Self-employed consultancy- Counsellor

About us

Prisoners Abroad is a unique UK charity supporting people affected by overseas imprisonment. We provide vital practical and emotional support to individuals in prison overseas, those returning to the UK, and their families.

We are now looking for a qualified Counsellor or Psychotherapist to join us on a consultancy basis, supporting a new Mental Health Support after Imprisonment Abroad project.

About the role

Self-Employed Counsellor Consultant

Self-employed consultancy opportunity with an expected commitment of 2 days per week. This consultancy is currently funded for an initial two-year period.

Salary: £23,400 per annum for an expected commitment of two days per week, payable on submission of invoices. This is a self-employed consultancy arrangement and does not constitute employment. The appointed practitioner will be engaged under a contract for services.

We are looking for a self-employed counsellor or psychotherapist who can provide structured therapeutic support, contribute clinical insight to an emerging model of support, and work collaboratively with our resettlement team within a clear framework for referral, safeguarding, record-keeping and review. Full details of the role are available in the consultancy pack below.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver short-term, structured one-to-one counselling (typically up to six sessions per client)
• Provide trauma-informed support tailored to individual needs and experiences
• Facilitate group wellbeing sessions where appropriate
• Develop wellbeing and onward support plans with clients
• Work closely with the resettlement team to manage referrals and client support
• Contribute to service development and best practice
• Maintain accurate, confidential case records
• Liaise with external services (e.g. GPs) to support continuity of care

About you

Essential

• Qualified counsellor or psychotherapist (Level 4 or above)
• Member of a recognised professional body (e.g. BACP, UKCP, NCPS)
• Experience delivering short-term therapeutic interventions
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed practice
• Experience working with diverse or complex client groups
• Ability to build rapport quickly and work within a brief intervention model
• Strong communication and record-keeping skills
• Collaborative approach with clear professional boundaries

Desirable

• Experience in the criminal justice sector
• Experience supporting individuals affected by trauma or resettlement challenges
• Knowledge of UK mental health services and referral pathways
• Experience facilitating group sessions
• Understanding of safeguarding in a support setting

To express interest in this consultancy opportunity, please read the job pack carefully and submit an expression of interest that demonstrates how your skills, qualifications, professional experience and approach meet the requirements set out in the scope of consultancy and person specification.