Creative Therapist/Counsellor

Job responsibilities

To provide one to one/group creative therapeutic sessions to children, young people and adults who require emotional wellbeing tier 2 based support and counselling/therapy sessions tailored to the needs of the individual.

To work with parents and involve them in the creative therapy session towards the end of the intervention to ensure that coping strategies are embedded and to help with communication and relationship between the child/young person and parent/carer. All this has to be in consent with the child/young person and in line with BACP confidentiality agreement.

To liaise with the service co-ordinator to discuss the individual client needs and referral issues identified prior to the 6 to 8 week intervention, well-being of client monitored at week 4 review.

To follow the NICE guidelines for assessment and the model of delivery.

To keep up to date individual client clinical case note records both hard copy and on outcome star system.

To evaluate the therapy intervention using the outcome star system and internal data recording system.

To provide written reports for each young person accessing the therapy to the referral source along with recommendations for further work and support.

To ensure counsellors therapists engage positively with clinical supervision to reflect on case work, to discuss work undertaken, any concerns and for guidance.

To support (when required) the service co-ordinator in compiling monitoring reports through the use of outcome star and internal data recording system.

To maintain confidentiality in keeping with Murray Hall Community Trust guidelines and legislation both internally and externally.

To meet regularly with the service co-ordinator to discuss and review the programme.

To arrange a suitable time and venue with the childs parent/carer/young person for counselling intervention which is private and safe

To arrange possible distance intervention skills as well as face to face to engage a blended approach.

To ensure that you work within the British Association Counsellors and Therapists code of ethics and standards.

To attend meetings as required, with the service co-ordinator and other key CTS staff to discuss referrals, caseloads, concerns etc.

To comply with Murray Hall policies and procedures including Data Protection and Confidentiality Policy, Safeguarding and Protection of Children Policy, Health and Safety Policy, Equality Policy, and record keeping.

To attend any mandatory training and induction courses as designated by management.

Any other duties requested by the service manager or service co-ordinator in line with the grant agreement.

Skills, Knowledge & Understanding

Essential

• Must be committed to an integrated reflective process of personal and professional development
• Knowledge and understanding of emotional wellbeing to be able to support resilience
• Demonstrates a sound knowledge and understanding of safeguarding procedure
• An understanding of CAHMS and how referrals are made and received and interventions are provided across the region
• Ability to work under pressure and manage complex client case loads
• Knowledge of the British Association Counsellors and Therapists and the code of ethics
• Knowledge of data protection/record keeping and confidentiality with regard to client group

Desirable

• Knowledge of child development
• Understanding of the demographic of Sandwell and surrounding areas
• Knowledge of the Every Child Matters and Keeping Children Safe in Education frameworks and other key policies with regards to working with children

Experience

Essential

• Recent varied experience of working with children and young people aged 5 to 18 years (EWB)
• Experience of working with statutory and voluntary organisations in delivering therapeutic services

Desirable

• Excellent artistic abilities, creativity, imagination and enthusiasm
• Experience of facilitating one to one therapy work and with parents in various settings
• Experience of report writing and evaluating programmes

Qualifications

Essential

• Have a minimum of level 4 qualification in counselling, therapy (or equivalent) with clinical experience of 100 hours
• Membership of recognised professional counselling body British Association of Counselling and Therapists, National Counselling Society, British Association of Drama Therapy, British Association of Art Therapy or UK Council for Psychotherapy either as an individual or as part of an organisation. This list is not exhaustive evidence required at recruitment stage

Desirable

• Level 5 Counselling Qualification

Personal Qualities

Essential

• To possess an expressive, creative and spontaneous/improvised work style in response to a wide variety of issues/circumstances
• A robust level of emotional strength, personal awareness and the ability to deal with difficult situations as they arise
• Pleasant and approachable manner with a reliable and flexible approach to work
• Able to manage and prioritise a busy workload and work on own initiative

Other Factors

Essential

• Demonstrate a commitment to continued CPD
• Must be able to travel across the Sandwell and neighbouring boroughs
• Be able to provide references as to suitability for the post
• Undertake an enhanced DBS check and maintain a DBS Update service membership

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).