Counsellor

Job overview

Do you want to be part of an innovative and dynamic NHS Talking Therapies service? Are you an experienced counsellor who is passionate about providing high quality psychological therapy to people with common mental health problems? The successful candidate will have completed a diploma level qualification in counselling from a BACP accredited course and will  preferably have experience of working in an NHS Talking Therapies service.  The service is focused on delivering high quality therapy and our patient feedback is excellent.  Investing in our team is important to us and we pride ourselves on the support we offer to staff. You’ll have the opportunity to be part of a fantastic team of staff who are genuinely committed to improving the lives of our service users. The team includes CBT therapists, Counsellors and Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners, providing psychological assessment and brief therapies to people with mild to moderate anxiety and depression. The service also offers EMDR, "Mastering Stress" courses, MCBT courses as well as a range of webinars to support health and wellbeing.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will be a flexible and highly motivated qualified Counsellor. They will be part of the NHS Blackpool Talking Therapies service and will provide high intensity Counselling to clients who have a range of complex anxiety and depression related problems. The successful candidate will be experienced in delivering counselling interventions face to face, online and over the telephone. The post holder will also work with people with different cultural backgrounds and ages, using interpreters when necessary and should be committed to equal opportunities. The successful candidate will also be required to work a proportion of their working hours after before 9am and/or after 5pm in order to improve access to the service.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

NHS Blackpool Talking Therapies operates from a number of community bases within the Blackpool area. We offer Talking Therapies interventions and psychological therapies across Step 2 and 3, and over the past 3 years have developed pathways with physical health services in line with the National Talking Therapies Long Term Conditions programme, in order to expand and increase the offer of psychological therapies to the Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde population.

The role will involve:   Assessing clients for suitability for NHS Talking Therapies and providing evidence based counselling interventions. To undertake risk assessments with clients and respond to these in line with service policies and procedures. 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. Engage in regular case management and clinical supervision. Complete all requirements relating to data collection within the service. Keep coherent detailed records of all clinical activity in line with service  protocols. Assess and integrate issues surrounding work and employment into the  overall therapy process.