Children & Young People’s Counsellor (Autism & Neurodiversity)
Salary: £32,200 p.a. pro rata (c: £18,032 for 21 hours)
Hours: 21 hours per week (including flexibility for after school/weekend hours as needed)
Contract: 18 months fixed term (with potential for extension)
Location: South Birmingham –R4A premises, community venues and online
Reports to: Service Manager
Kapella (formerly Relate Birmingham & Black Country) is looking for an experienced and dedicated Counsellor for children and young people with autism and other neurodiverse needs, to join our team in Birmingham.
The Role
This counselling role is part of an exciting new partnership pilot project, delivering holistic, community-based support for neurodiverse children and young people experiencing emotional and mental health challenges to help them improve their wellbeing, develop coping strategies and support them to thrive.
This is a varied role combining direct therapeutic support with attendance at triage, supervision and team meetings, reporting and helping to promote the service locally. As this is a new and developing service, we're looking for someone who enjoys being part of something new and has flexibility to work in different settings, including community venues (in the Selly Oak/Hall Green area), Kapella’s Birmingham centre, and online.
You will join Kapella’s established therapeutic team, working in our Children and Young People’s Counselling Service, and be part of a long-standing local charity aiming to improve the relationships and wellbeing of local adults, families and children.
Main responsibilities:
· Deliver one to one counselling to children and young people with autism and neurodiverse needs (up to 12 sessions per client)
· Manage your own caseload and deliver up to 12 counselling sessions per week
· Work across community venues, including R4A and online
· Take part in triage meetings, supervision and partnership team meetings
· Support local promotion of the service with partners and referrers
· Maintain accurate clinical records and outcome monitoring
· Produce monthly project and activity reports
About you:
· Qualified counsellor (e.g. Level 4 Diploma) & have a professional membership e.g. BACP
· Experience working therapeutically with children and young people
· Significant experience of working with clients with autism and neurodiversity
· Ability to adapt therapeutic approaches to meet the needs of neurodivergent clients.
· Able to manage a caseload
· Good understanding of safeguarding
· Comfortable working flexibly across different settings and willingness to travel
· Able to work independently and as part of a team
· Report writing and good admin skills
· Organised, reliable and confident using databases and digital systems
What we offer:
· Opportunity to be part of an innovative, community-based South Birmingham project
· 25 days annual leave (pro rata for part time roles) plus 8 Bank Holidays
· Regular clinical supervision
· Pension scheme, training and development and staff wellbeing support
· Work within a proactive and developing local charity and make a difference
How to Apply:
Send your CV and a covering letter setting out how you meet the person specification . Call 0121 643 1638 if you’ve got any questions.
For a full job description visit kapella.org.uk/join-our-team
Deadline for applications: 1.00pm Thursday 9 July 2026
Registered Office: 111 Bishopsgate Street, Birmingham, B15 1ET Charity Number: 1053946 Company Number: 03174040
Pay: £32,200.00 per year
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Birmingham B29
