Vacant job

Vårsta Diaconia's Counseling Center in Umeå is seeking an employee for the project Trust & Transformation – trauma-informed work with youth

Do you want to work in an innovative project where support, trauma awareness, and long-term change are at the center?

Vårsta Diaconia is now looking for an employee for the project Trust & Transformation – a three-year heritage fund project targeting young people aged 12–25 who are involved in or at risk of crime, violence, mental illness, and social vulnerability.

The project combines:

• Trauma-focused individual counseling,
• Group interventions,
• Community dialogue,
• Creative and relational approaches,
• Collaboration with civil society and the local community.

About the Position

The main focus of the position is to conduct individual counseling and group meetings with young participants from a trauma-informed perspective.

Responsibilities

In this role, you will primarily:

• Conduct individual support sessions and trauma-focused counseling,
• Work with Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET/FORNET) or similar trauma-informed methods,
• Contribute to a safe, flexible, and creative work environment,
• Assess needs and monitor participants' development,
• Collaborate with the project team and external actors,
• Document and participate in follow-up and evaluation.

The work may also include:

• Participation in group activities,
• Debriefing and community dialogue,
• Workshops and collaboration meetings.

We are looking for someone who

• Has a relevant university degree in fields such as social work, psychology, behavioral science, or another education deemed equivalent by the employer,
• Has at least five years of professional experience,
• Has experience working with vulnerable youth,
• Has a strong ability to build trust and relationships and can meet individuals' unique needs,
• Has knowledge of trauma, mental illness, and violence issues,
• Is secure, flexible, and capable of working in complex situations,
• Has good teamwork skills but can also work independently,
• Can communicate well in both speech and writing and is proficient in digital tools.

Requirements

The position requires knowledge of working under confidentiality and respecting individuals' specific needs.

We assume that you share Vårsta's values as expressed in Vårsta's vision and value base.

The following qualifications are meritorious:

• Training in NET/FORNET or other trauma-focused methods,
• Experience working with crime or violence prevention,
• Experience with group activities,
• Experience with NPF (Neurodevelopmental Disorders) adapted work,
• Experience in collaboration between civil society and the public sector,
• Multilingualism and experience working in multicultural environments.

We offer

• Meaningful and developmental work,
• The opportunity to work in an innovative project with significant societal relevance,
• Supervision and professional development,
• An engaged and cross-professional team,
• The opportunity to contribute to the development of new approaches for youth at risk.

About Vårsta Diaconia

For over a hundred years, Vårsta Diaconia has contributed with human care and is a voice for every person's right to a dignified life. Our operations are located in Härnösand, Sundsvall, Örnsköldsvik, Sollefteå, and Umeå.

Vårsta Resource Center in Umeå works with trauma-informed support, mental health, and social sustainability. The organization has extensive experience in trauma support, violence prevention, and community-based interventions for vulnerable youth and adults.

Employment Terms

Scope: 100% permanent position. We apply a probationary period.

Start date: After agreement.

Location: Umeå.

Evening work may occur.

Application

Please send your application with CV and cover letter to: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Application deadline: August 10, 2026.

Questions can be directed to:

Katarina Glas, Director

Phone: 0611-50 54 35

[email protected] (mailto:[email protected])