Active

Other Education

Thu Oct 8 2026

Wed Oct 21 2026

Mon Nov 9 2026

Part-Time

1

Counsellor / Personal & Interpersonal Skills Tutor

The Tower Programme is a transformative, community-based initiative that supports adults who have been subject to the criminal justice system. We provide life skills, education and personal development opportunities designed to reduce reoffending and help participants build a more positive, sustainable future.
Core-funded by the Probation Service, we work in close partnership with DDLETB, local community groups and a range of statutory agencies. Our approach is holistic and person-centred, tailored to meet the diverse needs of every individual who engages with us.
Within the Tower Programme, we have a flexible but structured approach to learning and to change. Participants can attend five days a week, completing a range of courses, or we can tailor our offering to meet individual circumstances and needs.
The Tower Programme operates Monday to Thursday from 10.00am to 4.00pm and Friday from 10.00am to 12.30pm. Participants have the opportunity to gain experience and qualifications that can support progression into employment, apprenticeships or further education.
The Tower Programme works in association with the Probation Service, local community groups and relevant statutory agencies to provide skills, pre-employment training, personal development and counselling to marginalised adults who have come into conflict with the law, with the aim of supporting positive change and reducing offending behaviour.
Courses and support at the Tower Programme can be delivered in both group and individual settings.

The Tower Programme is seeking an experienced and appropriately qualified Counsellor / Personal & Interpersonal Skills Tutor to provide professional one-to-one counselling and personal development support to programme participants.
The successful candidate will provide a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment in which participants can explore personal, emotional and interpersonal difficulties and develop skills that support positive change.
The role will include individual counselling and structured personal development work in areas such as anger management, emotional regulation, communication, relationships, confidence, self-esteem, conflict management, personal responsibility and interpersonal skills.
The ideal candidate will be person-centred, empathetic and trauma-informed, with the ability to establish appropriate professional relationships with adults who may have experienced disadvantage, trauma, social exclusion or involvement with the criminal justice system.
Education & Qualifications

Essential
• Current registration with the Teaching Council of Ireland.
• A recognised qualification in Counselling, Psychotherapy, Guidance Counselling, Social Care or another relevant professional discipline.
• Demonstrable experience providing one-to-one counselling, therapeutic support or structured personal development support to adults.
• Knowledge and understanding of confidentiality, professional boundaries, safeguarding and ethical practice.
• Where applicable, current membership, accreditation or registration with an appropriate professional counselling or psychotherapy body.

Desirable
• Additional qualifications or training in areas such as anger management, trauma-informed practice, emotional regulation, conflict resolution or personal development.
• Qualification or experience in adult education, training or facilitation.
• Experience delivering structured personal and interpersonal skills programmes.
• Knowledge or experience of QQI/FET assessment and adult learning environments.

Experience
The successful candidate will ideally have:
• Experience providing one-to-one counselling or therapeutic support to adults.
• Experience supporting individuals with personal, emotional, social or interpersonal difficulties.
• Experience facilitating personal development or interpersonal skills programmes.
• Experience supporting individuals to develop emotional regulation, communication and conflict-management skills.
• Experience maintaining appropriate professional records and documentation.
• Experience working within a multidisciplinary or community-based service.
• Experience working within appropriate professional and ethical boundaries.

Desirable Experience
• Experience working with marginalised, disadvantaged or socially excluded adults.
• Experience working within the criminal justice system, Probation Service or related community-based services.
• Experience supporting individuals with complex personal, social or emotional needs.
• Experience working with individuals affected by trauma, social exclusion or barriers to education and employment.
• Experience delivering anger management, emotional regulation or conflict-resolution programmes.
• Experience using trauma-informed and person-centred approaches.
• Experience delivering adult education, personal development or group facilitation.

Skills
Counselling & Therapeutic Skills
Ability to provide appropriate, professional and confidential one-to-one counselling or therapeutic support within the remit of the role and professional qualifications.
Communication
Excellent listening, communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build appropriate professional relationships with participants.

Person-Centred Practice
Ability to work collaboratively with participants, recognising individual circumstances, strengths, needs and goals.

Emotional & Interpersonal Development
Ability to support participants in developing emotional awareness, emotional regulation, communication, relationships, confidence and conflict-management skills.

Facilitation
Ability to deliver engaging individual and group-based personal development sessions where required.

Professional Boundaries
Strong understanding of confidentiality, professional boundaries, safeguarding and ethical practice.

Record Keeping
Ability to maintain accurate and appropriate records and complete relevant documentation in line with Tower Programme and professional requirements.

Organisation
Ability to manage appointments, caseloads, session planning and reporting requirements effectively.

Additional Requirements
Experience with Marginalised Groups
An understanding of the challenges faced by adults who have experienced disadvantage, social exclusion, barriers to education or employment, or involvement with the criminal justice system.

Empathy & Sensitivity
Ability to create a safe, respectful and non-judgemental environment, demonstrating empathy and sensitivity towards participants' individual circumstances and experiences.

Trauma-Informed Practice
Understanding of trauma-informed approaches and the ability to adapt practice appropriately when working with individuals who may have experienced trauma or complex life circumstances.

Anger Management & Emotional Regulation
Ability to support participants in developing strategies around anger management, emotional regulation, conflict management and positive interpersonal relationships.

Safeguarding & Confidentiality
Strong understanding of safeguarding responsibilities, confidentiality, information sharing and professional boundaries.

Collaboration with Support Services
Ability to work appropriately with the Tower Programme team and, where relevant, Probation staff, DDLETB tutors and other support agencies to support participants' overall development and progression.

Professional Practice
Commitment to working within the relevant professional code of ethics and within the limits of the practitioner's qualifications, competence and role.

Patience & Persistence
A strong commitment to supporting participants through setbacks and recognising that personal development and positive change can take time.

Garda Vetting
A Garda vetting application will be required.

Terms and Conditions
Teaching Council: The successful candidate must be registered with the Teaching Council of Ireland.
Salary Scale: Based on qualifications and experience.
Hours: 7.5 hours per week (1.5 days – may increase over time)
Annual Leave: Monetary value based on hours worked.

Application Process
All applications must be submitted by way of curriculum vitae (CV) and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the post as advertised.

Please address applications to the Service Manager Sorcha at shennessy@towerprogramme.ie, clearly stating that you are applying for the Counsellor / Personal & Interpersonal Skills Tutor position.

Applications will be shortlisted and successful candidates will be invited to interview.
The Tower Programme is an equal opportunities employer.
If you would like to discuss the post further, please contact the Tower Programme on 01 623 6230.