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- Tasks: Provide counselling services to children and young people, helping them navigate their mental health.
- Company: Join Sunderland Community Children & Young People's Mental Health Service, making a difference in your community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and support for professional development.
- Why this job: Empower young minds and contribute to their mental well-being in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in counselling children and young people, with relevant qualifications.
- Other info: Dynamic team atmosphere with opportunities for growth and travel.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 46000 £ per year.
Overview
Sunderland Community Children & Young People’s Mental Health Service (SCCYPMHS) Counsellor — 2 posts
Contract Type: Permanent | Hours: Part time (0.8 FTE or 0.6 FTE available) | Location: Sunderland / Tyne and Wear | Based in Sunderland with travel to service bases as required
Salary: £40,823 per annum FTE (with BACP accreditation and recognised Clinical Supervision qualification) or £38,682 per annum FTE (with BACP accreditation only) or £31,049 per annum FTE (qualified counsellor). Salary dependent on qualifications. 6‑month probationary period. Applications by 11:59pm Sunday 9 November 2025.
Note: Post holders will work with children and young people aged 5–18 and will deliver and develop counselling and training components of the service.
Responsibilities
- Deliver and develop counselling services for children and young people aged 5–18, in face-to-face sessions across SCCYPMHS bases (with some support over phone/video as needed).
- Conduct comprehensive assessments to determine therapeutic and support needs; adhere to service models and session limits.
- Travel between SCCYPMHS bases and community settings as required; participate in service requirements for face-to-face sessions.
- Provide or coordinate clinical supervision where applicable; work within a team and support volunteers where required.
- Contribute to the recruitment, management, and provision of clinical supervision for a team of volunteer counsellors (if holding appropriate Clinical Supervision qualification).
- Support accreditation processes for staff, including covering accreditation fees and supervision as needed.
Qualifications
- At least 2 years’ experience of counselling with children and young people in a counselling setting.
- Qualified to Degree, MSc, MA, or Diploma level in Counselling.
- Qualified to work with BACP (or equivalent) accreditation and recognised Clinical Supervision qualification for higher salary levels.
- Applicants working towards accreditation will be considered; salary to reflect current accreditation status with support toward completing accreditation.
- Sound knowledge of legislative frameworks related to mental health and child protection.
Candidate Information
The post holders will be employed by Sunderland Counselling Service (SCS) and will work with colleagues across the wider SCCYPMHS team. Applicants must be willing to travel and provide face-to-face sessions as required. Interviews will take place on 24 November 2025. For further information, contact Caroline Gardner, Senior Counsellor, on 01915244000.
Application: Submit a completed Equal Opportunity and Diversity Monitoring form along with your application by 11:59pm on Sunday 9 November 2025. Applications can also be completed online via the NHS Jobs website.
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Sunderland Community Children & Young Peoples Mental Health Service Counsellor employer: VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East)
Contact Detail:
VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sunderland Community Children & Young Peoples Mental Health Service Counsellor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the mental health field, especially those who work with children and young people. They might have insider info on job openings or can even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to counselling and mental health. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using online resources to get comfortable discussing your experience and approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for working with children and young people during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in their lives through your counselling work. This will help you stand out!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Sunderland Community Children & Young Peoples Mental Health Service Counsellor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with children and young people. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant examples!
Showcase Your Qualifications: Clearly outline your qualifications and any BACP accreditation you have. If you're working towards accreditation, let us know! We appreciate transparency and want to understand your journey.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We love a well-structured application that’s easy to read. Use bullet points if it helps to convey your message clearly!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East)
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of mental health frameworks and child protection legislation. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just qualified, but also genuinely interested in the field.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past counselling experiences with children and young people. Think about challenges you've faced and how you overcame them. This will help demonstrate your practical skills and adaptability.
✨Be Ready for Role-Play
Since you'll be working directly with young clients, be prepared for potential role-play scenarios during the interview. Practising how you would handle different situations can really set you apart and show your hands-on approach.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the team dynamics or the support available for professional development. This shows that you’re not only interested in the role but also in growing within the organisation.