Children's Sight Loss Counsellor

Job Introduction

Role Overview & Responsibilities
The Children’s Sight Loss Counsellor will provide therapeutic support to children and young people living with visual impairments and/or additional disabilities. Working within school and community settings, you will deliver both one-to-one counselling and group wellbeing sessions, creating a safe, supportive and confidential environment. You will also work closely with families, carers, schools and external professionals to support the wider wellbeing of the child.

As part of the Low Vision team at Focus Birmingham, you will contribute to the ongoing development of counselling services, ensuring they are accessible, effective and responsive to need. You will play a key role in improving emotional wellbeing and resilience, while maintaining strong engagement with stakeholders and partner organisations.

You will be responsible for maintaining accurate and confidential records, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring safeguarding procedures are followed at all times. You will work in line with professional and organisational standards, participate in clinical supervision, and support continuous improvement of the service.

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience working with children in a therapeutic or counselling setting
• Recognised counselling qualification (or working towards)
• Excellent listening and communication skills
• Empathy, sensitivity and a non-judgemental approach
• Ability to build rapport quickly with children and families
• Strong emotional resilience
• Ability to adapt communication and therapeutic approaches
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Competent IT and record-keeping skills
• Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities

Desirable

• Membership or accreditation with a professional body (e.g. BACP, UKCP, NCPS)
• Experience working with children with visual impairments or additional needs
• Experience delivering group sessions
• Experience working in school or community settings
• Knowledge of low vision or disability support services
• Experience working with external professionals

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Focus Birmingham, we are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are dedicated to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, included and able to thrive.

What we offer

• 26 days holiday + bank holidays
• 5% employer pension contribution
• 24/7 Virtual GP Service
• Online Physiotherapy
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Mental Health First Aider Support
• Wellbeing App
• Health Cash Plan
• Enhanced Family Leave Pay
• Learning & development opportunities
• Blue Light Card Discounts
• Life Assurance