Band 5 Counsellor
At Claire House Children's Hospice, we are looking for a warm, empathetic and dedicated Counsellor (30 hours per week) to join our Family Wellbeing and Therapies Team.
This is an exciting opportunity for a newly qualified or early-career counsellor who is passionate about supporting children, young people, parents, carers and grandparents through some of life's most challenging experiences.
Why Claire House?
Claire House is a unique and rewarding place to work, where children, young people and families are at the heart of everything we do. You will have the opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting difference to families across Merseyside, Cheshire and North Wales, while developing specialist skills within a supportive and experienced multidisciplinary team.
We are particularly interested in people who are kind, resilient, reflective and committed to providing high-quality therapeutic support. Alongside the opportunity to gain specialist experience, you'll be joining a passionate team that supports one another to learn, grow and thrive professionally.
About the Role
Working as part of our Family Wellbeing and Therapies Team, you will provide counselling and therapeutic support to children, young people, parents, carers and grandparents receiving support from Claire House.
The role is based across our services, including:
- Claire House Wirral Hospice
- Liverpool Day Therapy Unit
- Community settings, including family homes and schools
This permanent 30-hour per week position offers an excellent opportunity to develop specialist skills in:
- Supporting families caring for children with complex and life-limiting conditions
- Working alongside families facing end-of-life care decisions and experiences
- Bereavement support for children, parents, carers and wider family members
- Delivering therapeutic interventions across a range of emotional and psychological difficulties
You will be expected to work flexibly across Monday to Friday, with occasional evening and weekend working to meet the needs of families.
What We're Looking For
We are seeking a counsellor who can demonstrate:
- A recognised counselling qualification
- Experience of providing therapeutic support across a range of emotional difficulties, including bereavement
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- The ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a small team
- Flexibility, adaptability and a willingness to learn
Investing in Your Development
This role is ideal for someone looking to build a rewarding career within children's palliative care and family support.
We offer:
- A comprehensive induction and tailored training programme
- Significant opportunities for professional development
- Regular group clinical supervision
- A substantial financial contribution towards individual external clinical supervision
- Ongoing support from experienced practitioners and leaders
- The opportunity to gain specialist skills in an area of practice that is both challenging and incredibly rewarding
Our Reward Package
Claire House employees benefit from an excellent rewards and recognition package, including:
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Life assurance cover
- Free Employee Assistance Programme and counselling support
- Free onsite parking
- Access to training and development opportunities
- Enhanced payments for weekend and bank holiday working
- The option to continue NHS Pension Scheme membership or join the Claire House Pension Scheme
Join Us
If you are looking for a role where you can develop your counselling practice, learn from experienced colleagues and make a genuine difference to children and families every day, we'd love to hear from you.
Claire House is more than a workplace — it's a place where your career can flourish while helping families create meaningful moments when they matter most.
For Further Information
Please contact:
Rachael Hogg
Family Wellbeing and Therapies Team Manager
Rachael.Hogg@clairehouse.org.uk
Francis Spriggs
Counsellor
Francis.Spriggs@clairehouse.org.uk
Closing date for applications: Wednesday 5 August 2026
Interview date: Wednesday 12 August 2026
Meet and greet open day: Wednesday 29 July 2026
Please note these dates cannot be rearranged for individual applicants.
Claire House wants to meet the aims and commitments set out in its equality policy and will appreciate your help and co-operation in completing the Equality and Diversity form here.
Completed applications should be emailed to jobs@clairehouse.org.uk.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
This organisations recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.
Registered Charity No. 1004058