Trust) in Craigavon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Counsellor role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially your clinical practice and any work with cancer patients. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Address each criterion in the person specification and share your passion for counselling. Let us know why you’re the perfect fit for our team at Cancer Focus NI.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary and avoid jargon. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets to the heart of your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your CV and cover letter. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Cancer Focus NI.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cancer Focus
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the key responsibilities of the Counsellor role at Cancer Focus NI. Brush up on your knowledge about cancer care and the specific therapeutic interventions you might use. This will show that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely interested in the work.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous counselling experience, especially any work with cancer patients or in similar environments. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've assessed client needs and delivered effective interventions. This will help demonstrate your capability to manage a caseload effectively.
✨Practice Remote Counselling
Since this role involves remote sessions, it’s crucial to be comfortable with online counselling tools. If you’ve completed training in remote counselling, be ready to talk about it. You might even want to do a mock session to get used to the format and technology.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing training opportunities, or how they measure the effectiveness of their counselling services. This shows that you’re engaged and thinking about how you can contribute to the team.
