At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide short-term counselling support to adults in emotional distress through 1-to-1 and group sessions.
- Company: Join Women’s Consortium, a supportive organisation dedicated to community mental health.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive fees, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Ideal for those passionate about community support and mental health advocacy.
- Why this job: Empower individuals while growing your counselling skills in a diverse environment.
- Qualifications: Must have BACP or UKCP registration and relevant counselling experience.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Women’s Consortium is looking for qualified sessional counsellors to support the delivery of community counselling across Birmingham and Solihull. The role will involve providing short-term counselling support to adults experiencing mild to moderate emotional distress. Counsellors will deliver 1-to-1 and group sessions, complete assessments, use outcome monitoring tools, and maintain accurate clinical records in line with Women’s Consortium’s clinical governance process. This is a self-employed sessional role. The contractor will be responsible for maintaining their own professional registration, insurance, tax and national insurance arrangements.
Contract Type: Self-employed / Sessional
Duration: Initial 2 years, subject to ongoing funding and review
Time Commitment: Flexible, with a minimum commitment of 2 days per week
Fee: Competitive sessional fee, to be discussed based on experience
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver short-term counselling of up to 6 sessions for adults experiencing mild to moderate emotional distress.
- Provide trauma-informed and culturally appropriate counselling support.
- Deliver sessions in person, online or by phone, depending on service need.
- Support both 1-to-1 counselling and group counselling sessions where required.
- Complete assessments, risk assessments and safety planning.
- Use recognised outcome monitoring tools, including WEMWBS, PHQ-9, CORE, DIALOG+, GBO and ReQoL.
- Maintain accurate and timely clinical records using Women’s Consortium’s CRM system.
- Follow Women’s Consortium’s safeguarding procedures.
- Escalate any safeguarding or risk concerns to the Clinical Lead within 24 hours.
- Attend monthly clinical supervision provided by Women’s Consortium.
- Take part in reflective practice and CPD activities where required.
- Maintain professional standards in line with BACP or UKCP registration.
Applicants must have:
- BACP or UKCP registration.
- Level 4 Diploma or higher in Counselling or Psychotherapy.
- Minimum 1 year post-qualification experience, or current placement experience with at least 100 completed counselling hours.
- Experience using outcome monitoring tools.
- Professional indemnity insurance.
- Enhanced DBS clearance.
- Own equipment, including a laptop and secure internet connection for online delivery.
- Ability to travel across Birmingham and Solihull when required.
It would be helpful if applicants also have:
- Experience working with Global Majority communities.
- Experience delivering group therapy or group support.
- Multilingual ability, particularly Urdu, Punjabi, Arabic or Somali.
- Experience in community mental health, primary care mental health or similar settings.
How to Apply
Please send your CV and a cover letter explaining how you meet the person specification to: Women’s Consortium is an equal opportunities employer. We particularly welcome applications from candidates who reflect the diverse communities we serve, including people from Global Majority backgrounds, multilingual speakers and those with lived experience of mental health challenges.
Community Counsellor – Sessional / Self-employed in Birmingham employer: Women’s Consortium
Women’s Consortium is an exceptional employer, offering flexible self-employed sessional roles that empower qualified counsellors to make a meaningful impact in the Birmingham and Solihull communities. With a commitment to professional development through monthly clinical supervision and reflective practice, alongside competitive fees and a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion, this role provides a rewarding opportunity for personal and professional growth in a compassionate environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Counsellor – Sessional / Self-employed in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the counselling field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in local community events or workshops related to mental health. This not only boosts your visibility but also helps you connect with potential clients and employers in a relaxed setting.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of social media! Join relevant groups on platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook where job postings are shared. Engage with posts and share your expertise to get noticed.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and genuinely interested in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Counsellor – Sessional / Self-employed in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience and qualifications. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of a Community Counsellor, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how you meet the person specification and why you’re passionate about community counselling. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm for the role.
Showcase Your Experience with Tools:Mention any experience you have with outcome monitoring tools like WEMWBS or PHQ-9. We’re looking for counsellors who can hit the ground running, so let us know how you’ve used these in your practice.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Women’s Consortium
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the counselling techniques and outcome monitoring tools mentioned in the job description, like WEMWBS and PHQ-9. Brush up on your trauma-informed care practices too, as this will show that you’re ready to provide the right support.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous counselling experiences, especially any work with Global Majority communities or group therapy sessions. Be ready to share specific examples of how you’ve helped clients through emotional distress, as this will demonstrate your capability for the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some questions about the Women’s Consortium’s approach to community counselling and their clinical governance process. This shows your genuine interest in the organisation and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Be Professional Yet Approachable
As a counsellor, it’s important to strike a balance between professionalism and approachability. Dress smartly, but also be yourself during the interview. This will help the interviewers see you as someone who can connect with clients while maintaining professional standards.
