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- Tasks: Provide counselling for children aged 10+ on sensitive issues like sexual violence.
- Company: First Light, a supportive and professional counselling service.
- Benefits: Competitive pay per session, flexible hours, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team and support young people through challenging times.
- Qualifications: Level 4 or 5 Diploma in Counselling and experience with young people required.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and professional development in a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 36000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Plymouth
Salary: ÂŁ35 per session / ÂŁ50 per assessment
Contract: Self Employed
Hours: 8 sessions over 2 working days
About the Role
To provide counselling for children (10+) attending the Service in relation to Sexual Violence, including pre-trial therapy where relevant. This is within the context of a non-judgmental and confidential service and in accordance with our current service policy and the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and NCPS ethical framework. Ideally Level 4 or 5 Diploma in Counselling and 2 years post registration with experience of working with young people /and additional children’s qualification. To deliver face to face sessions to clients on First Light premises and carry out assessments as needed.
Key responsibilities:
- To provide counselling services to young people aged 10+ who are referred through appropriate referral channels in relation to sexual violence or abuse, including pre-trial therapy where relevant.
- Must engage in at least 1.5 hours counselling supervision per month, in line with professional guidelines, and be able to evidence this if requested.
- To assess risk of harm to clients/self/others/property and take action as appropriate and consider sharing of information in respect of Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults; acts of terrorism etc.
- To undertake specific administration duties related to the counselling service, including electronic case and note management, client contracting, user feedback and provide statistical caseload information for quarterly counselling service reports.
- To practice in accordance with the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)/UKCP/NCPS ethical framework.
- To continuously uphold the core values and beliefs set by First Light.
- To act as a professional role model, through commitment to the integration into the practice of First Light policies and procedures.
- Your supervisor must be prepared to share any concerns about your practice.
- To provide, and receive highly sensitive and emotive information.
- To be mindful of where there may be barriers to understanding because of cultural, language or learning difficulties in a non-judgmental and empathic manner.
- A high level of therapeutic skills is required to provide intentional clinical interventions to specific client group.
- To conduct sessions through translators, if required.
- To build working relationships with staff, even though I am remote, I feel it is important to support the team should the need arise.
- To be able to identify symptoms of vicarious traumatisation and implement self-management/ recovery plan in conjunction with external clinical supervisor and Team Leader.
- To identify and assess relevant care, protection and risk issues relating directly or indirectly to clients and take necessary steps in accordance with Safeguarding and ethical guidelines in consultation with external clinical supervisor and Team Leader.
- To manage clinical risk within own caseload and to be flexible within the service, should my team leader require my help.
- To be able to plan a workload and work to our time limited counselling protocol of 12 sessions per client.
- To be punctual and reliable.
- To be able to receive and accept regular work from the Therapeutic Team Manager.
- To develop and maintain knowledge and skills relevant to this area of work, which meets the needs of the organisation, client group and sexual offences legislation.
- To identify own personal and professional development needs and to keep abreast of best practice in relation to sexual violence.
- To ensure continued professional development in accordance with professional body framework.
- To be “in date” for Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults and Child Protection courses. Certificates must be provided to Admin.
- To support the implementation of research findings where appropriate to ensure quality of service and effective practice.
Essential requirements
- Individual and Registered Member of BACP or NCPS.
- Diploma in Counselling (Min Level 4), Psychotherapy/ Counselling.
- Experience in therapeutic work with children and young people.
- Handling confidential and sensitive information appropriately.
- Evidence of knowledge and skills relevant to this area of work.
- Understanding the issues relating to rape and sexual assault.
- Understanding of the BACP or NCPS Ethical Framework.
- Understanding of safeguarding practices for children and vulnerable adults.
- Knowledge and use of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
- Excellent verbal and communication skills.
- Ability to manage own workload.
- Ability to utilise clinical supervision effectively.
- Non-judgmental, treat all clients, visitors and colleagues with dignity and respect.
- Exemplary personal standards of conduct and behaviour.
- Able to work, and fully commit to our policies on equality and diversity.
- Able to maintain personal and professional boundaries.
Deadline for receipt of applications: 09:00 on Friday 10th April 2026
To Apply
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for First Light, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.
CYP Counsellor Sessional employer: First Light
Contact Detail:
First Light Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land CYP Counsellor Sessional
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the counselling field, especially those who work with young people. They might know of opportunities or can even refer you directly to hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to counselling and safeguarding. We recommend role-playing with a friend to get comfortable discussing your experience and approach to sensitive topics.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along examples of your work or case studies that highlight your therapeutic skills and understanding of the issues surrounding sexual violence. This will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining First Light and making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace CYP Counsellor Sessional
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and skills that match the job description. We want to see how you fit into our team, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant qualifications!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This helps us understand your background quickly!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for working with young people and addressing sensitive issues shine through in your application. We love candidates who are genuinely passionate about making a difference in the lives of others!
Follow the Instructions: Don’t forget to check the application guidelines carefully! Make sure you submit everything we ask for by the deadline. Applying through our website is the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups.
How to prepare for a job interview at First Light
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the BACP and NCPS ethical frameworks. Brush up on your knowledge of safeguarding practices for children and vulnerable adults, as well as the issues surrounding sexual violence. This will show that you’re not just qualified but also genuinely invested in the role.
✨Show Empathy and Understanding
During the interview, demonstrate your ability to connect with young people and handle sensitive topics. Share examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully navigated difficult conversations or provided support to clients in distress. This will highlight your therapeutic skills and non-judgmental approach.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life situations you might face as a CYP Counsellor. Prepare by thinking through how you would assess risk, manage clinical situations, and maintain professional boundaries. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions about the team dynamics, supervision processes, or ongoing training opportunities. This shows that you’re proactive and interested in how you can grow within the organisation, which is a big plus for any employer.