Night-Time Counsellor

PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland Charity; Belfast City District; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 21,000; Part time

Job summary

PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland Charity in Belfast is seeking a Nighttime Counsellor to provide telephone counselling and risk assessments in a proactive, client-centred service. You will screen calls, deliver brief therapeutic support, and work with the Clinical Care Team to manage risk and safeguarding, while maintaining strict confidentiality and high professional standards.

The role is permanent, 13 hours per week with a Friday night shift 9:00pm–10:00am, based in Belfast offices, requiring

Qualifications

• Professional qualification in counselling.
• Minimum 100 hours post-qualification experience with adults.
• High computer literacy and IT skills regarding common Microsoft platforms.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to work flexibly including night shifts.
• Commitment to safeguarding and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Answer phone calls and carry out telephone screening assessments for individuals seeking services.
• Provide brief, goal-focused therapeutic support to service users.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement risk management plans with supervisor support.
• Assess risk of harm and take appropriate action.
• Create a relaxed, professional environment ensuring quality care.
• Support individuals and groups within the care programmes and coordinate with management.

Skills

Counselling

Risk assessment

Communication

Self-management

Education

Professional qualification in counselling

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Reporting to: Clinical Care Team Manager

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: 13.0

Shift Pattern: Friday night 9.00pm-10.00am

Location: Belfast offices

Executive Summary

We are looking for a proactive, reliable, and fully qualified Counsellor that will provide an

efficient and effective telephone counselling service to all callers. The candidate will have

an ability to work with a variety of individuals and presenting issues, including those who

are distressed and/or at risk, and signpost appropriately.

Key Responsibilities

As a Nighttime Counsellor, the key responsibilities associated with the job role include:

• Answer phone calls and carry out telephone screening assessments for individuals wishing to engage with PIPS services.
• Provide brief, goal-focused therapeutic support to service users.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement risk management plans, with the support of the Clinical Care Team Manager.
• Assess risk of harm to clients and take appropriate action.
• Facilitate a relaxed, friendly environment that maintains quality care and
• Manage individual and group programmes of care covering clients' social, emotional and physical welfare, alongside management.

Communication and referral

• Inform referrers and other relevant health and social care professionals of assessment outcomes and service(s) for which client is referred.
• Help develop referral pathways to appropriate support services across the voluntary, statutory and community sectors.
• Liaise with Care Team Administration to maintain adequate stock levels.
• Communicate effectively with all professionals who also provide services to clients.
• Build and maintain effective communication with other voluntary, statutory and community organisations to promote the service and reach those most in need.

Records, compliance and safeguarding

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date client records on the PIPS CRM system for all clients receiving a service.
• Store and maintain records in line with PIPS' professional and confidentiality procedures.
• Keep accurate statistics for all clients receiving a service.
• Adhere to all PIPS policies and procedures, including Health and Safety for oneself, colleagues and the public; take immediate action on serious risk, informing the Clinical Care Team Manager first.
• Work in line with current safeguarding requirements and NI legislation, and all other relevant legislative frameworks.
• Achieve the highest standards of safeguarding for families, children, young people and vulnerable adults in contact with PIPS services.
• Work in line with BACP good practice guidelines and the Ethical Framework for good practice in counselling.
• Attend clinical supervision regularly, in accordance with policy and procedures.
• Promote Equal Opportunities across all areas of work.

Evaluation and service development

• Evaluate the impact of all work undertaken and contribute to the organisation's overall evaluation.
• Implement monitoring and evaluation systems to measure client satisfaction and service impact.
• Keep abreast of new research, practice developments, emerging programmes and
• Suggest and present ideas for improvement, and take an active role in their planning, implementation and evaluation.

Working with others and self-management

• Attend personal review and appraisal meetings.
• Participate regularly in staff, team and project meetings.
• Participate in events, meetings, conferences and training as required and carry out training when needed.
• Continue to engage in ongoing professional development.
• Develop good relationships with staff and volunteers throughout PIPS.
• Manage own time effectively to meet deadlines, planning and organising work to align with personal and corporate objectives.
• Understand and contribute to PIPS' strategic objectives, and how the role supports them.
• Contribute to a cost-conscious, value-for-money culture, with awareness of and adherence to PIPS' budget.
• Uphold a personal and professional attitude and conduct in all interactions with colleagues and service users.
• Publicise and promote the organisation's aims and objectives.
• Carry out any other reasonable management request.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Qualifications

• Professional qualification in counselling
• Have a minimum of 100 hours post qualification experience of working with adults
• A high level of computer literacy and IT skills regarding common Microsoft platforms and applications.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to work flexibly.
• Self‐motivated, adaptable, enthusiastic and positive approach.
• Confidential, diplomatic and approachable with a high standard of service.
• Ability to prioritise, work to strict deadlines and have excellent time management.

Professional Accreditation

• Must be an active participant in a professional body such as, BACP, BABCP, IACO or NCPS.

The closing date for Application Forms is 5pm 19 October 2026. Applications received after this will not be considered.

PIPS is an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.