Role overview

Reporting to: Head of Health Services

Many of the young people you will work with have experienced significant trauma, including displacement, persecution, torture, human trafficking, and modern slavery. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will support emotional wellbeing and resilience, help young people navigate and engage with wider support services, and contribute to a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive therapeutic environment.

You will be passionate about providing culturally competent therapy with a strong understanding of the mental health needs of marginalised communities, particularly refugees and people seeking asylum. You will have fluency in one or more languages commonly spoken by refugee communities, which is essential to this role.

You will be confident working with complex trauma, comfortable in a dynamic, community-based environment, and committed to creating accessible and affirming therapeutic spaces for young people who may have experienced significant barriers to support. This includes delivering one to one counselling, group therapy, and therapeutic workshops within a busy day centre setting.

Key details

• Contract type and hours: The role is part-time. The post holder will be required to work 21 hours across three 3 days per week. The exact working pattern will be determined following interview. Some work over the Christmas period will be required.

• Salary: The starting salary for role is: £31,200.00 (pro-rata).

• Location: New Horizon Youth Centre, 68 Chalton Street, London, NW1 1JR

• Application deadline: 9am, Friday 27th March 2026

• How to apply: complete our application form below, submit your CV and write a 2 page cover letter/supporting statement. Please don't include your name or address in your CV or cover letter.

Main tasks and responsibilities

To provide high-quality, trauma-informed therapeutic support to young people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness, with a particular focus on refugees and people seeking asylum. This will include.

1. Delivering one to one counselling and group-based therapeutic interventions in a fast-paced, drop-in day centre setting.
   

2. Co-designing and facilitating therapeutic groups and workshops tailored to the needs of refugee and asylum-seeking young people.
   

3. Conducting initial clinical assessments and contribute to ongoing care planning.
   

4. Working collaboratively with teams across disciplines to ensure holistic, joined-up support for young people
   

5. Applying a strong trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and culturally sensitive approach to all aspects of the role.
   

6. Assessing and responding appropriately to risk, including safeguarding, self-harm and suicide risk, in line with organisational policies and ethical framework.
   

7. Adapting therapeutic approaches to a drop-in model, including brief interventions and fluctuating engagement.
   

8. Engaging in regular clinical supervision and reflective practice to ensure safe, ethical practice.
   

9. Maintaining accurate and timely clinical records in line with professional and organisational standards.
   

10. Contributing to the ongoing development and improvement of the service, by monitoring outcomes and service impact.
    

Other

To contribute positively and constructively to the development of the teams, service and NHYC. This will include:

1. Covering for other members of the team as necessary
   

2. Following NHYC’s policies, procedures and performance expectations in all functions of the post.
   

3. Undertaking as required any other duties compatible with the level and nature of the post and/or reasonably required by the Head of Services, Director of Operations or CEO.

Person specification

We are looking for an individual who can demonstrate the following competencies to a high level and want to use these to the full in their work.

E: Essential

D: Desirable

Qualifications and experience

1. A recognised Counselling qualification at Level 4 or above (person-centred or closely aligned modality). (E)
   

2. Registered and/or accredited with a professional counselling body (e.g. BACP or equivalent). (E)

Language & Communication

1. Fluency in English and at least one language commonly spoken by refugee communities (E)
   

2. 1. Ability to deliver counselling in a culturally sensitive and accessible way to clients from diverse backgrounds. (E)

Experience & Skills

1. Demonstrable post-qualification counselling experience in a comparable professional setting, with a strong focus on trauma. (E)
   

2. Proven ability to build and sustain effective therapeutic relationships with young people facing multiple and intersecting challenges. (E)
   

3. Effectiveness working within a high-pressure, frontline setting. (D)
   

4. Personal insight or lived experience that enhances understanding of the challenges faced by refugee, asylum-seeking, or young people experiencing homelessness. (D)

Safeguarding, Ethics & Professional Practice

1. Strong working knowledge of the BACP Ethical Framework (or equivalent). (E)
   

2. Excellent understanding of complex trauma and the ability to work safely with risk. (E)
   

3. Excellent knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures for children and vulnerable adults. (E)
   

4. Ability to meet reporting requirements and maintain clear, accurate, and timely clinical records
   

Collaborative Working & Organisational Awareness

1. Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and with external partners to support holistic care for young people. (E)
   

2. A clear commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in both service delivery and the workplace. (E)
   

3. Willingness to work flexibly, including occasional work outside standard hours in line with organisational need. (E)

Timescales and how to apply

Dates

• Closing date for applications: 9am, Friday 27th March 2026

• Shortlisted candidates will be informed: 1st April 2026

• Interviews: w/c 6th April 2026

Application process

1. Complete the application form below

2. Upload your CV setting out your career history, education or qualifications, and other key responsibilities or achievements. DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR NAME OR INITIALS IN THE DOCUMENT FILE NAME

3. Write a cover letter / supporting statement (no more than 1500 words) highlighting your suitability for the role and how you meet the ESSENTIAL criteria listed on the Person Specification, and any additional relevant desirable points you wish to share. Do not include your name, address or any personal details. This is an important part of your application so must be completed. We recommend you work on this in another text file (such as Word) and copy and paste it into the box below when you are ready to submit.

We do not consider incomplete applications.

You will be notified if you have not been shortlisted. However, we are unfortunately unable to provide each individual application with feedback.

If you have any questions or would like to arrange a call to discuss the role, please feel free to email us at recruitment@nhyouthcentre.org.uk or call 0207 388 5560.

Click here to see the job pack in PDF format or the job pack in Word format.