Prison Counsellor: Brief Therapy & Reentry Support

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

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.