Pay: From £18.00 per hour depending on experience (self-employed contractor rate).
Working Hours: Up to 25 hours per week, Monday to Friday, during school term time only.
Start Date: Tuesday 1st September 2026.
The Organisation:
New Start is a counselling service, committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of children, young people and adults across Lancashire. New Start provides support to predominantly primary and secondary schools, and additionally works alongside local councils, social care and has partnerships with other agencies.
Key responsibilities:
- Provide one-to-one counselling sessions to children, young people and adults in accordance with recognised professional and ethical standards. Sessions can take place either in schools, at our office, at their home or in the community.
- Manage and maintain your own appointment diary, including booking sessions and liaising with schools, parents and relevant professionals where appropriate.
- Maintain accurate, confidential and timely case records using appropriate IT systems.
- Undertake risk assessments where required and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns in line with safeguarding legislation and school policies.
- Participate in appropriate safeguarding and compliance training where required.
- Work collaboratively with school staff, safeguarding leads and other professionals where appropriate to support client wellbeing.
- Ensure that all professional registrations, insurance, supervision and continuing professional development remain current.
- Attend occasional coordination meetings or briefings where necessary for safeguarding updates or service delivery.
Location: Blackpool, Fylde, Wyre and Lancaster with willingness to travel.
Due to travel between locations, applicants should have a Full UK Driving License and access to a vehicle.
Essential:
- Level 4+ Counselling qualification.
- Current membership of BACP/COSCA or willingness to obtain this.
- Proficiency in using IT systems for documentation and record keeping.
- Ability to travel.
- Passionate about working with children, young people and adults.
Desirable:
- Experience of providing counselling to children, young people and adults.
- Experience working within a school.
- Experience working with trauma, anxiety, behavioural difficulties or family related issues.
- Knowledge of local authority or early help services.
- Experience working with multi-agency teams.
Personal Qualities:
- Professional work ethic.
- Motivated, reliable and enthusiastic.
- Ability to work independently.
Benefits:
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Mileage/travel costs covered in line with company policy.
- Professional autonomy in managing caseloads.
- Administrative support from the New Start office team.
- Opportunity to work within a supportive and growing counselling service.
Safeguarding
New Start is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
All appointments are subject to:
- Satisfactory references.
- An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check through Disclosure and Barring Service.
- Verification of qualifications.
- Proof of the right to work in the UK under the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996.
If you would like to discuss this post further please contact:
Sarah Giannone
New Start Director
07788 447077/ 01253 468060
Proposed interview dates: Monday 6th July 2026 and Wednesday 8th July 2026.
Closing date: Friday 19th June 2026.
Pay: £18.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
