Counselling Manager

Job responsibilities

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership

Lead, manage and motivate a team of counsellors, art therapists, sessional counsellors and students to provide a professional and flexible counselling service to meet the needs of those we serve by combining clinical oversight with a commitment to continuous improvement.

Lead the development, implementation, and training for policies and procedures for the counselling service, while ensuring the counselling team has the skills, knowledge, and support needed to deliver a high-quality, responsive service for patients and families.

You will lead the delivery of the counselling service, using bereavement assessment tools to ensure each person receives the right level of support. Your focus will be on safety and responsiveness, making sure complex needs are managed carefully while also recognising when alternative bereavement support is more suitable than counselling.

Conduct supervision with students, allowing them a safe space to discuss their caseload, whilst being provided appropriate guidance and support.

To be the Safeguarding Lead, assessing and managing risks in line with City Hospice policies.

Service Development

Develop group counselling for adults and children and new formats such as weekend and evening sessions

Shape and lead transformation by implementing the counselling strategy.

Maintain governance of the counselling service and be responsible for completing case reviews with the team offering advice and guidance.

Identify, maintain and produce accurate statistical data for reporting against service targets and grant funded applications required by trustees, commissioners and funders.

Analyse a range of information to identify themes and trends and identify areas for service development and continuous improvement.

Complete regular audits and offer structured feedback on compliance, to enhance the service and deliver on key performance indicators.

Support and promote opportunities to gather feedback from service users, using their insights to inform ongoing improvement and development of counselling services and bereavement support

Collaborative Working

Develop and implement projects that align with City Hospices strategy and values, and that enhance the counselling and bereavement service in ways that deliver meaningful value for patients, families, and the wider community.

Support the Clinical Director in the delivery of the organisational strategy with the aim of ensuring the sustainability of the City Hospice counselling services.

Attend and participate in weekly multi disciplinary team meetings and monthly senior management team meetings, working collaboratively with our clinical and business support team.

Attend external meetings, groups and forums as agreed by the Hospice Practice Manager, Clinical Director or CEO.

Utilise a range of technology to deliver sustainable services and increased accessibility.

Work in partnership with schools, community organisations, and statutory services to develop and coordinate bereavement support, ensuring a joined up approach that meets the needs of children, young people, and the wider community.

Stakeholder Engagement

Be responsible for fostering a positive, inclusive culture within the counselling service, integrating City Hospices vision and purpose into daily practice, and working collaboratively across the charity to contribute to wider strategic goals and shared success.

Support with volunteer training, offer professional input, and help create a culture where volunteers feel supported and valued.

Where applicable represent the service externally, providing training to corporate partners, and participate in steering groups.

Work closely with organisations who have provided City Hospice with funding and within the terms and conditions agreed, including the production of performance reports.

General Responsibilities

Act as an ambassador for City Hospice, consistently upholding our values of Passion and Compassion, Sharing and Empowering, and Knowledgeable and Responsible in all interactions.

Undertake any other reasonable duties or responsibilities as required to support the effective delivery of the service.

Maintain up to date professional knowledge and skills, staying informed of developments that enhance your ability to support and guide the team and counselling service.

Qualifications

Essential

• Qualified BACP and BAAT or equivalent qualification
• Current up to date relevant registration
• Psychotherapy qualification Masters level or above
• Supervision qualification

Desirable

• Management qualification

Other

Essential

• Full driving licence and access to a vehicle

Knowledge and skills

Essential

• Minimum of two years experience in bereavement counselling or palliative care
• Minimum of five years post qualification experience
• Proven experience in leading and delivering counselling within group settings.
• Excellent communicator both verbally and written
• Ability to react to changing circumstances
• Confident in the use of Microsoft packages
• Ability to interpret data, identifying themes and trends
• Excellent knowledge of GDPR

Desirable

• Ability to speak a second language
• Familiarity with hospice care or the voluntary sector
• Knowledge of grant applications or providing data for funding bids
• Experience of working in a charity

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working with adults and children
• Ability to manage and lead high performing teams giving them the confidence and skills to act independently within the scope of their role
• Excellent knowledge of safeguarding legislation
• Experience of working in partnership with education, statutory, and community sectors, and effectively liaising with a range of stakeholders
• Experienced in report writing
• Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team

Desirable

• Experience of managing student placements, such as art or music therapy
• Experience of reporting on service impact to commissioners or funders
• Experience in change management
• Budget management
• Knowledge of risk management

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Ability to adapt leadership style to motivate and inspire the team
• Approachable, ensuring the team remain compliant and confident in delivering an excellent service
• Flexible to meet the needs of patients and families
• Committed to your own continued professional development and the development of others
• Able to react to changing circumstances
• Organised with the ability to work under pressure
• Experience of service planning
• Build positive relationships in all interactions, championing the work of City Hospice

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).