Trainee Counsellor

Trainee Counsellor

Southampton Trainee No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support young people through counselling and develop your skills in a dynamic environment.
  • Company: Join No Limits, a leading youth services charity in Southampton.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 36 days annual leave, wellbeing days, and flexible working options.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people while growing professionally.
  • Qualifications: Studying a Level 4 counselling qualification and able to work with 11- to 17-year-olds.
  • Other info: Inclusive culture that values diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Role Terms

Hours: Monday: 9.30am – 2.30pm, 10am – 2pm Tuesday: 10am – 2pm, 2pm – 5pm Wednesday: 9am – 12pm (two sessions) Thursday: 10am – 1pm, 10am – 6pm, 4pm – 8pm

Preferred slots: Friday or Saturday. Availability for one session each week; indicate preference in application.

Place of work: South No Limits Head Office, 34/35 The Avenue, Southampton, SO17 1XN; 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

Driving: No; must travel independently.

Closing Date: 9am Tuesday, 21st of April 2026

Interview Date: Wednesday, 6th of May 2026

Our Charity

No Limits is a leading youth services charity in Southampton, supporting children and young people in the city and across Hampshire.

We value staff and volunteers who reflect and share the experiences of the children and young people we support. We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and encourage applications from all backgrounds, including diverse ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQIA+, disabled and neurodiverse individuals.

Your Role

Part of our Therapeutic Services team, our counselling placements provide firsthand experience, enabling you to develop skills, access CPD opportunities and gain practical insight of working with children and young people.

What we offer Trainee Counsellors

  • Children and young people: Support, on average, three children and young people each week.
  • Support: Dedicated manager support, regular team meetings and peer support.
  • Full induction and training programme: Free mandatory training and additional online and face‑to‑face training.
  • Career development: Commitment to supporting growth.
  • Clinical supervision: Free clinical supervision – 1.5 hours every other week.
  • Admin Support: Dedicated admin support.
  • Expenses: Reimbursement for travel to see a child or young person.

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 we provide a service.”

“Learning and development opportunities in No Limits are exemplary.”

How to apply

If you are currently:

  • Studying at Level 4 or above in a relevant counselling qualification.
  • Have fitness/readiness to practice.
  • Are a member of a professional, ethical counselling body.
  • Fit for work with 11–17 year olds.

You must also be available for one of the following regular sessions. Please indicate preferred slot in application.

  • Monday: 9.30am – 2.30pm, 10am – 2pm.
  • Tuesday: 10am – 2pm, 2pm – 5pm.
  • Wednesday: 9am – 12pm (two sessions).
  • Thursday: 10am – 1pm, 10am – 6pm, 4pm – 8pm.

Friday and Saturday slots are also available.

We invite all applicants to further meetings and organisational events.

As part of our team you’ll receive a comprehensive induction and ongoing learning and development opportunities.

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and those with similar experiences to the young people we support. We are committed to a diverse and authentic environment.

Please let us know of any reasonable adjustments needed at any stage prior to, during or after the selection process.

Our Benefits

We are committed to being a great place to work where people feel valued.

  • 36 days annual leave (including public holidays).
  • Two additional wellbeing days per year.
  • Pension scheme – matching up to 2% contributions.
  • Life assurance scheme – 2× annual salary cover for pension members.
  • Hybrid and flexible working.
  • Comprehensive induction and training.
  • Employee Assistance Programme.

Interested? We’d love to hear from you!

We’ll be happy to have an informal discussion and answer any immediate questions. Contact The People Team on people@nolimitshelp.org.uk.

To apply, complete the application form and upload using the portal before the closing date of 9am on Tuesday, 21st of April 2026. For CVs in alternative formats, contact people@nolimitshelp.org.uk.

In the ‘Your Supporting Statement’ section of the application form, include how your knowledge, skills and experience meet the role description. Link to Role Description is provided.

We do not accept CVs as we follow safer recruitment guidelines.

We reserve the right to close the advert ahead of the published closing date if we receive sufficient suitable candidates. Please submit as soon as possible.

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Trainee Counsellor employer: Nolimitshelp

No Limits is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of both staff and the young people they serve. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from comprehensive training, flexible working arrangements, and generous leave policies, all while making a meaningful impact in the community of Southampton. Join a team where your contributions are valued, and you can grow alongside passionate individuals dedicated to transforming the lives of children and young people.
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Contact Detail:

Nolimitshelp Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Trainee Counsellor

Tip Number 1

Get to know No Limits and its mission! Research the charity's values and the specific challenges faced by the young people they support. This will help you connect your experiences and skills to their needs during interviews.

Tip Number 2

Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Mock interviews can help you feel more confident and articulate when discussing your background and how it aligns with the role of Trainee Counsellor.

Tip Number 3

Be ready to share personal experiences that relate to the role. No Limits values lived experiences, so think about how your journey can resonate with the young people you'll be working with.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the No Limits team and making a difference.

We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Counsellor

Counselling Skills
Understanding of Child Development
Ability to Work with Young People
Commitment to Safeguarding
Knowledge of Ethical Counselling Practices
Communication Skills
Empathy
Teamwork
Cultural Competence
Willingness to Learn
Adaptability
Professionalism
Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Awareness

Some tips for your application 🫡

Be Yourself: When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you and how your unique experiences can contribute to our mission at No Limits.

Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Make sure to specifically address how your skills and experiences align with the role. Use the 'About you' section in the job description as a guide to highlight your relevant qualifications.

Show Your Passion: We love candidates who are genuinely passionate about supporting young people. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to apply for this role – it really makes a difference!

Check Your Details: Before hitting submit, double-check your application for any typos or missing information. A polished application shows us that you’re serious about joining our team. And remember, apply through our website!

How to prepare for a job interview at Nolimitshelp

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you’re familiar with No Limits and its mission. Understand the challenges faced by the young people they support, and be ready to discuss how your experiences align with their values. This shows genuine interest and commitment.

Showcase Your Skills

Prepare to highlight your transferable skills and relevant experiences. Whether it’s through previous work, volunteering, or personal experiences, think of specific examples that demonstrate your ability to connect with and support young people.

Be Yourself

No Limits values authenticity and diversity. Don’t be afraid to share your own lived experiences, especially if they relate to the challenges faced by the youth you’ll be working with. This can create a strong connection with the interviewers.

Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare some questions about the role and the team culture. Asking about the induction process or learning opportunities shows you’re proactive and genuinely interested in growing within the organisation.

Trainee Counsellor
Nolimitshelp
Location: Southampton

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