Employed Counsellors (Full & Part-Time)

AS PART OF THE ORGANSATIONS INTERNAL RESTRUCTURING WE ARE HIRING EMPLOYED COUNSELLORS ON EITHER A FULL TIME OR PART-TIME BASIS

Please Read the Following Information Carefully

https://www.pipshopeandsupport.org/application-information

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title:                        Employed Counsellors (Full-Time & Part-Time)

Place of work:         PIPS Hope & Support Newry or Lurgan
Reports to:               Clinical Lead
Salary:                      £32,000 - £34,000 FTE -pro rata, per annum (DOE)
Hours:                      Full time and part time (16+ hrs )                                                                                                
                                (flexible between Mon, Wed, Thur, Fri, 9am – 5pm, Tuesday 9am -9pm )

Annual Leave:         35 days per annum, pro rata (inclusive of public holidays)

BENEFITS:
Auto Enrolment, National Employment Savings Trust (NEST)
Pension Scheme
Access to Company Westfield Health Care package
Organisation Sick Pay scheme
Investors in People award
TOIL (time off in lieu) accrual system (monthly)

JOB SUMMARY:

We are seeking skilled and dynamic counsellors to join our team of therapists who provide dedicated therapeutic counseling support to adults, children, and young people who have experienced suicidal ideation or have been bereaved through suicide. The ideal candidates will be based in either Newry, Lurgan or one of our outreach centres and possess evidence of post-qualifying counseling experience, as well as experience working in a multidisciplinary environment.

As a successful candidate, you will receive specialised training, including STORM, Case/Pasani, and Safety Planning. You will also have a deep understanding of the complex issues presented by bereavement associated with suicide.

We are looking for individuals who are passionate about helping others and who possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills. If you are a compassionate and dedicated counsellor who is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of those who have been affected by suicide, we encourage you to apply.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

The aim of this service is to provide a valuable resource to the community, offering open access to individuals who are experiencing mental or emotional crises or have been bereaved by suicide. Our goal is to reduce the risk of further suicides in this vulnerable group by providing preventative work and direct support, as well as signposting to other services where appropriate.

To achieve this, we conduct thorough psychological assessments of our clients to determine their need for psychiatric services and assess their level of risk. Our team of dedicated counsellors carry a caseload of clients that is appropriate to their hours of work, ensuring that each individual receives the attention and care they require.

We understand the importance of providing a safe and supportive environment for those who are struggling with mental health issues or have been affected by suicide. Our service is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of those in the Southern Trust area, and we are proud to offer this vital resource to the community.

MAIN DUTIES:

1. Dealing with clients presenting in mental or emotional crisis or bereaved by suicide, e.g., suicide ideation, self-harm, trauma, suicide bereavement.
2. Carry out comprehensive clinical assessments as required.
3. To work with a client base of adults or children and young people on a one-to-one basis, using a range of platforms including face to face, telephone counselling and/or zoom
4. To be a critical point of contact for individuals presenting in crisis or emotional distress.
5. To use critical tools such as CASE/ Pasani and Safety planning to ensure safety to all clients (Training will be provided)
6. Ensure all processes (including Salesforce & CoreNet ) are completed accurately and kept up to date and that any other required paperwork is filed and fully completed and on time.
7. To help the creation of a relaxed and friendly atmosphere which will maintain and enhance the quality of care to each client and maximise their opportunities for choice.
8. Ensure prompt and efficient recording of all appropriate administration required to fulfil the outcomes of the post.
9. Following all policies and procedures as led down by PIPS Hope & Support Limited and the relevant professional bodies.
10. To be responsible for both personal and professional attitude and behaviour when interacting with fellow colleagues and service users.
11. Attend multidisciplinary teams meeting as and when required.
12. Observe and carry out health and safety procedures in respect of oneself, colleagues, and the public.
13. Participate in staff, team meetings on a regular basis.
14. Provide monthly progress reports on all activities undertaken.
15. To keep accurate record keeping of all clients.
16. To adhere to all policies and procedures laid down by PIPS Hope & Support Limited
17. To assist the Clinical Lead in evaluating the impact of all work undertaken.
    
    The duties and responsibilities of this job description are neither definitive nor restrictive and can be modified to meet the changing needs of the organisation.
    The organisation is committed to providing the highest possible quality of service to its clients and the community.
    Members of staff are always expected to provide a caring service to treat those with whom they come in contact in a courteous and respectful manner.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Candidates will be assessed according to the extent to which they meet or have the potential to meet the specification. it is therefore important that applicants pay close attention to all aspects of the person specification when deciding if their skills, experience, and knowledge much these requirements.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

1. Recognised Diploma in Counselling (300 hr theory and practice).
2. At least two years supervised counselling practice with adults
3. BACP / IACP / UKCP or equivalent accreditation which includes current membership & evidence of associate membership number.
4. Have knowledge of and work according to ethical framework of professional bodies.
5. Ability to keep confidential records in keeping with the policies and procedures of the organisation.
6. Excellent oral & written communication skills including IT skills.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

1. Managing personally sensitive information.
2. Able to work as part of a team.
3. able to use Microsoft Outlook for diary, workload, and email management.

DESIRABLE:

1. Experience and Knowledge
2. Experience of counselling in a healthcare setting
3. Experience of working with clients of all ages (qualifications to support working with children will be required)
4. Experience of working in multidisciplinary teams Demonstrates a knowledge of the issues surrounding work and the impact it can have on mental health / benefits & employment systems
5. Knowledge of in anxiety and depression and other common mental health problems
6. Demonstrates an understanding for the need to use evidence based psychological therapies and how it relates to this post

Communication Skills:

1. Computer literate
2. Excellent verbal and written communication skills
3. Able to write clear reports and letters to referrers
4. Organisational skills
5. Ability to meet agreed/specified service targets
6. Ability to manage own caseload and time
7. Demonstrate high standards in written communication
8. Personal attributes
9. High level of enthusiasm and motivation.
10. Advanced communication skills
11. Ability to work within a team and foster good working relationships
12. Ability to work under pressure
13. Regard for others and respect for individual rights of autonomy and confidentiality
14. Ability to be self-reflective, whilst working with service users, & in own personal and professional development and in supervision
15. The ability and skills to act as an advocate for the service, to engage and foster good professional relationships with all professionals in promoting the good integration of this service with the wider health care system

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Two satisfactory references are required.
• Successful applicants must evidence their right to work in the UK (under the Asylum and Immigration Act).  This will be evidenced in the first instance by a passport or other forms of identification that will be outlined if no passport is available.
• Successful Access NI checks.
• Potential employees must provide evidence of full driving licence.
• Car insurance for business use.