E-Motion Counsellor at Impact Initiatives

ABOUT THE ROLE
E-Motion is an accessible digital counselling service for young people aged 12–18 living in East Sussex. It offers an alternative for young people who are unable or reluctant to access face-to-face counselling, including those living in areas where options may be limited.

We are looking for a qualified counsellor to provide high-quality, accessible digital counselling through written messaging, instant messaging, telephone and video. You will also contribute to the safe and effective delivery of the wider E-Motion pathway, including supporting referrals and undertaking initial assessments when required.

WORKING PATTERN
This is a 7-hour-per-week role with some flexibility in how the hours are worked. Ideally, the hours will be split across two afternoons / early evenings to support young people’s access to the service. The role can be delivered partly from home, with some presence at the Young People’s Centre in Brighton encouraged to support team working and crossover.

YOU WILL
• Provide professional digital counselling to young people aged 12–18 through written messaging, instant messaging, telephone and video.
• Work with young people within agreed short-term counselling arrangements, maintaining appropriate therapeutic boundaries and professional standards.
• Support referrals and undertake initial assessments when required, making proportionate judgements about suitability, risk and when senior or clinical advice is needed.
• Assess and respond appropriately to safeguarding and risk concerns, following Impact’s procedures.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records and work collaboratively with the E-Motion Co-ordinator and wider CYP team to support safe, consistent service delivery.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WHO CAN DEMONSTRATE
• A recognised counselling qualification following a BACP-approved course or equivalent, with current BACP registration/accreditation or equivalent professional registration.
• Post-qualifying counselling experience, including experience of working to agreed therapeutic contracts.
• Experience of counselling or supporting children and young people, with a strong understanding of their mental health and social needs.
• Strong safeguarding, risk and confidentiality knowledge, together with the ability to undertake initial assessments and recognise when further advice is required.
• Highly developed interpersonal and written communication skills, effective digital literacy and a commitment to inclusive, accessible and young-person-centred practice.
Experience of providing counselling remotely or through digital modalities, knowledge of services for children and young people in East Sussex, and experience in the voluntary/community or early-intervention sector would be advantageous.

WHY JOIN US?
Impact Initiatives has supported people across Sussex since 1978. Our Children & Young People’s Services provide safe spaces, advice and support that help young people build confidence, strengthen wellbeing and feel heard.
You will receive external clinical supervision and work as part of a supportive CYP team, while helping make counselling more accessible to young people who may not be able or willing to use traditional face-to-face services.

INTERESTED IN FINDING OUT MORE?
For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Jennifer Tulloch, Head of Children & Young People’s Services Jennifer.tulloch@impact-initiatives.org.uk.