Job Description

Our mission is to offer a secure and inclusive space for young people to seek support for their wellbeing within the trusted Youth Zone environment. This is an exciting opportunity to help establish an innovative, community-based counselling service for children and young people in the Barking and Dagenham area.

We are looking for enthusiastic Counsellors to become part of a team who are passionate about working with young people.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - DETAILED

Provide drop-in and one-on-one counselling sessions tailored to the emotional, behavioural, and developmental needs of young people.

Build trusting relationships with young people to foster resilience, self-esteem, and emotional wellbeing through consistent support and active engagement.

Collaborate with youth workers to design and deliver engaging activities that promote mental health, personal growth, and social inclusion.

Use creative approaches such as art-based activities, interactive games, or digital tools to foster engagement within both the Youth Zone space and the therapy room.

Support youth workers to facilitate workshops topics such as emotional regulation, conflict resolution, identity, and healthy relationships.

Identify and respond to safeguarding concerns in line with club policies, ensuring timely intervention and appropriate referrals.

Where necessary, liaise with families, schools, and external agencies to ensure holistic and coordinated support for each young person.

Maintain accurate records of sessions, incidents, and progress notes, contributing to monitoring, evaluation, and reporting requirements.

Attend regular clinical supervision and line management meetings.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - GENERAL

Be a role model for young people and present a positive "can do" attitude.

Take personal responsibility for own actions.

Commit to a culture of continuous improvement.

Work within the performance framework of Future Youth Zone and OnSide.

Represent Future Youth Zone positively and effectively in all dealings with internal colleagues, and external partners.

To be alert to issues of safeguarding and child protection, ensuring the welfare and safety of Youth Zone members is promoted and safeguarded, and to report any child protection concerns to the designated Safeguarding Officer using the safeguarding policies, procedures and practice (training to be provided).

To adhere to Future Youth Zone policies at all times, with particular reference to Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities

Experience

Experience working with young people in community or educational settings.

Essential

Experience of working with young people from diverse backgrounds and with challenging needs

Essential

Experience in youth work or group facilitation.

Desirable

Qualifications

Recognised qualification in counselling/psychotherapy/ creative therapies (Level 6 or above preferred).

Essential

Hold individual BACP /UKCP (or equivalent) registration with a proven commitment to continuing learning and professional development.

Essential

Skills

Ability to empathise with the needs of young people from a range of communities and backgrounds and a working knowledge of the social issues that affect young people and impact upon their mental health and well-being.

Essential

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal. Ability to work as part of a team from different theoretical backgrounds and identify with organisational goals.

Essential

Creative approach to engagement (e.g., using art, music, sport, or digital media).

Desirable

Knowledge

Demonstrates a strong understanding of child and adolescent development with a sensitivity to the unique characteristics and needs of a wide range of young people, including LBGTQ+, neurodivergent or young people with additional needs.

Essential

Demonstrates adherence to counselling ethical guidelines, upholding confidentiality, professionalism, and prioritising client welfare throughout practice to ensure safe, ethical, and effective support for young people.

Essential

Knowledge of and experience of organisational safeguarding standards by participating in safeguarding training sessions and implementing clear reporting procedures to protect children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

Essential

Knowledge of local services and referral pathways.

Desirable

Special Requirements

Ability to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends.

Essential

Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion,

Essential

Enhanced DBS clearance and commitment to Safeguarding children

Essential

Willingness to undertake ongoing professional development.

Essential

Future Youth Zone is committed to the safeguarding of young people. In accordance with our Child Protection and Safeguarding procedures, this position requires an enhanced DBS check.

The strength of OnSide Youth Zones comes from the diversity of the people within our vibrant network. We are proud that our Youth Zone teams reflect the communities they serve, and we value people working together from a range of different backgrounds locally and nationally, and with different experiences, all with a shared passion for boosting the aspirations of young people across the country. Diversity brings innovation, fresh ideas and creativity, and we actively strive to create a culture that is truly inclusive and fair for all and where everyone in the team can be themselves and thrive.

For information regarding how Future Youth Zone and OnSide Youth Zones process your data, please visit www.futureyouthzone.org/privacy-policy/

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: 30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 6 per week

Benefits:

Canteen Company pension Cycle to work scheme Health & wellbeing programme On-site gym
Experience:

Youth work: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:

Counselling Qualification (required) DBS (preferred)
Work Location: In person