Job Description

Post: Counsellor – Children & Young People (Autism & Neurodiversity)

Reports to: Services Manager

Hours: 21 hours per week

Salary: £32,200 per annum pro rata

Contract: Fixed term 18 months, with possible extension.

Location: Delivery of therapeutic work will mainly be in community venues across Selly Oak and Hall Green, including R4A premises, Kapella’s Birmingham Centre, with some online working as required, depending on the needs of the clients and the service. The role requires flexibility and willingness to travel between sites.

The office base is the Kapella’s Birmingham office, remote/home working will be considered.

Work Hours: Some flexibility in working hours is needed to include daytime, after school or Saturday morning sessions for clients. Days and times will agreed with the Service Manager.

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

• To provide counselling to children and young people with autism and neurodiverse needs as part of a community-based service.

• The role involves delivering therapeutic support, working with colleagues and partner organisations, and contributing to a joined-up local service for children and young people.

• The postholder will work as part of Kapella’s Children and Young People’s Counselling Service.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical Work

• Provide one-to-one counselling to children and young people with autism and neurodiverse needs

Use a neuro-affirming, trauma-informed and person-centred approach

• Agree goals and review progress with children and young people

• Identify and respond to safeguarding concerns following procedures

Manage an allocated caseload

Deliver around 12 counselling sessions per week

• Work from community venues, Kapella’s Birmingham centre, and online

Partnership Working

Attend triage meetings

Attend supervision and team meetings

Work with the project partner organisations and internal teams to support joined-up delivery in line with project and funding requirements.

Communicate with professionals supporting children and young people

• Support promotion activities for the project to raise awareness locally with partners and referrers.

Administration

• Maintain accurate and timely clinical records

• Use the organisation’s case management system/database

Complete outcome measures and monitoring information

• Produce monthly project activity and outcome reports

Follow GDPR and confidentiality procedures

Professional Responsibilities

Attend regular clinical supervision

Participate in team meetings and reflective practice

• Maintain professional registration (BACP, UKCP, NCPS or equivalent)

Work within organisational policies and procedures

Maintain ongoing professional development

• Promote equality of opportunity and inclusive practice in the workplace and in our services

Comply with the Kapella principles, aims, objectives and standards at all times.

• Be aware of and comply with Kapella’s health and safety policy, including risk assessments

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

Recognised counselling qualification (Level 4 Diploma or equivalent)

Registered member of BACP, UKCP, NCPS or equivalent

Significant experience working with children and young people

Experience working with autistic and/or neurodiverse clients

• Ability to adapt therapeutic approaches to meet the needs of neurodivergent clients

Able to manage a caseload

Experience using outcome measures and producing reports

Good understanding of safeguarding

Able to work independently and as part of a team

Comfortable working flexibly across multiple settings

Good IT skills and confident using systems/databases

Skills and Attributes

Good communication and relationship-building skills

• Able to maintain professional boundaries and manage confidentiality

Organised and reliable

Flexible and adaptable

• Able to work collaboratively with colleagues and partners

Desirable

Experience working within community-based or outreach settings

Familiarity with local CYP mental health and support services.

Experience of giving talks, presentations or other promotional activities

This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check and a 3-month probationary period.

Date produced: June 2026