Accredited Counsellors (IN PERSON)

Job responsibilities

We understand that work-life balance is important; therefore, there is an opportunity for an agreed flexible working pattern.

We have hubs across Surrey, in Walton-on-Thames, Woking, Guildford, Epsom, Redhill, Dorking and Oxted. If you are interested in the role but would prefer to work on-site in one of our other bases, please do apply, but make your preference clear on the application.

Please note: We do not have vacancies for 100% remote counsellors at this time.

JOB SUMMARY

The post holder will be part of an NHS Talking Therapies (previously IAPT) service and will provide Counselling at a high intensity level. The post holder will work with clients who have a range of psychological problems using therapy recommended by NICE guidance and the NHS Talking Therapies manual.

The post holder will work with people with different cultural backgrounds and ages, using interpreters when necessary and should be committed to equal opportunities

It is essential that the post holder exercises initiative and independent judgement whilst maintaining a high level of confidentiality and diplomacy at all times. In addition, the post holder is co-responsible for managing, maintaining and administering various data sources, which may include waiting lists, caseloads, or clinical reporting. Responsible for ensuring accurate data is recorded for national target requirements.

ROLE OF THE DEPARTMENT

The post holder is expected to work accurately under pressure with the ability to manage and prioritise their workload and that of the department, providing and receiving information which may require tact, diplomacy and persuasive skills as there may be barriers to understanding, either due to a cultural difference or knowledge of the process.

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Service Manager

Clinical Lead and senior team

Line Manager

Administration team

Therapists and other clinical staff

Patients & Relatives

General Practitioners

Local authorities

Social services

NB: This list is not exhaustive as the Post Holder is required to communicate with a wide range of external/internal departments and agencies at all levels.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POST

1. CLINICAL

1.1. Accept referrals via agreed protocols within the service

1.2. Assess clients for suitability for psychological interventions

1.3. Make decisions on the suitability of new referrals, adhering to the departments referral protocols, and refer unsuitable clients on to the relevant service or back to the referral agent as necessary.

1.4. Formulate, implement and evaluate therapy programmes for clients.

1.5. Use highly developed communication skills in working with people to understand their personal and often very sensitive difficulties

1.6. To exercise autonomous professional responsibility for the assessment and treatment of clients in line with the service.

1.7. Educate and involve family members and others in treatment as necessary, conveying psychological formulations with sensitivity in easily understood language.

1.8. Adhere to an agreed activity contract relating to the number of client contacts offered, and clinical sessions carried out per week in order to minimise waiting times and ensure treatment delivery remains accessible and convenient.

1.9. Attend multi-disciplinary meetings relating to referrals or clients in treatment, where appropriate.

1.10. Complete all requirements relating to data collection within the service.

1.11. Keep coherent records of all clinical activity in line with service protocols

1.12. Work closely with other members of the team, ensuring appropriate step-up and step-down arrangements are in place to maintain a stepped care approach.

1.13. Assess and integrate issues surrounding work and employment into the overall therapy process

1.14. Carry out clinical audits of service performance, including service user surveys and evaluations, and help to collate and disseminate the results for feedback.

1.15. Liaise with other health and social care staff from a range of agencies in the care provided to clients.

1.16. Provide specialist advice and consultation to other professionals / individuals / groups / committees across Mental Health Trusts, Primary Care Trusts and other voluntary agencies regarding service matters related to the practice and delivery of specific agreed therapeutic modalities and service provision.

2. TRAINING AND SUPERVISION

2.1. Contribute to the teaching and training of mental health professionals and other staff working in the service.

2.2. After completion of supervision training, supervise staff in the service as appropriate.

3. PROFESSIONAL

3.1. Ensure the maintenance of standards of practice according to the employer and any regulating, professional and accrediting bodies (BACP, UKCP, and others), and keep up to date on new recommendations/guidelines set by the Department of Health (e.g. NHS Talking Therapies Manual, NHS plan, Positive Practice Guides, National Institute for Clinical Excellence).

3.2. Ensure that client confidentiality is always protected.

3.3. Provide a professional and neutral environment when delivering video appointments

3.4. Be aware of and keep up to date with advances in the spheres of counselling and other psychological therapies.

3.5. Ensure clear professional objectives are identified, discussed and reviewed with senior therapists on a regular basis as part of continuing professional development (CPD).

3.6. Attend clinical/managerial supervision on a regular basis as agreed with the Manager.

3.7. Participate in individual performance review and respond to agreed objectives.

3.8. Keep up to date with all records in relation to CPD and ensure the personal development plan maintains up-to-date specialist knowledge of the latest theoretical and service delivery models/developments.

