Counsellor/Psychotherapist Required: Sutton, South London
Counsellor/Psychotherapist Required: Sutton, South London
Forward Trust
All Departments: Substance Misuse Services
Vacancy Type: Contract
Salary Details: £28,877 (pro-rata)
Directorate: Prisons
Forward Trust is seeking a qualified and compassionate Counsellor or Psychotherapist to join our integrated team supporting adults (18+) in prison affected by substance use needs and complex trauma. Using a trauma-informed approach, you’ll provide one-to-one therapeutic counselling and work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure holistic, person-centred care. This is a rewarding opportunity to join a supportive, multidisciplinary team and make a real difference in people’s lives.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a diverse caseload, delivering one-to-one counselling sessions.
- Maintain accurate, confidential records and comply with data protection laws and organisational policies
- Conduct comprehensive counselling assessments and contribute to client allocations in collaboration with the service lead.
- Maintain and manage waiting lists effectively.
- Provide support to student counsellors.
- Work with the team to develop and deliver events promoting wellbeing and resilience.
- Contribute to service development by sharing knowledge of trauma-informed care and best practice.
- Uphold ethical and professional standards in counselling practices, aligning with regulatory codes of conduct and prison procedures
What We’re Looking For
- Minimum Level 4 Diploma in Counselling or Psychotherapy (or equivalent).
- Registration with BACP (or equivalent professional body).
- Experience delivering trauma-focused counselling (e.g., EMDR, CBT, or other recognised therapeutic models).
- Knowledge and understanding of clinical governance and risk management.
- Experience working with a diverse range of clients and presenting issues.
- Ability to work independently and manage a flexible session schedule.
- Understanding of continuity of care, holistic client needs and prison services.
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding and trauma-informed approaches.
- Strong IT skills (including Microsoft Office and case management systems).
- Comply with security vetting and prison guidelines