Children and Young Persons Counsellor

Changing Pathways Essex; Basildon; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Changing Pathways Essex seeks a dedicated Children and Young Person Counsellor to deliver therapeutic interventions for children and young people within our service. You will manage your caseload, conduct assessments, and maintain confidential records while collaborating with schools, parents, and statutory partners.

The role is on-site, requires DBS checks, and a commitment to safeguarding and continuous professional development.

Qualifications

• Must have Level 3 qualification in child counselling skills or Level 4 diploma in school-based child counselling or post graduate diploma in counselling and psychotherapy for children and young people in schools.
• Minimum of 150 clinical hours experience working with children age 5 years and above.
• Experience in charity or MH settings to increase mental health awareness.
• Experience of assessing risk and recording, communicating and mitigating appropriately.
• Desirable experience with CORE10 Young people forms, group facilitation, safeguarding and multi-agency collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Provide therapeutic interventions to children and young people within the service.
• Manage your caseload and conduct assessments.
• Attend meetings and maintain confidential records of counselling sessions and interventions.
• Collaborate with pastoral teams in schools, parents/care givers, and multi-agency partners.

Skills

Communication

Active listening

Rapport building

Teamwork

Education

Level 3 qualification in child counselling skills

Level 4 diploma in school-based child counselling

Post graduate diploma in counselling and psychotherapy for children and young people in schools

Tools

Case management systems

Job description

Company Description:

Changing Pathways Essex provides free, confidential support and advocacy to individuals of any gender who have experienced domestic abuse and stalking. The organisation serves communities across South Essex and Thurrock, working closely with local partners to improve safety and wellbeing. Team members are part of a trauma-informed service that focuses on empowerment, safeguarding, and practical assistance. Applicants can expect to join a values-led charity committed to inclusive, person-centred care and continuous improvement in support services.

Role Description:

As a Children and Young Person Counsellor your role is crucial in providing therapeutic interventions to children and young people within our service. You will manage your caseload, conduct assessments and attend meetings. You will maintain accurate and confidential records of counselling sessions and interventions whilst consulting with pastoral teams in schools, parents/care givers, working collaboratively with our service domestic abuse practioners and statutory organisations. This is a face to face role and you will need to be available between 9am to 5pm. You will be a member of a relevant professional body, hold an enhanced DBS or be part of the update service.

Qualifications:

• Must have a minimum of Level 3 qualification in child counselling skills or Level 4 diploma in school based child counselling or post graduate diploma in counselling and psychotherapy for children and young people in schools.
• A minimum of 150 clinical hours experience working with children age 5 years and above.
• Experience of working within a charity or MH settings to increase mental health awareness within the organisation.
• Experience of assessing risk and to record, communicate and mitigate appropriately.
• (Desirable) Experience of working with mental health safeguarding concerns for adults and CYP.
• (Desirable) Experience of CORE10 Young people forms.
• (Desirable) Experience of group facilitations.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding procedures, child protection legislation, and best practice in working with vulnerable children and young people.
• Excellent communication, active listening, and rapport-building skills, with the ability to adapt approaches to different ages, backgrounds, and communication needs.
• Ability to maintain clear, concise case records, handle confidential information appropriately, and use basic digital tools or case management systems.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills, including the ability to work effectively with multi-agency partners such as schools, social care, and health professionals.
• Resilience, emotional maturity, and reflective practice skills to manage the impact of working with trauma and distressing situations.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusive practice, with a non-judgmental approach to all service users.
• Willingness to undertake ongoing professional development, training, and supervision.
• Ability to work full time on site, with good time-management and organisational skills.