At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and young people through counselling while developing your skills.
- Company: Join No Limits, a leading youth services charity in Southampton.
- Benefits: Enjoy 36 days annual leave, wellbeing days, and a pension scheme.
- Other info: Hybrid working, supportive team, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Studying Level 4 or above in counselling and ready to work with ages 11-17.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Role Terms
- Hours: Monday - Friday 1pm - 6pm, Saturday 10am - 1.30pm. You would need to be available for one of the above session slots each week. Please indicate your availability on your application form.
- Place of work: Southampton: No Limits Head Office, 34/35 The Avenue, Southampton, SO17 1XN; No Limits Advice Centre, High Street, Southampton, SO14 2DF
- Responsible to: Operations Manager – Therapeutic Services
- Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS): Enhanced DBS – Child and Adult Barred List
- Essential driver? No, but must be able to independently travel to the role location
- Closing Date: Monday, 7th of September 2026
- Interview Date: Tuesday, 15th of September 2026
Role Description
Join us as a Trainee Counsellor to develop your skills and experience, while making a real difference to children and young people. Our Charity No Limits is the leading youth services charity in Southampton, supporting children and young people in the city and across Hampshire. At No Limits, it is important our staff and volunteers reflect, represent, and have experience of the challenges faced by the children and young people we support. We are proud of and appreciate our many staff and volunteers who use their own lived experience to support the children and young people they work with. With this in mind, we are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in all aspects of our work and organisational culture – and when recruiting, it’s important to us that we continue diversifying our staff and volunteer teams, with children and young people at the centre of everything we do.
Your Role
Are you looking for a supportive placement opportunity in a friendly organisation, where you are valued, and helped to grow? Part of our Therapeutic Services team, our counselling placements provide first-hand experience, allowing you to develop your skills, access Continuous Professional Development (CPD) opportunities and gain practical insight of working with children and young people.
What we offer Trainee Counsellors:
- Opportunity to typically support, on average, three children and young people each week, to develop your practice
- Dedicated Manager support from a qualified practitioner, regular team meetings and opportunities for peer support with other Trainee and Volunteer Counsellors
- Full induction and training programme: Access to free mandatory training, such as safeguarding and health and safety, as well as other online and face-to-face training and opportunities, to support your personal and CPD
- Commitment to supporting the growth of our Trainee and Volunteer Counsellors
- FREE clinical supervision - 1.5 hours every other week
- No Limits has dedicated Admin support
- Expenses are paid, if you need to travel to see a child or young person for your placement
Feedback: My peers are very supportive, warm and friendly. It is clear we care about each other’s wellbeing, as much as the wellbeing of those who we provide a service. Learning and development opportunities in No Limits are exemplary.
If you are currently:
- Studying at Level 4, or above, in a relevant counselling qualification
- Have your fitness/readiness to practice
- Are a member of a professional, ethical counselling body
- Have your fitness/readiness to practice that covers working with 11 to 17 year olds - most of our counselling referrals are for this age group, so please only apply if you are able to work with this age group
You must also be available for one of the following regular sessions, please let us know your preferred slot in your application:
- Monday - Friday 1pm - 6pm
- Saturday 10am - 1.30pm
You will be very much part of our team, so you will be invited to other meetings and organisational events too. We are committed to making a difference in the lives of the children and young people we work with, and as such, you must show a willingness to demonstrate commitment to the values and behaviours which flow from the No Limits ethos. Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people is paramount. We particularly welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and those who have had experiences similar to the young people we aim to support. We are committed to creating a diverse environment where people can be their authentic selves, where their experiences and opinions are valued, and we are all open to learning from each other.
As part of our team, you’ll receive a comprehensive induction and access to learning and development opportunities relevant to your role, supporting your ongoing growth. Please let us know if we can support you with any reasonable adjustments at any point prior to, during or after the selection process, such as access arrangements, flexible working, or a suitable place to pray.