3.9. Attend relevant conferences / workshops in line with identified professional objectives.

3.10. Participate in service improvement by highlighting issues and implementing changes in practice.

4. ADVISORY / LIAISON

4.1. Promote and maintain links with Primary Care and Secondary Care Staff to help co-ordinate the provision of an effective Psychological Therapies Service.

5. GENERAL

5.1. To contribute to the development of best practice within the service.

5.2. To maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation, national and local policies and procedures in relation to Mental Health and Primary Care Services.

5.3. All employees have a duty and responsibility for their own health and safety and the health of colleagues, patients and the general public.

5.4. All employees have a responsibility and a legal obligation to ensure that information processed for both patients and staff is kept accurate, confidential, secure and in line with the Data Protection Act (1998) and Security and Confidentiality Policies.

5.5. It is the responsibility of all staff that they do not abuse their official position for personal gain, to seek advantage of further private business or other interests in the course of their official duties.

5.6. This Job Description does not provide an exhaustive list of duties and may be reviewed and updated in consultation with the post holder in light of service development.

INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Apply and adhere to agreed policies, procedures, and protocols, including national initiatives and propose changes for improvements to departmental working practices.
• Participate in reflection, self-evaluation and continuous professional development, including performance review. Ensure mandatory training is always up to date.
• Contribute to ongoing projects as required.
• Maintain and encourage safe working practices and environment in accordance with local Health and Safety policies.
• Comply with the requirements of the Caldicott Report, Data Protection Act, Access to Health Records Act and subsequent legislation issued in relation to confidential data.

CONFIDENTIALITY

The post holder must maintain the confidentiality of information about patients, staff and DHC business in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and Caldicott principles.

Experience

Essential

• Demonstrable experience of working in mental health services.
• Ability to meet agreed/specified service targets.
• Ability to manage own caseload and time.
• Demonstrates high standards in written communication.
• Able to write clear reports and letters to referrers.
• Experience with routine outcome monitoring.

Desirable

• Experience of working in the NHS Talking Therapies service.
• Worked in a service where agreed targets were in place, demonstrating clinical outcomes.
• Experience in teaching and liaising with other professional groups.

Skills & Competencies

Essential

• Accredited with a professional psychological therapy organisation (aligned to SCoPED column B or C).
• Full range of skills and competencies in delivering counselling-based interventions.
• Able to develop good therapeutic relationships with clients in person and using digital platforms.
• Proficient in IT skills, including data systems and working virtually using online platforms.
• Well-developed skills in the ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, complex, highly technical and/or clinically sensitive information to clients, their families, carers and other professional colleagues both within and outside the NHS.
• Has received training (either formal or through experience) and carried out risk assessments within the scope of practice.
• Competent in carrying out risk assessments and taking appropriate action in line with service protocols.

Desirable

• Trained in the provision of counselling supervision.
• Completed clinical audits within a service.

Training

Essential

• Able to attend appropriate training as the post develops.
• Good record of Continuing Professional Development and willingness to continue this.

Desirable

• Able to attend supervision training if not already qualified.

Other Requirements

Essential

• Ability and willingness to travel to locations throughout the organisation.
• High level of enthusiasm and motivation.
• Ability to work within a team and foster good working relationships.
• Ability to use clinical supervision and personal development positively and effectively.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Regard for others and respect for individual rights of autonomy and confidentiality.
• Ability to be self-reflective, whilst working with service users, & in own personal and professional development and in supervision.

Desirable

• Fluent in languages other than English.
• Experience of working with diverse communities and within a multicultural setting.

Knowledge

Essential

• Demonstrates an understanding of anxiety and depression and how they may present in Primary Care.
• Demonstrates a knowledge of the issues surrounding work and the impact it can have on mental health / benefits & employment systems.
• Knowledge of medications used in anxiety and depression, and other common mental health problems.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the need to use evidence-based psychological therapies and how it relates to this post.
• Knowledge of child protection issues and other relevant legislation.

Qualifications

Essential

• Full accreditation with BACP or equivalent (SCoPED column B or C).
• This includes:
• British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP): Accredited.
• United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP): Registered as a Psychotherapist or Psychotherapeutic Counsellor.
• Association of Christian Counsellors: Accreditation.
• National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS): Accredited Professional registrants.
• British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC): Registered.
• -Band 7 role: PCE-CfD qualification.
• -Band 6 role: Meets requirements to deliver Person-Centred Experiential Counselling for Depression.

Desirable

• Relevant experience in Primary Care treating anxiety and depression.
• Counselling supervisor qualification.
• PCE-CfD supervisor qualification.

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).