Administration Officer

VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East); Gateshead; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 18,000; Part time

Job summary

North East Counselling Services is seeking an Administration Officer to support the smooth running of vital mental health services in Gateshead. The role delivers essential clerical support, manages client allocations to counsellors, and helps with HR, finance and communications workflows.

The post requires 25 hours per week, permanent contract, and a pro rata salary of £16,523 with pro rata of £24,454.04 FTE. A Level 2 Maths/English qualification and DBS check are required.

Qualifications

• Level 2 qualification in Maths and English is required.
• Minimum two years in an administrative role.
• Excellent organisational skills with ability to prioritise tasks.
• Confidentiality and handling sensitive information appropriately.

Responsibilities

• Provide essential administrative support across a range of functions to aid service delivery.
• Allocate referrals to counsellors in line with policies and procedures.
• Support HR, finance and communications processes and reception duties.
• Maintain accurate records on internal systems and assist with meetings.

Skills

Organisational skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Initiative

Education

Level 2 qualification in Maths and English

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Person Specification

• Level 2 Safeguarding Children training.

Contract Type: Permanent

Role Type: Employment

Hours: Part time

Application deadline: Sunday, September 27, 2026 - 12:00

Based: Gateshead

Salary: £16,523 Pro Rata

Salary Type: Fixed Salary

Location: Tyne and Wear

Role description: Administration

North East Counselling Services

North East Counselling Services is a Community Interest Corporation (CIC) providing high-quality counselling services.

We are passionate about making counselling accessible, reducing waiting times, and supporting our communities to improve mental health and wellbeing.

At North East Counselling Services, we pride ourselves on being a caring, person-centred organisation that supports individuals, couples, and families in our community.

We provide professional counselling services to children, adults, and couples, working to British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) standards. Our services are delivered privately and on behalf of the NHS, local government, businesses, and third-sector organisations.

Our values – making a societal difference, independence, customer-centred, responsive and open – underpin everything we do.

We are now looking for a committed and enthusiastic Administration Officer to join our team and support the smooth running of our services.

About The Role

Job Title: Administration Officer

Location: HLF House, Blaydon Upon Tyne

Hours: 25 hours weekly

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £16,523.00 per annum (pro rata of FTE £24,454.04)

Job Description

The Administration Officer will provide essential administrative support across a range of functions, helping North East Counselling Services to run effectively and enabling our counsellors to focus on delivering high-quality services.

Reporting To The Operations Manager, The Successful Candidate Will

• Ensure the timely and accurate allocation of newly referred and self-referred clients to suitable employed, associate or probationer counsellors, in line with North East Counselling Services’ allocation policies and procedures.
• Provide day-to-day administrative support to the management team.
• Support HR, finance, communications and wider business processes.
• Assist with reception duties, including greeting clients, booking appointments and responding to enquiries in person, by telephone and online.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records on internal systems, including Counsel360.
• Support counsellors with room bookings, data input and general administrative requirements.
• Help to ensure our premises remain welcoming, organised and well maintained.
• Provide administrative and secretarial support for meetings when required.
• Work collaboratively with other administration staff and support administrative activities across the organisation to ensure an effective, efficient and timely service.

This is a great opportunity for someone with strong organisational and interpersonal skills who enjoys supporting others and would like to contribute to the delivery of vital mental health and wellbeing services within their community.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• Level 2 qualification (or equivalent) in Maths and English.
• At least two years’ experience in an administrative role.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and manage competing demands effectively.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to use initiative.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Confidence communicating in person, by telephone, email and Microsoft Teams.
• Basic working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• A methodical and accurate approach to work.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Ability to communicate sensitively and appropriately with people who may be experiencing emotional distress or mental health difficulties.
• A resilient, flexible and adaptable approach to work.
• Warmth and empathy while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• A professional approach and manner.
• Willingness to undergo an Enhanced DBS check.

Desirable Criteria

• Level 2 Safeguarding Adults training.
• Level 2 Safeguarding Children training.
• Experience of HR administration.
• Intermediate Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience of communicating effectively with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience of working within a mental health, health or social care environment.
• Driving licence or ability to travel between sites.

Closing date: Sunday 27 September 2026.

Interviews will be held during the week commencing 5 October 2026.

Thank you for your interest in joining North East Counselling Services.