Counsellor

Counsellor – Part Time (24 Hours per Week)

Salary: 24,420

Job Type: Part\-time

Schedule: 24 hours per week, to be agreed

Closing date: 04/06/2026

Dungavel Immigration Removal Centre, Scotland

About the Role:

We are seeking a skilled and compassionate Counsellor to join our multidisciplinary healthcare team at Dungavel Immigration Removal Centre (IRC) in Scotland. This is a rewarding opportunity to provide therapeutic support to a diverse and often vulnerable population within a secure setting.

The successful candidate will have experience supporting individuals with complex mental health needs, trauma, and substance misuse, and will be confident working both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary environment.

You will work closely with the on\-site Psychologist and wider healthcare team to contribute to a psychologically informed and trauma\-responsive environment that promotes emotional wellbeing and therapeutic engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide one\-to\-one counselling and therapeutic interventions to individuals experiencing a range of emotional, psychological, and behavioural difficulties.


• Conduct comprehensive assessments of mental health and emotional wellbeing, including risk assessments where appropriate.


• Develop, implement, and review person\-centred support and care plans tailored to individual needs.


• Support individuals presenting with issues including trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, bereavement, emotional dysregulation, and substance misuse.


• Work collaboratively with healthcare professionals, including GPs, nurses, mental health practitioners, and the on\-site Art Therapist, to provide integrated care.


• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential clinical records in accordance with GDPR, professional standards, and organisational policies.


• Contribute to multidisciplinary team meetings, case discussions, and safeguarding processes.


• Provide guidance and psychoeducation to staff on trauma\-informed approaches, emotional wellbeing, and mental health awareness.


• Ensure all practice is delivered in line with ethical frameworks, safeguarding legislation, and professional body standards.

Essential Requirements

• Diploma, Degree, or Master’s qualification in Counselling, Psychotherapy, or a related therapeutic discipline.


• Accredited or registered membership with a recognised UK professional body such as:


• British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), COSCA


• Health \& Care Professional Council ( HCPC)


• UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), or equivalent.


• Demonstrable post\-qualification experience working with adults experiencing complex mental health difficulties and/or substance misuse.


• Experience of working within trauma\-informed practice.


• Strong understanding of safeguarding adults, professional boundaries, confidentiality, and risk management.


• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and report\-writing skills.


• Ability to work autonomously and effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.


• Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of dignity and human rights.

Desirable Criteria

• Previous experience working within secure, custodial, forensic, immigration, homelessness, or residential care settings.


• Knowledge of the challenges affecting asylum seekers, refugees, and individuals in detention.


• Training or experience in substance misuse interventions.


• Experience working cross\-culturally and with interpreters.


• Additional language skills.


• Understanding of NHS Scotland frameworks and secure environment protocols.

Additional Information

• This post is subject to satisfactory references and the successful completion of relevant pre\-employment checks, including:


• Enhanced PVG Scheme membership (or willingness to join),


• Right to work checks,


• Occupational health clearance.


• The successful candidate will be expected to work in accordance with:


• the Equality Act 2010,


• GDPR and data protection legislation,


• adult safeguarding requirements,


• professional ethical frameworks.

Why Join Us?

Working at Dungavel IRC offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of vulnerable individuals within a supportive and collaborative environment. You will:

• Join a trauma\-informed multidisciplinary healthcare team.


• Receive regular clinical supervision and continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities.


• Be supported in delivering ethical, culturally sensitive, and person\-centred care.


• Work alongside experienced professionals including nurses, GPs, mental health specialists, and creative therapists.

We offer a competitive salary, supportive working environment, and opportunities for professional growth and development.

For further information, please contact:

Pay: £24,420\.00 per year

Benefits:

• Free parking


• On\-site parking


• Sick pay

Work Location: In person

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