Counsellor

Post: Counsellor

Salary: £27,671 - £28,627 FTE

Hours: 35 full-time (hours negotiable)

Location: Washington Mind (the Life House) and Outreach venues

Responsible to: Counsellor Project Manager

Pension Scheme: Auto-enrolment scheme in place (3 month postponement)

Application Deadline - 30th August 2022

Interviews will be held w/c 5th of September

Purpose of Role:

The post holder will work as a Counsellor for a primary care counselling service for adults set within Washington Mind, a well-established mental health charitable incorporated organisation. Contributing to the overall objectives of Washington Mind in line with their ethos, values, vision and mission. The Counsellor is responsible for assisting the Lead Counsellor with the:

• Record Keeping and Monitoring
• User engagement
• Learning and development

The post-holder will be supported through clinical supervision and operational line management provided by the service.

“Washington Mind’s mission is to work in partnership with our community to promote recovery and improve mental health and wellbeing.”

Principle Duties & Responsibilities:

• To support the management team with the strategic development of Washington Mind services.
• Provide referral and risk assessment processes, comprehensive telephone and face to face triage assessments to identify counselling and/or other support needs.

• Provide individual and group counselling to people referred to the service.
• Deliver safe and ethical practice, adhering to the BACP Ethical Framework for Counselling professions.
• Contribute to ensuring that service accreditation with BACP and other Quality Marks are maintained.
• Participate in own regular clinical supervision in line with BACP requirements and make effective use of own line management and raise any issues or concerns.
• Liaise and work with partner agencies to build strong working partnerships and ensure clients are referred on to appropriate services to receive the most effective intervention(s).
• Identify appropriate training and assist with the delivery of the in-house training programme in partnership with the Lead Counsellor and Training Manager.
• Ensure the effective implementation and utilisation of all systems (computerised and manual) to ensure a quality, efficient counselling service.
• Make best use of digital resources and ensure the counselling service is proactive in the promotion and use of websites, social media and apps.
• To maintain, update and safeguard confidential records and produce reports as required, including statistical monitoring.
• To undertake any other relevant duties appropriate to the grade of the post as assigned by the Lead Counsellor, Service Manager or Executive Committee.

General:

• To keep up to date with the wider Mind network, making best use of resources available including OpenHub.

• Work with the wider team within Washington Mind, participating in meetings, team development, business planning, and training.

• To assist in the development of and implement Washington Mind’s policies and procedures in relation to the post and to work in accordance with legislative requirements with particular reference to Health and Safety and Safeguarding Adults and Children

• The post holder must act in compliance with GDPR data protection principles in respecting the privacy of personal information held by Washington Mind.

• The post holder must comply with the principles of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 in relation to the management of Washington Mind records and information.

• The post holder must carry out their duties with full regard to Washington Mind’s Equal Opportunities Policy, Code of Conduct and all other Policies.

• To promote and support inclusive and anti-discriminatory services which are sensitive to the diversity within the local community

• To keep accurate and comprehensive records of all work done and produce reports as required

• To represent the service at meetings where appropriate
• To work both effectively and creatively which may require some office/session cover duties, evening and weekend work as service needs require.

• Helping to raise public awareness on mental health issues relevant to the community assisting with the development and delivery of awareness/consultation events with target groups, local community and partner agencies.

• Support the development of genuine service user involvement in all aspects of service development and delivery.

Person Specification:

Education/Qualifications:

Essential Criteria...

• A recognised diploma or degree in counselling/psychotherapy.
• Substantial evidence of post-qualification experience with clients

• Continuing Professional Development;
• Good understanding of Safeguarding Procedures

Desirable Criteria...

• Other qualifications in mental health or systemic practice
• Accreditation/registration with BACP/UKCP or other recognised relevant body
• Line management/ Supervision qualification and/or experience

How identified...

• Application Form
• Selection Process

Experience:

Essential Criteria...

• Substantial post-qualification clinical experience (minimum of 3 years);
• Substantial experience of counselling clients
• Working in an integrative therapeutic environment using a range of counselling modalities;
• Assessing and working therapeutically with a wide range of issues and clients, including those within the definition of “protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010;
• Experience of developing and delivering counselling training.
• Liaising and networking with a range of statutory, private, and Third Sector agencies;

Desirable Criteria...

• Experience in educational, health or social care settings

How identified...

• Application Form
• Selection Process

Knowledge and Understanding:

Essential Criteria...

• Of the BACP Code of Ethics, and particularly in relation to confidentiality, best therapeutic practice, and Data Protection (GDPR);
• Of the range and implications of mental health, abuse, domestic violence, and bereavement;
• Of the phenomenon of “stigma”, particularly in relation to mental health and how to address it;
• Of the principles and practice of social inclusion
• Of the principles and practice of managing risk in the context of mental health and counselling;
• Of developing and delivering counselling training;
• Of best practice in the safeguarding of children and young people, and adults;

Desirable Criteria...

• Of the concept and service implications of ”Recovery” in relation to mental health -
• Of community organisations and facilities within Sunderland and surrounding areas. -
• Of the development and marketing of counselling services;

How identified...

• Application Form
• Selection Process

Skill and Ability:

Essential Criteria...

• In undertaking counselling and client assessments
• Excellent interpersonal skills, team working and team management skills;
• Excellent listening skills and the ability to communicate effectively to a variety of audiences both verbally and in writing;
• In assessing and managing all relevant aspects of risk in a counselling service;
• In recording and monitoring skills and ability to interpret data to produce reports;
• In communicating effectively with a wide range of people in various contexts and through various media;
• In working collaboratively within a team;
• Liaising with other professionals and agencies;
• In IT literacy, at a level commensurate with the seniority of the role, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel;

Desirable Criteria...

• Additional skills e.g.

• EMDR
• Counselling for Depression

How identified...

• Probation Period

Other Requirements:

Essential Criteria...

• Passion for working with people
• Patience, empathy and a positive attitude in relating to people with mental health issues
• Open – minded and receptive to new ideas, approaches and challenges
• Evident commitment to promoting equality and diversity, and non-discriminatory practice;
• Willingness to participate in, and take responsibility for, continuing professional learning and development;
• Excellent time keeping;
• Willing and able to work flexible hours, including evenings and the occasional weekend;
• Commitment to the values of Washington Mind.

How identified...

• Probation Period

THIS POST IS SUBJECT TO AN ENHANCED DBS DISCLOSURE CHECK

Please email us or call us on 0191 ******* for an application form.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: £27,671.00-£28,627.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• On-site parking
• Private dental insurance
• Private medical insurance
• Work from home

Application deadline: 30/08/2022