At a Glance
- Tasks: Support men in custody with family relationships and emotional wellbeing through tailored counselling.
- Company: Join a compassionate team dedicated to rehabilitation and family support.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, pension contributions, and access to mental health support.
- Other info: Flexible working patterns and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of individuals and their families during challenging times.
- Qualifications: Experience in trauma support and relationship challenges, with relevant professional accreditation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 36000 £ per year.
Location: Based within HMP Forest Bank, Greater Manchester. You may be expected to travel to other services as required, including to Central London Central Office, HMP Altcourse and for in-person meetings held off site. Hybrid working is permitted with an option of up to 2 days working from home when appropriate. Step Free access is not available at this service.
Salary: £36,000
Shift Pattern: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday 07:30 - 17:30. You may be required to work outside these hours as per service and organisational requirements, including evenings, weekends, bank holidays and forming part of the out of hours on call rota for managers.
About the Role
We are hiring a Safe Ground Family Counsellor to support men in custody at HMP Forest Bank, located in Manchester. As a Family Counsellor, you will identify the needs of men and their families in custody, providing anti‑punitive, anti‑shame, tailored support to maintain and grow family ties for individuals whilst in custody. You will deliver person‑centred therapeutic support through group, one‑to‑one and triage sessions, helping participants improve relationships, develop emotional awareness and build healthier communication. The role includes family counselling clinics, group programme support and joint work with prison teams and external partners. You will work in a trauma‑informed way to support rehabilitation and strengthen family connections.
Key Responsibilities
- Support men who may be facing challenges with family relationships, father‑child contact, emotional regulation, trauma, communication difficulties and maintaining positive relationships during custody.
- Deliver group and one‑to‑one counselling sessions, as well as facilitating family counselling clinics.
- Support full‑time delivery of programmes such as Fathers Inside and Man Up, which have received national recognition and are delivered across custodial and community settings.
- Create and maintain tailored support plans.
- Work with prison teams and external partners to coordinate support.
- Bespoke training and active learning will be provided.
- Support participants to improve relationships and emotional regulation.
- Monitor wellbeing and respond to safeguarding concerns.
- Maintain accurate records on internal systems.
- Lone working as part of a wider team.
About You
We are looking for a compassionate and motivated individual who understands the needs of men in custody, the importance of anti‑shame and anti‑punitive practice in these systems, and the importance of family relationships in supporting rehabilitation. You will be comfortable working in a custodial environment and able to build trust with individuals from a range of backgrounds. You will be proactive in managing your workload, able to adapt within a busy service, and confident working both independently and as part of a wider team, often challenging prison cultures. You will be keen to support men in custody to achieve their individual goals and support them to be the best versions of themselves.
Experience
- Supporting people with trauma, relationship challenges, or within the criminal justice system with BACP registration or equivalent professional accreditation.
- Ability to engage with people from different backgrounds, build rapport and support them to achieve their personal goals.
- Ability to show empathy and understanding of the challenges people face and adapt approaches to meet individual needs.
- Confidence delivering both one‑to‑one and group‑based support.
- Ability to work collaboratively with a range of professionals and services, often challenging punitive approaches.
- Ability to use, learn and adapt to IT at an intermediate level, including Microsoft and other software programmes.
- Ability and willingness to be flexible in working patterns to meet service needs.
- Understanding of the different needs people with multiple and complex needs have and be aware of the social marginalisation that can be attached to people who face personal challenges.
- Alignment with our values of Ambition, Empowerment, Inclusivity, and Transparency.
What we Offer
- 25 days (Full time equivalent) annual leave, increasing with the length of service.
- Employer Pension Contribution.
- Eligibility to register with Blue Light Discount Card.
- Access to discounted tickets for music events, shows, sports and more.
- Reflective Practice regular sessions with a therapist provided by an external provider to support Mental Health and Wellbeing at work.
- Training and Development, including access to courses, upskilling and progression plans.
- Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling.
- Life Assurance Scheme.
- Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
- Annual Staff Awards.
- EDI Ambassador programme.
Additional Information
We are interviewing on an ongoing basis so this job role may close early. We advise applying as soon as possible for your application to be taken into consideration in the early stages. Interviews are scheduled for commencing on the 20th of July and 2nd Stage interviews for the 2nd of August. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact us on the details below. Please email recruitment@socialinterestgroup.org.uk or call 020 3668 9270. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship; please ensure you have full right to work in the UK prior to applying to our positions.
Family Counsellor in Salford employer: Homeless Link
At Safe Ground, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for our Family Counsellors. Located within HMP Forest Bank in Greater Manchester, we offer a range of benefits including generous annual leave, professional development opportunities, and a commitment to mental health and wellbeing through reflective practice sessions. Our culture emphasises empowerment and collaboration, ensuring that you can make a meaningful impact while growing both personally and professionally in your role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Counsellor in Salford
✨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 Homeless Link. 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 Homeless Link.
We think you need these skills to ace Family Counsellor in Salford
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 Homeless Link:Take some time to research Homeless Link 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 Homeless Link
✨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 Homeless Link's values and approach.
