At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide one-to-one counselling to young people, helping them navigate their emotional wellbeing.
- Company: Join YMCA East Surrey, a respected charity dedicated to supporting vulnerable youth.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, competitive salary, and generous holiday leave.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team committed to safeguarding and promoting youth welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people in your community.
- Qualifications: Diploma in counselling and BACP membership required; experience with young clients is essential.
The predicted salary is between 20628 - 20628 £ per year.
Employment Type: Part Time, Permanent
Application Start Date: 02-09-2026
Application End Date: 21-09-2026
Location: YMCA Phoenix Youth Centre, Tadworth KT20 5FB
Non-profit charitable organisations
Description: Our mission is to provide opportunities for people to develop to their full potential, with a focus on children and young people and those who are vulnerable, have a disability or face disadvantage.
YMCA East Surrey’s Emotional Wellbeing & Mental Health team, who are part of our Children & Young People Services, are recruiting for a Counsellor to provide short term counselling support, undertake therapeutic assessments, and deliver therapy sessions either face to face or online for young people aged 11-24 years.
You must have a Diploma (Level 4) or higher-level qualification in counselling and be a registered member of BACP. You must have a minimum of 200 supervised 1:1 therapeutic hours of client experience and at least 1 year of post-qualification experience. Excellent knowledge of safeguarding and child protection practices, and the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of people is required for this role.
Type of Contract: Permanent
Location: YMCA Phoenix Youth Centre in Tadworth, KT20 5FB but working across various locations in East Surrey dependent on needs of service.
Hours of Work: 21 hours per week. Working arrangements are flexible and will be dependent on the needs of the service, to be discussed at interview.
Salary: £17,538 - £20,628 per annum (pro-rata) (FTE £29,229 - £34,380 per annum); dependent on qualifications and experience.
Main Responsibilities:
- Provide one-to-one counselling to children and young people, using appropriate therapeutic approaches based on client’s presenting issues.
- Work with a range of presenting issues, maintaining a young person-centred approach.
- Ensure children and young people understand the service and can give informed consent in line with Fraser Guidelines and Gillick competence.
- Liaise with parents and carers where appropriate, particularly for clients under 14 or those not meeting Gillick competence.
- Apply safeguarding and child protection procedures in line with YMCA East Surrey policies.
- Set clear therapeutic goals and support young people to measure progress and outcomes.
- Contribute to the effective delivery and development of the service, supporting service sustainability and growth.
- Liaise appropriately with school safeguarding leads when working in school-based settings.
- Contribute to service evaluation through outcome monitoring, data collection, and feedback.
- Maintain awareness of, and uphold, the rights of the child, supporting autonomy within the counselling process.
- Maintain professional membership, insurance, and practice in line with a recognised professional body’s ethical framework ie. BACP.
We are seeking candidates who are passionate about working for a charity and making a difference to the lives of the children and young people in our community. If you’re enthusiastic about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway and demonstrate how your experience is transferrable. You may be just the right candidate.
Holidays: 5 weeks per annum plus bank holidays. The holiday year runs from 1 April to 31 March each year. (Pro-Rata for Part Time)
Benefits:
- Be part of a long-standing and well-respected charity.
- Discounted childcare for permanent employees.
- Gym membership and free access to all leisure facilities for permanent employees.
- Eligibility for Blue Light Discount Retail Card.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- 6.6 weeks annual leave which increases after 2 years continuous service.
- Free access to our Employee Assistance Programme.
Interview date: 06/10/2026. Successful candidates will already have the right to live and work in the UK without restrictions. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
An inclusive workplace: We are committed to policies and practices of equality, diversity and inclusion and to supporting our people to make sure our culture is consistent with this commitment.
Accessibility: If you require assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please do contact us at HR@ymcaeastsurrey.org.uk.
YMCA East Surrey requires all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns. Successful applicants are required to undertake an Enhanced DBS (including the Children’s and Adult’s barred lists) check, along with reference checks.
Counsellor in Tadworth employer: YMCA
YMCA England & Wales is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and community engagement. As a Store Assistant in Great Malvern, you will not only contribute to vital youth services but also enjoy benefits like subsidised gym membership and pension schemes, fostering both personal and professional growth in a rewarding environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Counsellor in Tadworth
✨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 YMCA 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 YMCA can sometimes lead to the job you’ve been dreaming of!
We think you need these skills to ace Counsellor in Tadworth
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 YMCA 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 YMCA see how you can fit into their schedule and be a valuable addition to the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at YMCA
✨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 YMCA.
✨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 YMCA 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 YMCA 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.
