At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide one-to-one counselling for children and young people, addressing various mental health issues.
- Company: Your Space Foundation CIC supports the mental health of children and families in a community-focused environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy a flexible, hybrid role with competitive pay and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young lives while working in a supportive and collaborative team.
- Qualifications: Must have a Level 5 qualification in counselling/psychotherapy or a Diploma in Play Therapy.
- Other info: Newly qualified counsellors are encouraged to apply; DBS check required.
Your Space Foundation CIC is a community-focused organisation dedicated to supporting the mental health and emotional wellbeing of children, young people, and their families. We work collaboratively with schools, families, and professionals to offer high-quality therapeutic support that is inclusive, trauma-informed, and empowering.
We are seeking freelance, qualified and compassionate Children and Young Peopleβs Counsellors to join our growing team in Milton Keynes. This is a hybrid, flexible role ideally suited to a counsellor who values autonomy, collaboration, and working in diverse environments. You will deliver one-to-one counselling (with occasional group work opportunities) for children and adolescents aged 5 and up, addressing issues such as trauma, anxiety, neurodiversity, and self-harm.
Key Responsibilities- Provide weekly one-to-one (and occasionally group) counselling to children and young people.
- Use age-appropriate, evidence-informed interventions (e.g., play therapy, creative therapy, CBT, solution-focused approaches).
- Conduct initial assessments to determine therapeutic needs and formulate appropriate support plans.
- Identify and respond to safeguarding concerns in line with policy and legal obligations.
- Liaise with designated safeguarding leads and external agencies where necessary.
- Complete safety planning with clients as appropriate.
- Communicate effectively with families, carers, schools, and multidisciplinary teams.
- Share relevant information while upholding confidentiality and ethical boundaries.
- Maintain accurate and timely records of sessions, assessments, and interventions on our internal secure platform.
- Evaluate the impact of therapeutic work using outcome measures and feedback.
- Attend regular clinical supervision (self-sourced).
- Remain up to date with best practices, ethical standards, and developments in the field.
- Minimum Level 5 qualification in counselling/psychotherapy with a Children and Young People (CYP) specialism, or a Diploma in Play Therapy.
- Registration with a recognised professional body (e.g. BACP, UKCP, NCS).
- We welcome applications from newly qualified counsellors with relevant training and placements.
Your Space Foundation CIC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers, and contractors to share this commitment. All offers of work are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, verification of qualifications and professional registration, receipt of satisfactory references, including one from your most recent employer or placement provider, and evidence of the right to work in the UK. We follow a safer recruitment process in line with current guidance and legislation, including carrying out appropriate pre-engagement checks and ensuring that safeguarding remains central to our recruitment and selection practices.
Rates of PayΒ£35-45 per hour, dependent on qualifications and experience.
Children & Young People\'s Counsellor employer: Your Space Foundation CIC
Contact Detail:
Your Space Foundation CIC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Children & Young People\'s Counsellor
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific therapeutic approaches mentioned in the job description, such as play therapy and CBT. Being able to discuss these methods confidently during your interview will demonstrate your expertise and alignment with our values.
β¨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience working with children and young people by preparing examples of past cases or scenarios where you made a positive impact. This will help us see how you can contribute to our mission at Your Space Foundation.
β¨Tip Number 3
Research Your Space Foundation and understand our approach to mental health support. Being knowledgeable about our organisation will allow you to tailor your responses and show genuine interest in joining our team.
β¨Tip Number 4
Network with other professionals in the field, especially those who have experience in community-focused organisations. They may provide insights or even referrals that could enhance your application process with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Children & Young People\'s Counsellor
Some tips for your application π«‘
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Children & Young People's Counsellor position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these requirements.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous counselling experience, particularly with children and young people. Mention specific therapeutic approaches you are familiar with, such as play therapy or CBT, and provide examples of how you've successfully supported clients.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications, including your Level 5 qualification in counselling/psychotherapy and any relevant registrations with professional bodies like BACP or UKCP. If you're newly qualified, mention your training and placements to demonstrate your readiness for the role.
Express Your Commitment to Safeguarding: Since safeguarding is a key aspect of this role, include a statement in your application about your understanding of safeguarding principles and your commitment to promoting the welfare of children and young people. This will show that you align with the organisation's values.
How to prepare for a job interview at Your Space Foundation CIC
β¨Show Your Passion for Mental Health
Make sure to express your genuine passion for supporting the mental health and emotional wellbeing of children and young people. Share personal experiences or motivations that led you to pursue this career path, as it will resonate with the interviewers.
β¨Demonstrate Your Therapeutic Techniques
Be prepared to discuss the specific therapeutic techniques you are familiar with, such as play therapy or CBT. Provide examples of how you've successfully implemented these methods in past roles, especially when working with children and adolescents.
β¨Highlight Collaborative Skills
Since the role involves working with families, schools, and multidisciplinary teams, emphasise your ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with others. Share examples of how you've worked in a team setting to support a child's needs.
β¨Prepare for Safeguarding Questions
Given the importance of safeguarding in this role, be ready to discuss your understanding of safeguarding policies and procedures. Prepare to share how you would handle potential safeguarding concerns while maintaining confidentiality and ethical boundaries.