Job summary
An opportunity has arisen for a qualified and accredited counsellor to provide therapeutic, implications and support counselling to patients seeking fertility treatment.
The candidate must possess a recognised qualification in counselling and have completed the BICA foundation course. The candidate must be or be willing to work towards BACP and BICA accreditation. The candidate should demonstrate a sound knowledge and experience of working with emotional and psychological needs of individuals and couples suffering from fertility difficulties and the experiences of donor conceived people and donors.
This post is a unique specialist role which requires the counsellor to be confident and able to work autonomously and in an independent capacity as well as working closely with the multi-disciplinary team.
Main duties of the job
To provide a service that is sensitive and adaptable to the needs of the individual client and couples, including donors and surrogates before, during and after treatment, taking into account stages of investigation and treatment and other sources of support.
To provide a service that is sensitive and adaptable to the needs of donor conceived people.
About us
Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust delivers the highest standards of care for women, babies and families. Each year we deliver over 7,500 babies, carry out over 49,000 gynaecological inpatient and outpatient procedures, care for over 1,000 poorly & preterm new-borns, perform around 1,000 IVF cycles and have over 4,000 genetic appointments taking place. We believe that this along with a strong dedication to research & innovation makes us the specialist health provider of choice in Europe for women, babies and families.
We have some of the leading experts in their field, which has been showcased on national TV and news, making our teams famous across the world for professionalism, skill & compassion.
The Trust is constantly innovating and evolving its services to provide the most cutting edge and modern care possible. As well as developing services on our current site we have long-term aspirations for the future. We have recently launched a number of new strategies which provide a detailed long-term plan for our services.
Check out why Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust is a great place to work using the links below:
Video:https://vimeo.com/556197652
Online brochure: https://www.liverpoolwomens.nhs.uk/media/4121/recruitment-pack-great-place-to-work-16pp-v4-final.pdf
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main duties and responsibilities
- To provide a service that is sensitive and adaptable to the needs of the
individual client, couple and family including donors and surrogates before, during and after treatment, taking into account forms of involvement in assisted conception, stages of investigation and treatment and other sources of support
To provide the three distinct types of counselling as outlined in the HFEA code of practice - implications counselling, support counselling and therapeutic counselling
Implications counselling for:
Patients and their partners taking part in gametes donation treatments (receiving or donating ovum, sperm or embryo)
Support and Therapeutic Counselling for:
Patients suffering emotional and psychological distress and referring to relevant professional bodies when appropriate.
Patients who store sperm, eggs or embryos for fertility preservation such as prior to chemo- or radiotherapy.
Patients of deceased partners who have previously stored gametes.
Patients whose treatment has failed or who have experienced a pregnancy loss.
Prospective donors or surrogates who are found to be unsuitable for treatment.
Welfare of the child assessment and safeguarding responsibilities:
Being able to know when and how to refer for safeguarding or welfare of the unborn child assessments.
Other general responsibilities:
Keep appropriate records of patient contact.
Provides counselling skills training as appropriate for the staff of the Hewitt Centre.
Provides presentations for Patients Support Group and for Staff training
Works within ethical guidelines as set out by the British Infertility Counselling Association, and within the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority Code of Practice.
Assists in induction and training of Counsellors and multi disciplinary staff in absence of Senior Counsellor.
To maintain and develop specialist knowledge and skills through (i) a programme of continuous professional development [CPD] and training
(ii) engage with continuing professional supervision separate form management
(iii) regular review of current research, legislation, policy-making and other activity relevant to the specific patient/client group.
- To exercise autonomous professional responsibility for assessment of and provision for the counselling needs of patients / clients referred to the service.
- Preferably to be able to work from both Liverpool Womens Hospital and Knutsford Hewitt Fertility Centres.
- To be able to provide counselling online or via telephone as well as face to face.
This job description describes the main responsibilities of the post and is not intended to be exhaustive. It may be subject to change as the service develops and to meet the needs of the Trust.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main duties and responsibilities
- To provide a service that is sensitive and adaptable to the needs of the
individual client, couple and family including donors and surrogates before, during and after treatment, taking into account forms of involvement in assisted conception, stages of investigation and treatment and other sources of support
To provide the three distinct types of counselling as outlined in the HFEA code of practice - implications counselling, support counselling and therapeutic counselling
Implications counselling for:
Patients and their partners taking part in gametes donation treatments (receiving or donating ovum, sperm or embryo)
Support and Therapeutic Counselling for:
Patients suffering emotional and psychological distress and referring to relevant professional bodies when appropriate.
Patients who store sperm, eggs or embryos for fertility preservation such as prior to chemo- or radiotherapy.
Patients of deceased partners who have previously stored gametes.
Patients whose treatment has failed or who have experienced a pregnancy loss.
Prospective donors or surrogates who are found to be unsuitable for treatment.
