Hiring and Sponsoring Counsellors (SOC Code 3224)

Counsellors, classified under SOC Code 3224, are mental health professionals dedicated to supporting individuals, couples, and families in navigating their emotional and psychological challenges. Key aspects of their role include:

• Client Engagement: Meets clients face-to-face, offering support either one-to-one or in group settings, as well as via telephone or online platforms. 
• Empathy and Understanding: Encourages clients to openly discuss their feelings, facilitating a deeper understanding of the issues at hand.
• Perspective-Sharing: Offers different viewpoints on problem areas identified to aid in client clarity and decision-making.
• Referral Services: Identifies when additional help is necessary and refers clients to appropriate resources, ensuring comprehensive support.
• Record Keeping: Maintains accurate and confidential records of client interactions and progress.

With increasing recognition of mental health's importance within the UK, the demand for qualified counsellors is on the rise, prompting many organizations to seek skilled professionals from overseas. This guide will assist HR professionals in navigating the hiring and sponsorship process for counsellors under the UK’s immigration system.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Counsellors?

SOC Code 3224 refers to counsellors who provide support and guidance to individuals, couples, and families facing various personal challenges. Their responsibilities can include:

• Meeting clients: Engaging with clients in person, over the phone, or via online platforms to discuss their concerns.
• Encouraging discussion: Facilitating open conversations to help clients express their feelings and gain clarity on their issues.
• Offering diverse perspectives: Presenting different viewpoints on clients' concerns to broaden their understanding of the problems.
• Referring clients: Directing clients to additional resources or professionals for further assistance if needed.
• Maintaining confidentiality: Keeping accurate, secure, and confidential records of client interactions to ensure privacy.

Counsellors play a vital role in mental health and well-being, helping individuals navigate their emotional challenges and improve their overall quality of life.

Eligibility to Hire Counsellors (SOC Code 3411)

1. Job Requirements

Counsellors seeking employment must demonstrate relevant skills and experience while meeting specific qualifications. These may include:

• Education: A degree in psychology, counselling, social work, or a related field is often required. Advanced training or certifications in counselling is advantageous. 
• Experience: Previous experience in a counselling role, working one-to-one, with couples or families, or in group settings. 
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey empathy and understanding. 
• Client Records: Proficiency in maintaining accurate and confidential client records adhering to ethical standards. 
• Referral Network: Knowledge of community resources and the ability to refer clients to additional support services as necessary.

Ensure the job description aligns with SOC Code 3224 and that the counsellor’s experience and work meet the expectations for the role.

1. Salary Thresholds
2. Use the Minimum Salary Calculator to ensure your salary offer meets immigration requirements.

Sponsoring Counsellors: A Step-by-Step Guide for HR Professionals

Once you’ve confirmed that the role and candidate meet the eligibility requirements, follow this step-by-step guide to sponsoring Counsellors under SOC Code 3224.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK Counsellors, your company or institution must obtain a sponsor licence. This licence enables you to legally sponsor overseas Counsellors under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

• Sponsor Licence Application: Submit documentation proving that your business is legitimate and has a genuine vacancy. Visit the sponsor licence application guide for more information. 
• Sponsor Licence Fees: Small businesses typically pay £574, while larger institutions pay £1,579. For more information, visit the sponsor licence fees guide. 
• Processing Time: Applications typically take up to 8 weeks, but using the Sponsor Licence Priority Service can reduce the processing time to 10 working days.

Once your sponsor licence is approved, you will receive a sponsor licence number, which allows you to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once you have your sponsor licence, the next step is to assign a CoS to the Counsellors. This document provides key details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Counsellors applying from outside the UK, and an Undefined CoS for those already in the UK. Learn more in the Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship guide. 
• Required Documents: Provide details such as the Counsellors’s portfolio, passport and job offer. Refer to Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship for a full list of necessary documents.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the CoS is issued, the Counsellors can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa.

• Visa Fees: Fees vary depending on the role and visa length—use the visa fees calculator to estimate the costs. 
• Immigration Skills Charge: Employers are required to pay this charge as part of sponsoring non-UK workers. This is separate from visa fees.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Counsellors

Before the Counsellors begins working, you must conduct a right to work check to ensure they are legally allowed to work in the UK.

• Manual Right to Work Check: Verify original documents such as the Counsellors’s passport and visa. 
• Online Right to Work Check: If the Counsellors holds an eVisa, you can use the UK government’s online system to verify their right-to-work status.

For more details on how to perform these checks, see the right to work check guide.

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting  
2. • Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the Counsellors’s employment details, salary and contact information. 
   • Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the Counsellors’s role—such as promotions or salary increases—via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
3. Sponsor Licence Duties and Compliance
4. Failure to comply with your sponsor licence duties can result in penalties or sponsor licence revocation, impacting your ability to sponsor future Counsellorss.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Counsellors

Sponsoring Counsellors under SOC Code 3224 can be a complex process, but Borderless can simplify it for you. We offer comprehensive support to help you manage the entire sponsorship process.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

At Borderless, we assist with:

• Sponsor Licence Application: Guiding you through the application process and ensuring all required documents are submitted correctly. 
• Certificate of Sponsorship Assignment: Streamlining the CoS process to make hiring easier. 
• Compliance Management: Helping you stay compliant with immigration laws to avoid penalties.

If you need assistance with hiring or sponsoring Counsellors, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Counsellors under SOC Code 3224 can be a rewarding way to enrich the cultural landscape of your organisation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully navigate the sponsorship process while ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws.

For further guidance, Borderless is ready to assist you with all your sponsorship needs. Contact us for expert advice.