We’re Hiring: Children and Young People’s Counsellor
Organisation: Key Unlocking Futures
Salary: £28,476 - £29,470 per annum
Location: Agile working with travel across West Lancashire
Hours: 36.5 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
DBS: Enhanced DBS required
Help children and young people build brighter futures
At Key Unlocking Futures, part of Progress Housing Group, we help people across Lancashire build better lives. For over 30 years, we’ve supported children, young people and families through difficult times with compassionate, practical services that make a real difference. Key now supports more than 10,000 people across Lancashire each year.
We’re looking for an experienced and compassionate Children and Young People’s Counsellor to deliver short-term therapeutic support for children and young people, helping to strengthen emotional wellbeing, develop resilience and promote positive mental health.
About the Children and Young People’s Counsellor role
You’ll work directly with children and young people facing emotional health, mental health and wellbeing challenges. Managing your own caseload, you’ll provide therapeutic interventions, develop trusted relationships and work closely with families, referral partners and other professionals to deliver joined-up counselling and wellbeing support.
You’ll be responsible for:
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Managing a caseload of children and young people
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Assessing needs and providing short-term therapeutic interventions
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Promoting emotional wellbeing and resilience
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Working collaboratively with partner agencies
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Using Outcomes Stars and contributing to Early Help processes where needed
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Keeping accurate case records and maintaining confidentiality
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Following safeguarding procedures at all times
What we’re looking for
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Degree/diploma in Counselling Studies or equivalent in CBT, Psychotherapy, Play Therapy or similar, or an experienced CYP worker/coach in emotional health and wellbeing.
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Experience supporting children and young people with diverse and complex needs
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Experience managing a varied caseload
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Strong knowledge of child development, BACP codes of practice and issues affecting young people today
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Ability to build strong, client-focused relationships
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Strong organisation skills and ability to work independently
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Access to a car for work travel
Desirable:
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Working towards BACP accreditation or equivalent
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Experience in a multi-agency setting
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Knowledge of safeguarding, EHA and TAF procedure
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Experience using an electronic case management system
Why join us?
This is your chance to join an organisation with a strong social purpose, where your work will have a direct impact on the lives of children and young people.
We’re proud that this impact has been recognised beyond our organisation. Key Unlocking Futures has been named the 2026 Spring North Charity of the Year and Impact Award winner, and we’re also delighted to have been shortlisted as BIBA finalists. It’s recognition that reflects the dedication of our team, the strength of our partnerships, and the difference we continue to make for people and communities across Lancashire.
What you’ll get in return:
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Competitive salary of £28,476 - £29,470
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Job security with a Permanent position that promotes work life balance
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A role within an established organisation with almost 30 years of helping individuals and families building a brighter future for themselves.
- A rewarding role with real purpose
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Supportive team environment
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Training and development opportunities
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The chance to be part of a trusted organisation changing lives across Lancashire
How to apply
If you’re passionate about supporting children and young people and want to make a genuine difference, we’d love to hear from you.
Application Closing Date: Midnight Monday 31st August 2026
Interview Dates: 7th 9th and 10th of September 2026
Inclusion matters here
Key Unlocking Futures is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
