Therapist/Counsellor

Medical Update Online; Bournemouth; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Medical Update Online is seeking a Counsellor/Therapist for a permanent role within a Drug & Alcohol Addiction service in Bournemouth. You will provide individual counselling, support group activities and collaborate with the care team to promote safe, recovery‑focused practice.

The role involves 38 hours per week with on-call responsibilities, driving to client sites as needed, and maintaining high professional standards in line with safeguarding and confidentiality requirements.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated empathy and effective communication with clients with complex needs.
• Understanding of safeguarding, risk management and ethical practice in counselling.
• Working toward or holding BACP membership.
• Driving licence and access to a car for local travel.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual counselling and structured therapeutic support to clients.
• Support group sessions, workshops and recovery activities.
• Help clients explore behaviours, emotions and experiences linked to addiction.
• Maintain confidential client records and contribute to care plans and risk assessments.
• Work with the wider clinical and operational teams to support recovery goals.
• Assist in relapse-prevention planning and development of sustainable recovery plans.
• Uphold professional boundaries and safeguarding procedures.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Risk management

Safeguarding

Ethical practice

Education

Level 4 counselling qualification

BACP membership

Job description

Apricus Resourcing are working with a leading charitable organisation who are looking for a Counsellor/Therapist for a permanent post based within a Drug & Alcohol Addiction service in Bournemouth.

You will support clients throughout their recovery journey, helping them understand the underlying causes of addiction, develop effective coping strategies and build the confidence needed to achieve lasting change.

The hours for the role are 38 per week and you will be expected to take part in the on call rota.

About the Role

As a Counsellor, you will work closely with support workers and other members of the team to deliver safe, person-centred and recovery-focused support.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing individual counselling and structured therapeutic support to clients.
• Supporting the delivery of group sessions, workshops and recovery activities.
• Helping clients explore behaviours, emotions and experiences linked to addiction.
• Maintaining clear, accurate and confidential client records.
• Contributing to individual care plans, risk assessments and treatment reviews.
• Working collaboratively with the wider clinical and operational teams.
• Supporting clients to develop relapse-prevention strategies and sustainable recovery plans.
• Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and following safeguarding procedures.

About you:

• A Level 4 counselling qualification.
• Driving License and access to a car
• An understanding of counselling theory, ethical practice and professional boundaries.
• The ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with clients who may have complex needs.
• An understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality and risk management.

You are working towards or hold Full membership to the BACP

Previous experience of working within addiction and specifically with the 12-step programme would be advantageous but is by no means essential