At a Glance
- 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.
- Other info: Dynamic team atmosphere with opportunities for growth and travel.
- 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.
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.
Sunderland Community Children & Young Peoples Mental Health Service Counsellor employer: VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East)
Sunderland Community Children & Young People’s Mental Health Service is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment for mental health professionals. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we offer opportunities for professional development, including support for accreditation processes and clinical supervision. Located in Sunderland, our team is committed to making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people, ensuring that our staff feel valued and empowered in their roles.
Contact Details:
VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sunderland Community Children & Young Peoples Mental Health Service Counsellor
✨Get Involved in Local Mental Health Initiatives
Join local mental health organisations and initiatives to immerse yourself in the community. Volunteering at workshops or support groups can not only boost your experience but also help you make valuable connections that might lead to part-time roles. It’s all about getting your name out there!
✨Attend Networking Events and Workshops
Keep an eye on workshops and networking events specifically for therapy and counselling professionals. These gatherings are prime opportunities to meet potential employers, hear about job openings, and engage in meaningful conversations with industry peers. Who knows who you might bump into!
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a professional online presence highlighting your counselling approach and experiences. Consider starting a blog or sharing insights on social media about therapy methods. This can attract attention from local companies like VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East) who are looking for someone like you for their part-time needs.
✨Directly Approach Local Clinics
Don't be shy about reaching out directly to clinics or counselling practices in your area. Many part-time roles are filled without ever being advertised. A friendly email introducing yourself and expressing interest in potential opportunities at VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East) can sometimes lead to the job you’ve been dreaming of!
We think you need these skills to ace Sunderland Community Children & Young Peoples Mental Health Service Counsellor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Compassionate Side:In the therapy and counselling professions, it's crucial to convey your empathy and understanding in your application. Your CV should highlight any relevant volunteer work or experience in helping roles. Let’s face it, potential employers want to see that you can connect with clients, so showcase those soft skills front and centre!
Include Your Credentials:For a part-time role in therapy or counselling, it’s essential to demonstrate your qualifications. Make sure to include any degrees, certifications, or workshops that are relevant to the position. If you’ve completed specific training in mental health or counselling techniques, don’t skip those; they can set you apart from others.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Your cover letter is the perfect place to express your interest in working part-time and highlight your passion for helping others. Talk about why you’re drawn to VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East) and how the part-time role fits into your career path. We're looking for a genuine connection, so let your personality shine through!
Availability Matters:Since this is a part-time role, clearly outline your availability in your application. Be honest about the hours you can commit, and consider mentioning if you have any flexibility. This helps VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East) see how you can fit into their schedule and be a valuable addition to the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East)
✨Know Your Theoretical Frameworks
It's crucial for us to brush up on the therapy techniques and theoretical frameworks relevant to this field. Be prepared to discuss how you apply them in practice—think about specific case studies from your training that highlight your approach. This not only shows your understanding but also helps you connect with your potential clients at VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East).
✨Practice Your Active Listening Skills
Since we're diving into therapy and counselling, active listening is our bread and butter. You might face role-play scenarios during the interview, so make sure to showcase your ability to listen and respond empathetically. Demonstrating this skill can make all the difference in how we're perceived as future therapists.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility With Clients
In a part-time role, we often deal with a diverse client base, so it’s important to showcase our adaptability. Be ready to discuss how you can tailor your therapeutic approach to fit different client needs. Sharing any past experiences—whether from internships or coursework—will provide great insights to VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East) about your versatility.
✨Prepare Your Questions on Working with Diverse Populations
Part-time roles can sometimes mean working with a variety of clients from different backgrounds. Think of specific questions to ask about how VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East) supports inclusivity and handles diverse cases. This not only highlights your interest but also shows that you’ve thought ahead about client dynamics and your role within them.
