Current Vacancies

We are seeking a skilled and compassionate Counsellor to join our multidisciplinary healthcare team at Dungavel Immigration Removal Centre (IRC) in Scotland. This is a rewarding opportunity to provide therapeutic support to a diverse and often vulnerable population within a secure setting.

The successful candidate will have experience supporting individuals with complex mental health needs, trauma, and substance misuse, and will be confident working both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary environment.

You will work closely with the on-site Psychologist and wider healthcare team to contribute to a psychologically informed and trauma-responsive environment that promotes emotional wellbeing and therapeutic engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one counselling and therapeutic interventions to individuals experiencing a range of emotional, psychological, and behavioural difficulties.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of mental health and emotional wellbeing, including risk assessments where appropriate.
• Develop, implement, and review person-centred support and care plans tailored to individual needs.
• Support individuals presenting with issues including trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, bereavement, emotional dysregulation, and substance misuse.
• Work collaboratively with healthcare professionals, including GPs, nurses, mental health practitioners, and the on-site Art Therapist, to provide integrated care.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential clinical records in accordance with GDPR, professional standards, and organisational policies.
• Contribute to multidisciplinary team meetings, case discussions, and safeguarding processes.
• Provide guidance and psychoeducation to staff on trauma-informed approaches, emotional wellbeing, and mental health awareness.
• Ensure all practice is delivered in line with ethical frameworks, safeguarding legislation, and professional body standards.

Requirements

Essential:

• Diploma, Degree, or Master’s qualification in Counselling, Psychotherapy, or a related therapeutic discipline.
• Accredited or registered membership with a recognised UK professional body such as:
• British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), COSCA
• Health & Care Professional Council ( HCPC)
• UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), or equivalent.
• Demonstrable post-qualification experience working with adults experiencing complex mental health difficulties and/or substance misuse.
• Experience of working within trauma-informed practice.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding adults, professional boundaries, confidentiality, and risk management.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of dignity and human rights.

Desirable:

• Previous experience working within secure, custodial, forensic, immigration, homelessness, or residential care settings.
• Knowledge of the challenges affecting asylum seekers, refugees, and individuals in detention.
• Training or experience in substance misuse interventions.
• Experience working cross-culturally and with interpreters.
• Additional language skills.
• Understanding of NHS Scotland frameworks and secure environment protocols.

Additional Information:

• This post is subject to satisfactory references and the successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks, including:
• Enhanced PVG Scheme membership (or willingness to join),
• Right to work checks,
• Occupational health clearance.
• The successful candidate will be expected to work in accordance with:
• the Equality Act 2010,
• GDPR and data protection legislation,
• adult safeguarding requirements,
• professional ethical frameworks.

Why Join Us?

Working at Dungavel IRC provides a unique opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals within a supportive and collaborative environment.

You will:

• Join trauma-informed multidisciplinary healthcare team.
• Receive regular clinical supervision and ongoing continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities.
• Be supported in delivering ethical, culturally sensitive  and person centred care.
• Work alongside experienced professionals including nurses, GPs, mental health specialists and creative therapists.

We offer a competitive salary, supportive working environment and opportunities for professional growth and development.

Benefits:

• Free parking
• On-site parking
• Sick pay

Work Location: In person

For more information please contact: kerri.mcdowall@medco-shs.com