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- Tasks: Provide therapy and support to children and young people in schools and community settings.
- Company: YMCA Trinity Group, a charitable organisation focused on mental health services.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rates, flexible hours, free CPD, and peer support.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to safeguarding and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while working flexibly.
- Qualifications: Experience with children, relevant qualifications, and a commitment to ongoing professional development.
The predicted salary is between 23 - 31 ÂŁ per hour.
Self‑Employed Mental Health Therapists and Counsellors – Children & Young People
YMCA Trinity Group is a charitable organisation delivering a Mental Health Service programme within education and community settings. We are seeking self‑employed therapists and counsellors to work with us on a sessional basis, supporting children and young people.
Current opportunities across Suffolk include:
- One half day per week (3.5 hours) within an SEMH setting for young people aged 8–16.
- Two separate half days per week within a Primary School, starting in September.
We also welcome applications from therapists based in Cambridgeshire, as we anticipate expanding our work in this area from September, subject to contracts being confirmed.
About the Role
Our Mental Health Services (MHS) Team offers sessional work to self‑employed contractors as opportunities arise. While the team is based at our Peterborough offices, these roles are considered hybrid community‑based, with therapeutic work delivered primarily within schools and community settings.
Our Mental Health Service provides:
- 1:1 therapy and early intervention programmes for children and young people aged 4–18
- Therapeutic and non‑therapeutic interventions for social, emotional and behavioural needs
- Support for schools and other settings to develop wellbeing and whole‑school approaches
- Opportunities to work with school staff, including 1:1 support and drop‑in sessions
Essential Criteria
The successful applicant will:
- Have previous experience working with children and young people
- Hold a minimum of: a Play Therapy Diploma, a Level 4 Counselling qualification with additional training in play‑ or arts‑based therapy (Primary School work), a Level 4 Child & Adolescent Therapeutic Counselling qualification (adolescent work), or equivalent
- Be registered with PTUK, BAPT, BACP or an equivalent professional body, with a minimum of 120 hours clinical experience, including at least 60 hours with children and young people, and have access to a clinical supervisor
- Be able to travel as required for the role
- Be able to work on a self‑employed basis during school hours for the duration of each contract
- Demonstrate a commitment to continued CPD (minimum 30 hours per year)
- Be highly organised and able to follow quality assurance and safeguarding requirements
Self‑Employment Status
All roles are offered on a self‑employed basis.
DBS Requirement
Applicants must hold a current and satisfactory Enhanced DBS certificate, covering: Adult Workforce (for supervision), and Child & Adult Workforce (for counselling work). The DBS must be registered with the DBS Update Service. If you do not currently hold a DBS that meets these requirements, YMCA Trinity Group can facilitate an application at the applicant’s cost.
Rates and Support
In return, we offer:
- £23.50 – £31.50 per hour, depending on the intervention and number of sessions per day
- ÂŁ32 per hour for delivering staff training
- Regular networking meetings
- Peer support sessions
- Free and subsidised CPD
- Free therapeutic resources
- Subsidised group supervision
- Flexible work patterns to suit your availability
Closing Date
Applications are assessed on a rolling basis, and early application is encouraged. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once roles are filled.
Contact Us
mentalhealthservices@ymcatrinity.org.uk or call 01733 373187
Additional Information
YMCA Trinity Group does not have a sponsored Licence to recruit non‑UK workers and therefore all candidates are expected to be able to work in the UK. YMCA Trinity Group welcomes job applications from all. Should you require a reasonable adjustment request to apply for a vacancy, please do not hesitate to contact us. Applications are assessed fairly against relevant Job Descriptions. Unless stated otherwise, we require all candidates to complete our online application form in full, to be formally considered for a role. CVs are not considered as an application, merely an expression of interest.
Thank you for your interest and we look forward to hearing from you soon! Ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals is paramount to our mission. As such, we are committed to upholding rigorous safeguarding practices in all aspects of our work. Join us in making a meaningful difference while adhering to the highest standards of care and protection for those we serve. Visit ymcatrinitygroup.org.uk to view our current work and volunteering opportunities.
Self-Employed Therapists & Counsellors in Ipswich employer: Ymca Trinity Group
Contact Detail:
Ymca Trinity Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Self-Employed Therapists & Counsellors in Ipswich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the mental health field and let them know you're looking 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 is a great way to meet potential clients and other professionals, plus it shows your commitment to the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your skills! Create a professional online presence, maybe even a website or a LinkedIn profile, where you can share your qualifications and experiences. It’s all about making it easy for people to find you.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for passionate therapists and counsellors. Make sure to fill out the online application form completely to be considered for the roles that suit you best.
We think you need these skills to ace Self-Employed Therapists & Counsellors in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us: Before you start your application, take a moment to explore our website. Understanding our mission and values will help you tailor your application to show how you fit into our team.
Follow the Application Process: Make sure to complete our online application form in full. Remember, CVs are just an expression of interest, so don’t skip this step if you want to be considered for the role!
Showcase Your Experience: Highlight your relevant experience working with children and young people. Be specific about your qualifications and any therapeutic approaches you’ve used, as this will make your application stand out.
Be Yourself: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for passionate individuals who can connect with young people, so don’t be afraid to share your unique approach to therapy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ymca Trinity Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specific therapeutic approaches you’ll be using, especially those relevant to children and young people. Brush up on your qualifications and experiences, as they’ll likely ask about your clinical background and how it applies to the role.
✨Show Your Passion
Demonstrate your commitment to mental health and working with young people. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight why you’re passionate about this field. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show them you’re genuinely invested in making a difference.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations. Think of examples from your past work where you successfully supported a child or young person through a tough time. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the role, the team, or the organisation’s approach to mental health. This shows you’re engaged and interested in how you can contribute to their mission, plus it gives you a better understanding of what to expect.