Our Benefits:
- 36 days annual leave (including public holidays)
- Two additional wellbeing days per year - Supporting you to take additional time off for your wellbeing or development.
- Pension scheme - Supporting your future by matching your additional pension contributions up to 2%.
- Life assurance scheme - Giving you peace of mind with 2x annual salary cover for pension members.
- Hybrid and flexible working - Giving the flexibility to work in the best way for your role.
- Comprehensive induction and training offer - Including our online learning management system with hundreds of opportunities to support your development.
- Employee Assistance Programme - Providing you with counselling, financial, personal support and health and wellbeing services.
Trainee Counsellor — Youth Services (Hybrid) in Southampton employer: Nolimitshelp
No Limits is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people across Hampshire. With a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we foster a supportive work culture that values personal experiences and encourages professional growth through comprehensive training and development opportunities. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility, while our generous benefits package, including 36 days of annual leave and wellbeing support, ensures that our staff are well cared for both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Counsellor — Youth Services (Hybrid) in Southampton
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Join local mental health events, workshops, or awareness campaigns. You’ll not only learn more about the field, but these gatherings are great places to meet professionals already working in therapy or counselling—who knows, they might even have tips for landing a trainee position!
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re in uni, don’t forget about career services—they're goldmines for finding trainee placements in therapy and counselling. They might host job fairs or have connections with local organisations that are looking for trainees. Make the most of it!
✨Show Off Your Passion Online
Create a blog or use social media to share your thoughts on therapy techniques, mental health topics, or your learning journey. This makes you more visible to potential employers like Nolimitshelp, showcasing your enthusiasm for the field.
✨Volunteer for Experience
Look for volunteer opportunities at local mental health charities or organisations. Hands-on experience is invaluable and can sometimes lead directly to trainee roles. Plus, it adds weight to your application when you go for positions like Trainee Counsellor — Youth Services (Hybrid) with Nolimitshelp!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Counsellor — Youth Services (Hybrid) in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Empathy Skills:In therapy and counselling, empathy is key. When crafting your CV and cover letter, show how you've developed this skill through your experiences, whether that’s from volunteer work, personal experiences, or relevant coursework. It’s all about demonstrating that you have the ability to connect with and understand others.
Showcase Relevant Academic Credentials:For a trainee role in therapy and counselling, your educational background matters a lot. Make sure to list your degrees, relevant coursework, and any certifications you have (like a certificate in counselling skills). If you’ve done any projects or placements, mention those too as they show you’re serious about your career path.
Express Your Passion for Learning:As a trainee, showing that you’re keen to learn and grow is crucial. Your cover letter should reflect your motivation for the role at Nolimitshelp and your eagerness to develop your skills further. Talk about how you’re dedicated to evolving in the field and contributing to positive outcomes with clients.
Tailor Your Application to Nolimitshelp:Each place has its vibes and focus areas, so take some time to understand what makes Nolimitshelp unique. In your application, highlight why you resonate with their approach to therapy. This not only personalises your application but also shows that you’ve done your homework – something we can totally appreciate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nolimitshelp
✨Showcase Your Empathy and Listening Skills
In the therapy and counselling world, empathy is key. During your interview for the trainee position at Nolimitshelp, be ready to share examples that demonstrate how you've effectively listened and responded to others' needs. This could be from your studies or any relevant experiences!
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
Often, interviews for counselling roles include role-play exercises to assess your practical skills. Be ready to engage in a mock counselling session during the interview. Practising a few common scenarios beforehand will help you feel more comfortable and confident!
✨Passion for Learning is Key
As a trainee, they’re likely looking for someone enthusiastic about developing their skills. Be sure to discuss your motivations for entering the therapy field and how you're keen on learning new techniques, therapies, and therapies. This will show that you're committed to your own growth and client care.
✨Discuss Your Theoretical Knowledge
Even as a trainee, they’ll expect a solid foundation in counselling theories. Brush up on key theories and be prepared to discuss how you might apply them practically. This shows you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the framework guiding your future practice at Nolimitshelp.
