Counsellor

Rethink Mental Illness; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Rethink Mental Illness is seeking a full-time Counsellor to provide 1:1 and group counselling at HMP Millsike, Full Sutton, York. The role operates mainly Monday–Friday, 08:00–16:00, in partnership with Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust.

You will deliver Step 2 counselling, use PHQ-9 and GAD-7 for progress monitoring, and work within an integrated mental health team while maintaining high-quality clinical records and ensuring continuity of care on release.

Qualifications

• Diploma in therapeutic counselling with professional accreditation (e.g., BACP).
• Post-qualification counselling experience within an IAPT or stepped-care service.
• Strong knowledge of assessment, risk, and outcome measures (PHQ-9, GAD-7).

Responsibilities

• Deliver brief 1:1 and group counselling for depression related to recent life events.
• Work within an integrated mental health team and support wellbeing initiatives.
• Collaborate with colleagues across clinical and care navigation services.
• Maintain accurate clinical records and enter data onto systems.
• Participate in supervision and adhere to professional standards.

Skills

Risk assessment

PHQ-9 & GAD-7

Therapeutic relationship

Group counselling

Record keeping

Communication skills

IT systems proficiency

Clinical collaboration

Education

Diploma in therapeutic counselling

Tools

Microsoft Office

Clinical databases

Job description

Join Our Team as a Counsellor

Location: Full Sutton, York (HMP Millsike)

Role: Full-time – 37.5 hours per week

Rethink Mental Illness works in partnership with Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust to deliver Step 1 and 2 talking therapies within integrated prison mental health teams. At HMP Millsike—a Category C resettlement prison for adult males located in East Yorkshire, the service provides high‑quality, face‑to‑face interventions that focus on rehabilitation, skill building and lowering reoffending prior to an inmate’s release. The role is mainly Monday–Friday, 08:00–16:00, with some flexibility and occasional reimbursed travel.

What I will do and achieve:

I deliver brief 1:1 and group counselling for depression related to recent life events, following Step 2 IAPT guidance. Working within the integrated mental health team, I support wellbeing initiatives and collaborate with Rethink colleagues across clinical and care navigation services, with supervision provided in line with BACP standards.

Clinical Assessment & Intervention

• Manage referrals in line with service protocols, assessing suitability and stepping clients up or down as appropriate.
• Conduct person‑centred assessments, including risk assessment, goal‑setting, and identifying areas for change.
• Deliver Step 2 counselling interventions, developing, implementing, and evaluating therapy plans.
• Use recognised outcome measures (PHQ‑9, GAD‑7) to monitor progress throughout treatment.

Collaboration & Continuity of Care

• Work closely within the multidisciplinary team to support a stepped‑care approach.
• Attend MDT meetings and maintain strong links with statutory and non‑statutory agencies to support continuity of care on release.
• Communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and external professionals in both written and verbal form.

Record Keeping & Data Quality

• Maintain accurate, high‑quality clinical records and enter data onto agreed systems.
• Contribute to monthly performance reporting to support service monitoring and improvement.

Professional Standards & Development

• Protect client confidentiality and uphold Rethink Mental Illness values at all times.
• Engage openly in supervision and adopt a flexible, pragmatic approach to ensure excellent service delivery.
• Work to agreed activity levels to maintain accessibility and minimise waiting times.

Essential Experience and Skills:

• Diploma in therapeutic counselling (or equivalent) enabling BACP or similar professional accreditation.
• Post‑qualification counselling experience within an IAPT or stepped‑care service, delivering evidence‑based brief interventions.
• Strong knowledge of assessment, screening, referral pathways, risk assessment, record‑keeping and outcome‑based practice (e.g., PHQ‑9, GAD‑7).
• Ability to build effective therapeutic relationships and work in an inclusive, culturally sensitive, non‑discriminatory manner.
• Clear understanding of IAPT counselling models and their application in clinical practice.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence using IT systems, Microsoft Office, and clinical databases.
• Ability to prioritise workload, manage challenging situations calmly, and adapt positively to changing demands.
• Commitment to personal and professional development, using supervision constructively and maintaining reflective practice.

If you’re passionate about empowering individuals, reducing stigma, and improving mental health outcomes, we’d love to hear from you.

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