Are you a qualified Counsellor ready to take on a new role?

Lifeline is now recruiting for Helpline Counsellors to join their team.

Location: Belfast Office, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust

Band: 5

Reports to: Team Leader Lifeline

Responsible to: Service Manager Lifeline

Job Summary

Lifeline provides an immediate crisis intervention service, taking into account potential or existing mental health diagnoses. As a counsellor, you will assess callers under the stewardship of shift supervisors.

Callers self-refer, or can be referred by third parties including statutory and community services. In this role, you will be required to work closely with families of Lifeline callers in order to promote protective factors and support networks.

At Lifeline, Counsellors adhere to the BACP code of ethics and practice to the highest professional standard.

Lifeline is a 24/7 service, and as such, staff are expected to work all shifts including nights.

Essential Criteria

· Minimum Level 5 qualification, higher Diploma, postgraduate counselling diploma or counselling degree (or equivalent) in counselling from a recognised awarding body.

· Registered Member of and/or Accredited with a Counselling and Psychotherapy professional body. Eg, BACP, NCS, IACP, HCPC

· Experience working in a crisis environment supporting people at risk or with psychological distress and despair across the lifespan.

· Hold a full current driving license valid for use in the UK and have access to a car on appointment. Where disability prohibits driving, this criteria will be waived if the applicant is able to organise suitable alternative arrangements.

· Willingness to work flexible hours (including nights) as required to meet the needs of a 24/7 service

· Excellent oral and written communication skills and IT skills including Microsoft Office

Desirable Criteria

· Experience of liaising with statutory, voluntary and community organisations.

· Experience of working with a diverse range of presenting issues and evidenced based therapeutic techniques.

· Completion of ASSIST or similar training

· Awareness of Pisani Risk formulation

· Awareness of Child and Adult Safeguarding and related issues.

For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.hscni.net/Job/46152/bhsctband-5-lifeline-helpline-counsellor

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 1^st April 2026 at 4.30pm.

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Lifeline Helpline Counsellor