Job Summary
SearchLight Counselling and Therapy (formerly Relate West Surrey) is a well-established Surrey charity providing counselling and therapeutic support to individuals, couples, children, young people and families.
We are seeking a qualified and experienced Children & Young People Counsellor to join our clinical team. This role offers the opportunity to provide therapeutic support to children and young people aged 5-25, working from our Woking and Esher centres and online.
This is an excellent opportunity for a practitioner who is passionate about supporting children and young people, enjoys working across a varied age range and is committed to delivering high-quality, ethical and client-centred counselling services within a supportive charitable organisation.
Duties
The successful candidate will:
- Provide counselling to children and young people aged 5-25.
- Deliver sessions face-to-face from our Woking centre and online via Zoom.
- Undertake assessments and support clients and families to access the most appropriate service.
- Manage risk appropriately and work within safeguarding procedures.
- Maintain accurate and confidential client records in line with data protection requirements.
- Work within professional ethical frameworks and best practice guidance.
- Participate in mandatory clinical supervision, team meetings and ongoing professional development.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure a coordinated and client-centred service.
- Contribute to maintaining a safe, welcoming and inclusive therapeutic environment.
Location: Woking and Esher (face-to-face and online)
Hours: Variable, dependent on client demand and referrals
Working Pattern: Primarily weekday daytime hours, with some evening availability required for young adult clients
Salary: Competitive hourly rate, dependent on qualifications and experience
Experience
- A recognised counselling qualification to Level 5 or above appropriate for working with children and young people.
- Professional registration, accreditation or active membership with BACP, UKCP, NCPS or an equivalent professional body.
- Specialist training in child and/or young people's counselling.
- At least one year's experience of providing counselling to children and/or young people.
- Experience of conducting assessments, maintaining professional records and managing risk.
- Knowledge of safeguarding legislation, procedures and best practice relating to children and young people.
- Excellent communication and record-keeping skills.
- A commitment to anti-discriminatory and inclusive practice.
- The ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Experience of delivering counselling both online and face-to-face.
- Experience of working within a counselling charity or agency setting.
- Experience of using creative and play-based therapeutic interventions.
- Experience of supporting parents and families alongside therapeutic work.
- Experience of using electronic client management systems.
- Group work or workshop facilitation experience.
What We Offer
- Individual clinical supervision.
- Optional monthly group supervision.
- Two days of free CPD each year.
- Access to ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
- Administrative support and established referral pathways.
- A supportive and collaborative clinical team.
- The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children, young people and families across Surrey.
About SearchLight
SearchLight Counselling and Therapy supports people of all ages and backgrounds through life's challenges. Our services help individuals, couples, young people, children and families improve emotional wellbeing, strengthen relationships and build resilience.
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
