Job Description

Counsellor - Forces Support

FLAGS Forces Link Alcohol & Gambling Support Services

Location: South West - Plymouth (HMNB Devonport)

37 hours, Permanent Contract position

30,450 - 33,785 (SP27-SP30)

About Us

This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic Charity. The Society of St James (SSJ) has been working in Hampshire, England for over 40 years. The Forces Linking Alcohol and/or Gambling with Support Services (known as F.L.A.G.S.) is delivered by an independent charity organisation, The Society of St James. This service specialises in supporting people in making their lives better and have expertise in behaviour change interventions. We are an independent service funded by the Royal Navy and Royal Marine Charity (RNRMC). Our aim is to provide a private and confidential service to support current Serving Personnel who may be experiencing difficulties with alcohol and/or gambling.

The Role

The successful candidate will ideally have experience of working with this client group, knowledge of the impact of alcohol and/or gambling on Serving Personnel, families and the wider community and be able to manage a client caseload safely and effectively. You will work in a Person-Centred approach to support individuals who want to make changes to their lives by supporting them to access interventions that are important to them providing counselling alongside interventions. Good risk management skills are essential, as well as a strong ability to build meaningful relationships with our service users. This will enable SSJ to deliver our purpose to create engaging opportunities for growth and development for employees and our service user's alike.

You will have accredited level 3 counselling skills as a minimum. You will also ideally have experience and knowledge of serving in the military and/or military live. Prior to interview, we would expect candidates to be aware of the issues that this client group presents with and have a good knowledge of interventions, resources and agencies that are available. You will ideally have experience and knowledge of the military and military life as a veteran or a close link in some capacity.

The role will be based in and around Devonport but the work will also involve visiting clients in other areas. You will imitate the current Portsmouth FLAGS model in your area with promotion and networking. You will be creative and independent in sourcing and linking with Serving Personnel services and bases you can work with/from. You will work within a flexible 37 hour working week. Some out of hours work may be necessary in order respond to an individual's presenting needs.

Our ideal candidate will be creative and dynamic and able to work with other agencies and clients to develop this new and innovative part of the service.

Ideal Candidate

Applicants will need to be self-reflective, motivated and able to work independently, sometimes lone working and as part of a team. Be prepared to travel, have good background of working with people with substance misuse issues and mental health, however, transferable skills from working with other disadvantaged groups/individuals will be considered. You will have accredited counselling skills and other relevant skills knowledge in this area. Prior to interview, we would expect candidates to be aware of the issues that this client group presents with and have a good knowledge of interventions, resources and agencies that are available. You will have experience and knowledge of the military and military life or a close link in some capacity.

Our ideal candidate will be innovative and tenacious and able to engage meaningfully with service users. Have a good background of assessing people's needs and risks, reflective thinking, keeping accurate records and direct experience of working effectively with other agencies to advocate and support the client's needs.

Staff Benefits

We value and recognise our staff, offering some generous benefits, as well as the satisfaction of helping vulnerable people:

- A competitive annual leave entitlement of 25 days rising to 30 days, plus public holidays

- Flexible working options

- Buying additional annual leave

- Comprehensive induction and training

- Counselling, financial, personal support and health and wellbeing services via our Employee Assistance Programme

- Company cycle to work scheme

- Discounted laptops and computers with Jamie's Computers

To apply, please send your CV & cover letter explaining why you would be suitable for the position.

Please note that CV's alone will not be considered during shortlisting.

Application closing date: Friday 20th June 2025

Interview date: Tuesday 1st July 2025

Interview venue: Online using Google Meet

Successful candidates will be contacted if they are successful and invited to interview. You will be contacted to arrange a suitable interview time. Please ensure you keep your interview date available should you be invited.

For an informal chat about the position, please call/email Leanne Gallagher-Costello on 07851721438, leanne.gallagher-costello@ssj.org.uk

If you require any adjustments to attend the interview please inform HR.

Please note this is a new role and a start date has not yet been established.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 30,450.00-33,785.00 per year

Benefits:

Additional leave Cycle to work scheme
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 20/06/2025