2 x Community Counsellor (Young People)

MYPAS promotes the health and wellbeing of young people across East Lothian, Midlothian and the Scottish Borders and currently focuses on working in the areas of mental health, substance use and LGBT+ support. MYPAS is a community-based organisation with charitable status and based in Dalkeith, Midlothian. The Scottish Borders base is in Galashiels. The postholder will be responsible for providing community counselling to young people aged 12-18 across The Scottish Borders and within a holistic service. The postholder will offer counselling to young people who have left school, are not attending school or who do not have a good relationship with school. It is anticipated that some of the young people may have experience of using substances or living with substance users. The postholder will also develop and promote further therapeutic work both within and outwith MYPAS. Qualified to Diploma level (or equivalent) in a counselling therapeutic discipline, a member of a recognised professional body (e.g. "BACP, COSCA") and have experience of working with young people, you will also be committed to delivering a service according to best practice and within community settings. The postholder will work within a multi-disciplinary service and work effectively with other agencies in partnership settings. Contributing to the wider MYPAS service, the postholder will work with young people using a holistic approach through effectively linking the work of the Therapies team with other areas of MYPAS’ work, as well as that of partner organisations. This post may require regular evening and occasional weekend work. This post is funded by: The Scottish Borders Council and the Scottish Borders Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP).

Special conditions

• The post is funded for a fixed term of 18 months (continuation dependent on MYPAS securing further funding)
• The post may involve evening working and occasional weekend working – to be negotiated depending on client needs
• You must be able to travel across The Scottish Borders
• PLEASE NOTE: we are open to discussing hours configurations with the successful candidate – for example, a 28 hour a week post is possible