Job summaryThe post holder will provide Trauma informed therapeutic counselling services to children and young people within the context of a non judgemental and confidential service and in accordance with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Ethical Framework.
The post holder will contribute to the development; evaluation and quality standards of the SARC counselling service.
The post holder will undertake specific administration duties related to the counselling services including contracting; user feedback and activity data.
The post holder will prioritise, assess, plan, evaluate and deliver all relevant aspects of care to an agreed and expected high standard.
The post holder will work closely with the multi-disciplinary team and contribute to the clinical governance process and attend multi-disciplinary team meetings.
Main duties of the jobAs the busiest SARC in the UK, we provide an integrated service of forensic medical and therapeutic medical assessment, support and therapy services to adults and children of any gender and of any age. Our aftercare service delivers specialist sexual violence support, ISVA and therapeutic services throughout Greater Manchester.
An exciting and significant opportunity has arisen for SARC to recruit 1 qualified specialist children's counsellors to deliver trauma focused therapy to children and young people who have experienced sexual violence. Highly motivated and resourceful you will have experience of working with clients who have experienced sexual violence and a sound knowledge of offering therapy to clients with post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression, gained ideally in a multidisciplinary or healthcare environment. You will be familiar with managing your own caseload, ensuring you maintain a client centred, trauma informed ethos in a pressurised multidisciplinary service. You will be comfortable working independently including delivering interventions face to face and via the phone and video based platforms and willing to collaborate with your colleagues as you support one-another to deliver a high quality service.
The posts will be offered on a fixed term basis initially for 1 year at 37.5 hours per week and this will require some evening work to accommodate working families/clients.
About usJoin Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and become part of a 30,000 plus strong team, delivering exceptional care to over 1 million people every year. As the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe, we are forward-thinking, committed to clinical excellence and driven to deliver innovation, and continuous improvement.Whether you're beginning your career or taking the next step, MFT offers a stimulating and supportive environment where your contribution truly matters. Our Hive Electronic Patient Record system enables safer, smarter, and more efficient ways of working - empowering you to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients.You'll be part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary community, working alongside professionals from a wide range of clinical backgrounds. Together, we push boundaries, share knowledge, and deliver care that transforms lives.At MFT, you'll find a workplace where everyone is respected, supported, and encouraged to thrive. We offer clear clinical pathways for professional development, helping you grow your skills and achieve your ambitions.Your journey at MFT is more than a job - it's an opportunity to make a lasting impact. We'll support you as you shape the future of healthcare, one patient at a time.
DetailsDate posted: 03 August 2026
Closing date: 17 August 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 5
Salary: £32,073 to £39,043 a year per annum(pro rata)
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 1 years
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 349-SPH-8152928-RL4
Job locations: Peter Mount Building, 136 Hathersage Road, Manchester, M13 0HY, United Kingdom
Job responsibilitiesTo find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need for this role, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the
Documents to download heading.
Explore Inside MFT Your Candidate PlaceTo help you feel confident, prepared and fully informed before you apply, we invite you to explore
Inside MFT Your Candidate Place. This welcoming onestop hub gives you a real sense of who we are, what we stand for, how we reward and support you, and the many ways we care for you as you care for others. Youll also find practical hints and tips for submitting a great application, along with the essential information you need to know before you apply.
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Inside MFT Your Candidate Place, simply click on the relevant PDF document under the
Documents to download heading and once opened, you can either scan QR code or click on the link provided.
Closing vacancy listings earlyWe welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.To help us manage applications fairly and give each one the time it deserves, our adverts may close early if we receive a high level of interest. Early applications are therefore encouraged.
Person SpecificationSkillsEssential- Ability to prioritise workload
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Excellent presentation skills
- Highly motivated
- Ability to work as part of a multi disciplinary team
- Ability to utilise counselling supervision effectively
Desirable- IT/Word processing skills
QualificationsEssential- Diploma in Integrative Counselling/CBT or single model core training (eg PCA) plus post qualification training in other models
- Registered Member of BACP
Desirable- Qualification in trauma focused CBT or EMDR or other evidence based therapy
- Qualification in working with children
- Qualification in working with children or adults with learning difficulties
- BACP Accredited
Knowledge and experienceEssential- One year post qualification experience - or equivalent
- Demonstrable experience working therapeutically with victims of sexual violence.
- Demonstrable knowledge of trauma focused, evidencebased interventions and experience of working with psychological trauma.
- Understanding/ experience of counselling research and application to practice
- In depth knowledge of issues relating to rape and sexual assault/ child sexual abuse.
- Understanding of the Criminal Justice Process
- Understanding of and working within BACP Ethical Framework
Desirable- Experience of teaching/delivering training to a wide range of audiences
- Experience of assessing the needs of a wide range of children affected by sexual violence, including those displaying harmful sexual behaviour
- Experience of working therapeutically with people with learning difficulties
- Qualification in trauma focused CBT or EMDR
- Qualification and experience of delivering therapy groups.
Additional informationDisclosure and Barring Service CheckThis post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of SponsorshipApplications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
UK RegistrationApplicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see the NHS Careers website.
Diversity MattersMFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your applicationHere at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOU, for our patients, our communities, and each other.As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your application, especially personal statements and responses to role specific questions is written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.
Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checkAs part of our commitment to safeguarding patients and staff, many roles at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This is a standard process across the NHS and helps us ensure a safe environment for everyone.
What is a DBS Check?A DBS check is a background check that reveals any criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings. The level of check required depends on the role:
- Standard DBS: Checks for spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings.
- Enhanced DBS: Includes the above, plus any additional information held by local police thats considered relevant to the role.
- Enhanced with Barred Lists: Includes all of the above, plus checks against the childrens and/or adults barred lists.
Who Needs a DBS CheckMost roles involving direct patient contact, working with children or vulnerable adults, or access to sensitive information will require a DBS check. The job advert and recruitment team will let you know if this applies to your role.
The Costs for a DBSAt Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), roles that require a DBS check are subject to a cost recovery policy. This means that the cost of submitting and processing a DBS application if you are successful and join us, will be deducted from your salary within the first three months of employment. If, however, you withdraw from a conditional offer after the DBS process has begun, you will still be liable for the cost incurred.
For more information about the cost of the various types of DBS, please visit the DBS Update Service.
DBS Update ServiceCandidates are also expected to register with the DBS Update Service which must be completed within 30 days of the certificate being issued. This helps streamline future employment checks and supports safer recruitment practices. For more information, please visit the DBS Update Service.
Employer detailsEmployer name: Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Peter Mount Building, 136 Hathersage Road, Manchester, M13 0HY, United Kingdom
Employer's website: Apply through our website
Employer contact detailsFor questions about the job, contact: Counselling Service Lead, Charlotte Jones, Charlotte.Jones3@mft.nhs.uk, 01612766515
