Staff Counsellor

Networking Women in the Fire Service; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 38,000; Part time

Job summary

A prominent fire service organization seeks a part-time Staff Counsellor to provide comprehensive counselling services for its diverse staff. This role requires a Diploma in Counselling or equivalent, along with BACP accreditation and at least five years of relevant experience. The successful candidate will utilize specialist skills in cognitive behavioral therapy and address various work-related issues. Benefits include up to 26 days of holiday, hybrid working conditions, and access to a gym among other perks.

Benefits

Up to 26 days’ holiday plus bank holidays

Hybrid working available

Free access to Brigade gym

Contributory pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Staff discount scheme

Qualifications

• Must have current BACP Accreditation or equivalent.
• At least 5 years of experience as a trained counsellor, psychotherapist, or psychologist.
• Specialist skills in using CBT plus experience with trauma-related issues preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive counselling services for staff.
• Develop effective relationships with diverse staff.
• Work with a variety of personal and work-related issues.

Skills

Counselling

Psychotherapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Experience with trauma-related issues

Education

Diploma in Counselling

BACP Accreditation

Job description

Post: Staff Counsellor
Salary: £37,552.80 per annum
Grade: FRS E
Salary range: £37,552.80.80 per annum
Contract type: Fixed Term until 28/02/2027
Working pattern: Part time (28 hours per week date: 4 PM on Wednesday 04 February 2026

London Fire Brigade (LFB) is London’s fire and rescue service – one of the largest firefighting and rescue organisations in the world. We are here to make London a safer city. Employing over 5000 people across our operational team (our firefighters), control (our call handlers who answer 999 calls), fire safety and our non‑operational team (our team who work behind the scenes to support our front‑line services, which includes Fleet, IT, HR, Finance, Procurement, Communications team and many more).

Are you a counsellor, psychotherapist or psychologist qualified to PG Diploma level with current BACP accreditation or equivalent?

Do you have substantial proven post‑qualifying experience and possess the expertise, skills, and enthusiasm to join a well‑established team?

We provide a comprehensive counselling service covering all aspects of work‑related, health and personal issues to the staff of a large emergency service.

You will have the skills to develop an effective counselling relationship with a wide range of staff from a variety of cultural backgrounds and possess an understanding of the role of a staff counsellor in an organisational setting.

Specialist skills in using CBT plus experience of working with trauma related issues using NICE recommended modalities would be an advantage.

Further information about the main duties and responsibilities of the role are detailed in the job description. If you are unable to see the job description, salary range or the full advert, please visit our jobs pages athttps://jobs-london-fire-gov-uk.jobsmarket.site/pages/en-gb/jobs to access the full advert.

Eligibility

Applicants must have at least a Diploma in Counselling or equivalent and current BACP Accredited (or equivalent).

Please note LFB staff on probation are not eligible to apply.

Assessment Overview

Stage 1

To apply, please complete the online application, upload a copy of your up‑to‑date CV and provide evidence to address the following selection criteria:

• A minimum Diploma in Counselling or equivalent and currently BACP Accredited (or equivalent).
• A minimum 5 years’ experience as a trained counsellor / psychotherapist / psychologist working with a diverse client group and dealing with a wide range of presenting problems.
• Experience of using CBT and / or other short‑term focussed models of counselling.
• Knowledge/understanding/experience working with trauma related issues including PTSD.

Please note that we will score the evidence you provide based on the competencies listed in the selection criteria above.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend stage 2.

Please ensure you give yourself enough time to complete and submit your application. Late or un‑submitted applications cannot be accepted.

Please note any correspondence received from us will be via e‑mail and sent to the address you provide on your application form.

Stage 2

Assessment for this role is due to take place mid/late-February 2026. Please be advised that if you are unable to make the scheduled assessment date, we may not be able to make alternative arrangements.

Additional Information

Benefits of working for the London Fire Brigade

• up to 26 days’ holiday plus bank holidays
• Additional leave between Christmas Day and New Year
• Family (including maternity) leave and emergency support leave
• Hybrid working is available, subject to business need.
• Free access to the Brigade gym
• Use of the Brigade’s Medical Adviser/physios/fitness advisers
• Free counselling
• Season ticket loan
• Join social networks including our Equality Support Groups
• Contributory pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Staff discount scheme including access to Blue Light Card retail and hospitality discounts
• Opportunity to access affordable accommodation

Criminal records check

In line with the Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) employment checks will be completed by successful candidates, which will include a criminal records check. Successful candidate will be required to declare any convictions for offences which are not spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and any offer of employment is subject to the LFC receiving a criminal records disclosure which it considers satisfactory. A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced check will be undertaken on the successful person before an appointment is confirmed.