Counsellor - The Providence Projects in Bournemouth

Location: Providence Projects, Bournemouth

Salary: £13.94 per hour

Hours: 42.5 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Additional requirements: Participation in the on-call rota and medication administration

Help Transform Lives Through Recovery

Providence Projects, part of UK Addiction Treatment Group (UKAT), provides specialist residential treatment and support for people experiencing drug and alcohol addiction. We are looking for a compassionate and motivated Counsellor to join our multidisciplinary team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who holds a Level 4 counselling qualification. You will support clients throughout their recovery journey, helping them understand the underlying causes of addiction, develop effective coping strategies and build the confidence needed to achieve lasting change.

About the Role

As a Counsellor, you will work closely with support workers and other members of the team to deliver safe, person-centred and recovery-focused support. Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing individual counselling and structured therapeutic support to clients.
• Supporting the delivery of group sessions, workshops and recovery activities.
• Helping clients explore behaviours, emotions and experiences linked to addiction.
• Maintaining clear, accurate and confidential client records.
• Contributing to individual care plans, risk assessments and treatment reviews.
• Working collaboratively with the wider clinical and operational teams.
• Supporting clients to develop relapse-prevention strategies and sustainable recovery plans.
• Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and following safeguarding procedures.
• Administering and recording medication in line with organisational policies, procedures and training.
• Supporting clients with travel to medical appointments and meetings.
• Participating in the on-call rota with the wider team to provide appropriate support and guidance outside normal working hours when required (after completion of induction period).
• Participating in supervision, training and continued professional development.

About You

We are looking for someone who is empathetic, resilient and committed to supporting people through recovery. You will need:

• A Level 4 counselling qualification.
• An understanding of counselling theory, ethical practice and professional boundaries.
• The ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with clients who may have complex needs.
• Full UK Driving licence with access to own vehicle and business insurance (business Insurance contribution can be arranged).
• Strong listening, relationship-building and record-keeping skills.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• A non-judgmental and person-centred approach.
• An understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality and risk management.
• The willingness and ability to undertake medication administration training and follow medication-management procedures.
• The flexibility and willingness to participate in the on-call rota.
• An understanding of addiction treatment, mental health or trauma-informed care.

Desirable:

• You are working towards or hold Full membership to the BACP or NCPS, you are visible on the public register or a member of Addiction Professionals “Practitioner”.
• Previous experience within addiction treatment, 12 step recovery such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, mental health, residential care or a similar setting would be advantageous, but we also welcome applications from candidates looking to develop their counselling career within a supportive clinical environment.

Our Values

Our values guide how we support our clients and work with one another:

• Understanding – We listen, show empathy and recognise each person’s individual journey.
• Kindness – We treat everyone with compassion, dignity and respect.
• Accountability – We take responsibility for our actions and maintain high professional standards.
• Teamwork – We work collaboratively to achieve the best outcomes for our clients.

What We Offer

• A supportive and experienced multidisciplinary team.
• Regular supervision and opportunities for professional development.
• The opportunity to build experience within specialist addiction treatment.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Employee wellbeing support.
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to people’s lives.
• Contribution towards Business Insurance (car).

The successful candidate will be required to complete appropriate pre-employment checks, including references, proof of right to work in the UK and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. UKAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the people who use our services. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Apply today and help support our clients as they take the next steps towards lasting recovery.