Role title - Counsellor
Based at - Esteem office, Old School House, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, BN43 6PA
Contract - Subcontractor Agreement - Paid upon invoice
Hours - Minimum of 3 clients a week - 50 min sessions plus write-up time. Days and times of availability will be agreed with the Counselling Manager
Pay - Qualified Counsellor (£25/hr)
Each clinical session lasts up to 50 minutes, with time to write up session notes after.
Admin time is provided by Esteem at £12.60 per hour, as well as for in-house mandatory training and meetings within Esteem, including the Quarterly Counselling meetings.
There is an expectation that outside this the counsellors will liaise with the Counselling Manager, Safeguarding team and their Clinical Supervisor as and when required via phone or email to deal with operational issues, safeguarding issues and any other unforeseen issues or challenges that could occur.
DNAs/Cancelled sessions will be paid for in full if less than 24 hrs given; and at 50% if short notice less than seven days’ notice is given
Application Deadline - 9am Monday 8th September 2025
Interview Date - Monday 29th September 2025
Start Date - w/c 27th October 2025
How to apply - If you would like to apply for this position, please visit our jobs board at www.esteem.org.uk to download an application form from the recruitment pack and send it along with your CV to hr@esteem.org.uk
Please let us know if you would prefer to submit your application in another way, such as a video presentation.
For an informal conversation about the role please call Andrew Watson (Counselling Manager) 07453 596131 , or email andrew.watson@Esteem.org.uk

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Graduate or Post graduate level Counselling Diploma or equivalent (of two years minimum duration including personal counselling or psychotherapy)
• BACP Accreditation/eligibility for accreditation
• BACP Registration or accredited with other relevant professional bodies (UKCP/HCPC)
• Post qualified work as a counsellor/psychotherapist
• Experience in individual counselling with children & young adults (aged 14-26 years)
• Ability to assess the needs of clients and provide appropriate service for them
• Training in child and adolescent counselling and a commitment to relevant ongoing professional development
• Experience in counselling neurodivergent children & young adults
• Training and experience in using play and creative techniques in counselling/experience in working with children and young adults with communication difficulties

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• To be able to work competently and ethically on a time limited basis
• Excellent motivational skills relevant to children, young adults and families with complex needs
• The ability to be supportive and empathetic and work in an integrative informed way
• Excellent communication skills, verbal, interpersonal and written on all levels and according to need
• Confident to work autonomously as well as part of a team
• Excellent administrative and organisational skills

KNOWLEDGE

• A working knowledge of mental health issues affecting children and young adults
• An understanding of and an ability to adhere to professional boundaries
• Knowledge of statutory services working with young people and families
• An excellent knowledge of up to date Child Protection & Safeguarding issues and procedures
• A sound understanding of Child developmental processes, such as emotional, cognitive and social development
• Demonstrate a working understanding of the principle of equal opportunities as it applies to the context of the post
• Demonstrate a working understanding of culturally competent counselling practice

WHAT WE OFFER

• A Diverse and Inclusive Workplace: Equality, diversity and inclusion are central to Esteem’s values and how we work. We are proud of our commitment to diversity and inclusion and support young people, staff, contractors and volunteers from different backgrounds so they can be their best selves. Our networks include All Sorts (LGBTQIA+), Adur Refugees and Possibility People.
• Local Staff Discounts: You will also receive staff discounts to local businesses as part of our well-being offer.
  Commencement of this role is subject to receiving satisfactory references and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced check.
  Esteem welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We value diversity and promote inclusion through our activities, as well as in our policies and working practices. Our culture and values reinforce this. We seek to create an inspiring and inclusive workplace where all feel valued and able to contribute to the organisation.
  If you have the skills, knowledge and drive that we are looking for, and are passionate about making a real difference in young adults’ lives, we would love to hear from you.
  Job Type: Freelance
  Pay: £25.00 per hour
  Expected hours: 3 per week
  Work Location: In person
  Application deadline: 08/09/2025
  Reference ID: Counsellor 2025
  Expected start date: 27/10/202

Please refer the Job description for details