Welfare of the child assessment and safeguarding responsibilities:
Being able to know when and how to refer for safeguarding or welfare of the unborn child assessments.
Other general responsibilities:
Keep appropriate records of patient contact.
Provides counselling skills training as appropriate for the staff of the Hewitt Centre.
Provides presentations for Patients Support Group and for Staff training
Works within ethical guidelines as set out by the British Infertility Counselling Association, and within the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority Code of Practice.
Assists in induction and training of Counsellors and multi disciplinary staff in absence of Senior Counsellor.
To maintain and develop specialist knowledge and skills through (i) a programme of continuous professional development [CPD] and training
(ii) engage with continuing professional supervision separate form management
(iii) regular review of current research, legislation, policy-making and other activity relevant to the specific patient/client group.
- To exercise autonomous professional responsibility for assessment of and provision for the counselling needs of patients / clients referred to the service.
- Preferably to be able to work from both Liverpool Womens Hospital and Knutsford Hewitt Fertility Centres.
- To be able to provide counselling online or via telephone as well as face to face.
This job description describes the main responsibilities of the post and is not intended to be exhaustive. It may be subject to change as the service develops and to meet the needs of the Trust.
Person Specification
Skills, Knowledge & Aptitudes
Essential
- To prioritise work in conjunction with manager and colleagues
- To manage ongoing caseload of patients
- To follow policies applicable to role
- To work effectively as part of a team and proactively contribute to the team
- To know when and how to refer for safeguarding and/or welfare of the child issues
- To contribute to and support and train a multi-disciplinary team
- To provide written reports
- To work unsupervised and under own initiative
- To demonstrate a clear commitment to equal opportunities.
- To have competent IT skills and ability to work with different systems
Qualifications & Learning
Essential
- An accredited qualification in Counselling
- Certificate in online counselling as per BACP guidelines or evidence of working towards
- BICA introduction course certificate
Desirable
- Qualification in couple therapy
- Qualification in mindfulness
Professional requirements
Essential
- working towards BACP and BICA accreditation
- To have attended BICA 'Introduction to Infertility Counselling' Course
- To have supervision on a regular basis
- Membership with BICA
Desirable
- Accreditation with BICA and BACP
Flexibility & Adaptability
Essential
- To work independently
- To attend team meetings and mandatory training at Liverpool Women's Hospital
- To work effectively as part of a team and to proactively contribute to the team
Previous experience
Essential
- To be able to relate to the emotional and psychological needs of involuntarily childless patients.
- Experience of setting and delivering therapeutic packages to meet the needs of patients.
- Understanding of the experiences and needs of donors and donor conceived people
- Have a sound knowledge and experience of working with the implications of fertility treatments (IVF, gametes and embryo donation)
Desirable
- Knowledge/experience of LGBT experiences
- Knowledge/experience of group work
- Knowledge of welfare of the child
- Knowledge of the DCR and OTR services
Special Conditions
Essential
- To be sensitive to important and relevant social, medical, legal, political, professional and cultural issues to fertility treatments
- To understand ethical principles
Person Specification
Skills, Knowledge & Aptitudes
Essential
- To prioritise work in conjunction with manager and colleagues
- To manage ongoing caseload of patients
- To follow policies applicable to role
- To work effectively as part of a team and proactively contribute to the team
- To know when and how to refer for safeguarding and/or welfare of the child issues
- To contribute to and support and train a multi-disciplinary team
- To provide written reports
- To work unsupervised and under own initiative
- To demonstrate a clear commitment to equal opportunities.
- To have competent IT skills and ability to work with different systems
Qualifications & Learning
Essential
- An accredited qualification in Counselling
- Certificate in online counselling as per BACP guidelines or evidence of working towards
- BICA introduction course certificate
Desirable
- Qualification in couple therapy
- Qualification in mindfulness
Professional requirements
Essential
- working towards BACP and BICA accreditation
- To have attended BICA 'Introduction to Infertility Counselling' Course
- To have supervision on a regular basis
- Membership with BICA
Desirable
- Accreditation with BICA and BACP
Flexibility & Adaptability
Essential
- To work independently
- To attend team meetings and mandatory training at Liverpool Women's Hospital
- To work effectively as part of a team and to proactively contribute to the team
Previous experience
Essential
- To be able to relate to the emotional and psychological needs of involuntarily childless patients.
- Experience of setting and delivering therapeutic packages to meet the needs of patients.
- Understanding of the experiences and needs of donors and donor conceived people
- Have a sound knowledge and experience of working with the implications of fertility treatments (IVF, gametes and embryo donation)
Desirable
- Knowledge/experience of LGBT experiences
- Knowledge/experience of group work
- Knowledge of welfare of the child
- Knowledge of the DCR and OTR services
Special Conditions
Essential
- To be sensitive to important and relevant social, medical, legal, political, professional and cultural issues to fertility treatments
- To understand ethical principles
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
