We’re Hiring: Children and Young People’s Counsellor

Organisation: Key Unlocking Futures

Salary: £28,476 - £29,470 per annum

Location: Agile working with travel across West Lancashire

Hours: 36.5 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

DBS: Enhanced DBS required

Help children and young people build brighter futures

At Key Unlocking Futures, part of Progress Housing Group, we help people across Lancashire build better lives. For over 30 years, we’ve supported children, young people and families through difficult times with compassionate, practical services that make a real difference. Key now supports more than 10,000 people across Lancashire each year.

We’re looking for an experienced and compassionate Children and Young People’s Counsellor to deliver short-term therapeutic support for children and young people, helping to strengthen emotional wellbeing, develop resilience and promote positive mental health.

About The Children And Young People’s Counsellor Role

You’ll work directly with children and young people facing emotional health, mental health and wellbeing challenges. Managing your own caseload, you’ll provide therapeutic interventions, develop trusted relationships and work closely with families, referral partners and other professionals to deliver joined-up counselling and wellbeing support.

You’ll Be Responsible For

Managing a caseload of children and young people
Assessing needs and providing short-term therapeutic interventions
Promoting emotional wellbeing and resilience
Working collaboratively with partner agencies
Using Outcomes Stars and contributing to Early Help processes where needed
Keeping accurate case records and maintaining confidentiality
Following safeguarding procedures at all times

What We’re Looking For

Degree/diploma in Counselling Studies or equivalent in CBT, Psychotherapy, Play Therapy or similar, or an experienced CYP worker/coach in emotional health and wellbeing.
Experience supporting children and young people with diverse and complex needs
Experience managing a varied caseload
Strong knowledge of child development, BACP codes of practice and issues affecting young people today
Ability to build strong, client-focused relationships
Strong organisation skills and ability to work independently
Access to a car for work travel

Desirable

Working towards BACP accreditation or equivalent
Experience in a multi-agency setting
Knowledge of safeguarding, EHA and TAF procedure
Experience using an electronic case management system

Why join us?

This is your chance to join an organisation with a strong social purpose, where your work will have a direct impact on the lives of children and young people.

We’re proud that this impact has been recognised beyond our organisation. Key Unlocking Futures has been named the 2026 Spring North Charity of the Year and Impact Award winner, and we’re also delighted to have been shortlisted as BIBA finalists. It’s recognition that reflects the dedication of our team, the strength of our partnerships, and the difference we continue to make for people and communities across Lancashire.

What You’ll Get In Return

Competitive salary of £28,476 - £29,470
Job security with a Permanent position that promotes work life balance
A role within an established organisation with almost 30 years of helping individuals and families building a brighter future for themselves.
A rewarding role with real purpose
Supportive team environment
Training and development opportunities
The chance to be part of a trusted organisation changing lives across Lancashire

How To Apply

If you’re passionate about supporting children and young people and want to make a genuine difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Application Closing Date: Midnight Monday 31st August 2026

Interview Dates: 7th 9th and 10th of September 2026

Inclusion matters here

Key Unlocking Futures is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

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