Counsellor

Job description

Job responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

- Deliver high-quality, evidence-based counselling interventions to clients referred by GPs or other primary care professionals, including short-term, goal-focused 1:1 session both in-person and remotely.

- Conduct comprehensive psychological assessments to determine appropriate therapeutic approaches and collaboratively formulate, implement, and review personalised care plans.

- Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation, including assessments, progress notes, reports, and discharge summaries, in line with data protection, confidentiality, and professional standards.

- Build effective therapeutic relationships to support client engagement and positive outcomes within a primary care setting.

- Work collaboratively with GPs, nurses, mental health professionals, and other allied health and statutory services to deliver integrated and holistic care.

- Demonstrate thorough understanding of safeguarding protocols, taking timely action and escalating concerns in line with organisational and legal requirements.

- Engage in regular clinical supervision, reflective practice, and appraisals to support personal and professional development.

- Contribute to the ongoing development of mental health services, including service improvement initiatives, psycho educational workshops, and group interventions where appropriate.

- Provide mentorship to student counsellors on placement, supporting learning and professional growth within ethical and clinical guidelines.

- Design and deliver internal or external training to promote psychological awareness and enhance multidisciplinary skills across the service.

- Uphold professional accountability by adhering to relevant ethical frameworks (e.g. BACP, UKCP, AFT), maintaining current registration or accreditation, and complying with legal standards such as the Mental Health Act 2007 and Mental Capacity Act 2005.

- Manage workload effectively, demonstrating flexibility and responsiveness to service demands and priorities.

- Operate in line with Health and Safety legislation and organisational policies, ensuring safe, efficient, and values-driven practice using appropriate digital systems.

- Positively influence service culture by modelling a compassionate, person-centred, and values-led approach to mental health care.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• - Degree or diploma in counselling or equivalent recognised qualification.
• - Current membership with a professional body such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), UKCP, or equivalent.

Desirable

• - Formal training in trauma-informed approaches, such as Trauma-Focused CBT, EMDR, or other recognised therapeutic modalities.

Experience

Essential

• - Demonstrated experience delivering counselling interventions in clinical or community settings.
• - Experience in assessing clients and providing a range of therapeutic approaches.
• - An enhanced DBS check will be required for this role.

Desirable

• - Experience working in primary care, NHS, or similar healthcare environments.
• - Understanding of local mental health services, referral pathways, and community resources.
• - Experience or training in delivering psychotherapy within NHS services.

Knowledge and skills

Essential

• - Sound knowledge of current legislation relevant to counselling practice.
• - Strong understanding of common mental health conditions encountered in primary care (e.g., anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief, relationship difficulties).
• - Ability to develop and maintain effective therapeutic relationships.
• - Critical reasoning and clinical decision-making skills.
• - Excellent communication, interpersonal, organisational, and time management skills.
• - Ability to work autonomously while contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary team.
• - Proficiency in maintaining electronic records and using case management systems.
• - Basic IT Skills

Desirable

• - Familiarity with stepped-care models and frameworks such as IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) or similar.

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Freshney Pelham Care Ltd

Address

Freshney Green PCC

Sorrel Road

Grimsby

NE Lincolnshire

DN34 4GB

Employer's website

https://www.freshneypelham.co.uk (Opens in a new tab)