University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Bank Counsellor

The closing date is 06 July 2025

Job summary

This role is offered on a bank contract, (with flexibility on hours to be discussed at interview) with a particular focus on reducing sickness absence. The post holder will be required to provide short-term counselling and group counselling sessions for members of staff working for University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust. This is a combination of face to face, telephone and Microsoft Teams appointments. The post holder will take responsibility for their defined caseload of counselling clients in which they will be responsible for the assessment of counselling needs and the implementation and evaluation of programmes of care using a chosen counselling approach. The post holder will be required to offer short group workshops to UHsussex teams to support the prevention of sickness within the trust. These workshops will be offered to targeted wards and team-based areas. They will be offered over a six-week period offering different mental health subjects The post holder is required to assume a high level of autonomy but will be supported by the Staff Psychological Support Service Manager & Lead Counsellor/ Psychotherapist with regular support and the Staff Psychological Support Service in-house supervisor providing clinical supervision.

Main duties of the job

To accept referrals via agreed protocols within the service which will be booked by the service administrator/ Lead Counsellor/ Psychotherapist. Responsible for the assessment of counselling needs.

Deliver short term counselling interventions in accordance with best practice and service protocols.

Complete all requirements relating to data collection within the service utilising electronic record and data collection.

When necessary and appropriate, liaise closely with care colleagues offering guidance and recommendations for client care always ensuring the client's best interests are maintained.

Write reports/essays as required in line with continued personal development, with consent from the client if appropriate.

A willingness to provide short group workshops to UHsussex targeted wards and team-based areas teams to support the prevention of sickness.

About us

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in ourWellbeing Programmefor staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Candidate Information Pack: https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/candidate-information-pack/

Date posted

23 June 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£15.33 to £18.66 an hour Per hour

Contract

Bank

Working pattern

Flexible working

Reference number

279-7264017-JUN25

Job locations

All UHSx Sites

Worthing Hospital

Worthing

BN11 2BH

Job description

Job responsibilities

To liaise with members of the Staff Psychological Support Service Team and management in order to ensure that the service runs effectively, safely and efficiently. Will take an active role in liaison with multi-agencies regarding bereavement issues, traumatic and clinical events (e.g. Police, child protection teams, coroners officers and paramedic services.) This will be on behalf of staff considering any issues of confidentially, dignity and respect, maintaining an anti-discriminatory practice. Developing, supporting and maintaining effective working relationships with other disciplines within the service areas, including attending Team meetings. Attending multidisciplinary meetings with other therapeutic and psychological practitioners across the Trust in accordance with best practice, knowledge growth and information sharing.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Person Specification

Essential

Registered/ member with an approved Psychological professional Governing Body (BACP/UKCP)
Has a minimum of 200 supervised client hours working with clients with a range of mild to moderate mental health difficulties
Skills in the assessment and evaluation of risk associated with mental health.
Maximise the use of clinical supervision with planning and preparation.
Competency in working within a recognised framework.

Desirable

Further training in a recognised model of psychological therapy.
Experience of working in an NHS setting.
Skills in training
Experience of mental health problems and the capacity to use that experience to the benefit of client care.
General clinical and theoretical knowledge of more than one model of counselling.

Short Listing

Essential

Has a minimum of 200 supervised client hours working with clients with a range of mild to moderate mental health difficulties.

Desirable

Experience of working in an NHS setting.

Equality Diversity & Inclusion

Essential

Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).

Person Specification

Essential

Registered/ member with an approved Psychological professional Governing Body (BACP/UKCP)
Has a minimum of 200 supervised client hours working with clients with a range of mild to moderate mental health difficulties
Skills in the assessment and evaluation of risk associated with mental health.
Maximise the use of clinical supervision with planning and preparation.
Competency in working within a recognised framework.

Desirable

Further training in a recognised model of psychological therapy.
Experience of working in an NHS setting.
Skills in training
Experience of mental health problems and the capacity to use that experience to the benefit of client care.
General clinical and theoretical knowledge of more than one model of counselling.

Short Listing

Essential

Has a minimum of 200 supervised client hours working with clients with a range of mild to moderate mental health difficulties.

Desirable

Experience of working in an NHS setting.

Equality Diversity & Inclusion

Essential

Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).

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

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Address

All UHSx Sites

Worthing Hospital

Worthing

BN11 2BH

Employer's website

https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Address

All UHSx Sites

Worthing Hospital

Worthing

BN11 2BH

Employer's website

https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)