Listed today
The Counsellor will join Womankind’s staff team based in central Bristol, providingtime limited relationally based counselling using psychodynamic/integrativeapproaches to women with mental health needs, with a particular focus on youngwomen aged 16–18 affected by domestic abuse and/or sexual violence. She willensure that counselling is accessible, inclusive, safe and empowering,strengthening young women’s safety, resilience and emotional wellbeing whilecontributing to Womankind’s aim of improving mental health outcomes for youngwomen across Bristol and the surrounding areas. Supported by the Clinical Lead and working alongside the wider clinical andsupport teams, the Counsellor will deliver consistent, ethical, trauma-informedcounselling. We are committed to better representing the women we support and thereforeare particularly keen to invite applications from global majority groups, or thoseconsidered to be from marginalised communities. We also encourage applicationsfrom people with lived experience of mental health issues, and/or domesticabuse, sexual abuse and violence.Reporting to: Clinical LeadWomankind, Brunswick Square, Bristol, BS2 8PE, andcommunity settings as requiredLocation: Salary: Hours: Job DescriptionWomankind CounsellorSafer Young Women’s Project21 hours per week (0.6 FTE)NJC Point 22-24 £33,699-£35,412 (pro rata), employerpension scheme, flexible working, Cycle to Work schemeContract:Fixed-term, 1 year, with possibility of extension Counselling Work Provide one-to-one relationally based counselling (in person or remotely) usingpsychodynamic/ integrative approaches to meet the individual needs of youngwomen aged 16-18 impacted by trauma, relational difficulties, mental health, orthe impacts of domestic abuse and/or sexual violence. Where required, provide one-to-one counselling (in person, online and byphone) to a small cohort of adult women impacted by trauma, relationaldifficulties, mental health, or the effects of domestic abuse and/or sexualviolence. Deliver time limited counselling, integrating trauma-informed principles andstabilisation where appropriate. Provide specialist, developmentally informed support to young women aged 16–18, adjusting therapeutic approaches to meet their needs and vulnerabilities. Conduct initial assessments, including exploration of risk, readiness forcounselling. Maintain confidential, accurate and timely clinical records, outcomemeasurements (e.g., CORE forms), and case notes in accordance with servicestandards. Liaise with the Safer Young Women’s Support Worker to ensure access,engagement and completion of counselling journeys. Liaise with the Safer Young Women’s Support Worker to provide signposting andwarm referrals to other relevant services where required. Communicate sensitively and professionally with GPs, referrers, interpreters andother professionals when appropriate and in line with Womankind’s InformationSharing and Confidentiality Policy confidentiality boundaries. Attend regular clinical supervision with an external supervisor and linemanagement meetings with the Clinical Lead. Safeguarding & Risk Management Identify and respond promptly and appropriately to safeguarding concernsinvolving children, young people and adults at risk. Work to Womankind’s safeguarding policies and in conjunction with the ClinicalLead and Designated Safeguarding Leads. Contribute to developmentally sensitive risk assessments and safety plans,particularly for young women affected by abuse. Maintain up to date knowledge of legislation, local pathways and best practicerelating to domestic abuse, sexual violence, and adult and child safeguarding. Key Responsibilities Administration, Monitoring & Quality Input client data accurately into Womankind’s case management system tosupport monitoring, evaluation and reporting. Ensure clients are involved inoutcome monitoring through feedback forms, measures and review points. To support service monitoring by providing accurate information on clients’progress and contributing anonymised case studies for reporting purposes. Provide information and updates to the Clinical Lead regarding caseload,capacity, clinical issues and emerging themes. Contribute to the maintenance of expected standards, working in accordancewith Womankind policies and BACP ethical guidelines. Assist with service audits, quality improvement initiatives and the continuousenhancement of therapeutic practice. Collaboration & Multi-agency Working Work collaboratively with the Safer Young Women’s Support Worker to promotethe service and ensure safe, well supported referral pathways for young womenand other clients. Participate in multi-agency liaison when required, supporting coordinated andtrauma-informed care. Represent Womankind in external meetings as required, promotingunderstanding of the counselling service and supporting strong partnershipworking. Contribute to a cohesive organisational culture through active participation inteam meetings, reflective forums, and cross service communication. Service and Professional Development Contribute to the development of counselling practices, working closely withthe Clinical Lead to uphold clinical governance. Engage in ongoing professional development, including training in areas such astrauma, domestic abuse, sexual violence, adolescent mental health andpsychodynamic practice. Keep informed about sector developments, emerging research and bestpractice in trauma-informed and women’s mental health services. Support the Clinical Lead and the wider team through constructive feedback,shared learning and reflective discussion. Key Responsibilities General Duties Uphold Womankind’s values of Empowering, Collaborative, Informed, Inclusiveand Quality driven practice. Maintain excellent standards of confidentiality, data protection and ethicaldecision making. Attend staff meetings, events, supervision sessions, annual appraisals andmandatory training. Undertake an enhanced DBS check as required. Carry out any other duties reasonable for the effective running of thecounselling service. Key ResponsibilitiesPerson SpecificationEssential Diploma (or above) in Counselling from a BACP accredited (or equivalent)training provider. Registration and accreditation (or working towards accreditation) with BACP,UKCP, NCPS or equivalent. Experience of providing one-to-one counselling to people affected by trauma,abuse and/or sexual violence. Understanding of relational based and psychodynamic principles and theirapplication in time limited counselling. Experience supporting young women aged 16–18, or a strong understanding ofadolescent development and trauma. Demonstrable knowledge of domestic abuse, sexual violence, and the impactsof trauma on mental health. Experience conducting clinical assessments, including risk assessment. Ability to work therapeutically both in person and through remote methods. Strong safeguarding knowledge and confidence responding to concerns. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong IT skills, including the use of case management systems. Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. Commitment to Equality Diversity & Inclusion principles, and anti-discriminatorypractice and women centred support. Commitment to ongoing professional development and reflective practice.Desirable Additional training in trauma processing approaches (e.g., EMDR, NET) Experience working within a women’s organisation, youth service or communitysetting. Experience supporting clients with trauma presentations. Experience working with interpreters and diverse communities. Experience collecting and using monitoring/outcome data to develop practice. We welcome and encourage applications from women of allbackgrounds, cultures, dis/abilities and lived experiences. Closing date: 9am, Monday, 11 May. Late applications will notbe accepted.thIn person interview date: Thu, 14 May - Fri, 15 May 2026ththPlease return your completed application form and EqualitiesMonitoring Sheet marked Support Worker Application (privateand confidential) by email to info@womankindbristol.org.uk.Please note that due to our Equalities and Diversity Policy, CVswill not be accepted as part of the selection process.We look forward to receiving your application. How to Apply* The post/role is only open tofemale applicants and is exemptunder Schedule 9 Part 1 EqualitiesAct 2010. Sec.25(2)(d) of the RaceRelations Act 1997 apply.Charity No. 297258 CompanyRegistration No. 0213652