Counsellor - Young People's Project

Job responsibilities

Post: Counsellor Young Peoples Project

• Salary: £26,353 - £28,574
• Hours: 35 full-time (hours negotiable)
• Location: Washington Mind (the Life House) and Outreach venues
• Responsible to: YPP Lead Counsellor
• Pension Scheme: Auto-enrolment scheme in place (3 month postponement)

Purpose of Role:

The post holder will work as a Counsellor within the Young Peoples Project (YPP) 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 will be 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 Minds 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 YPP 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.
• The post holder will work systemically, liaising 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, CEO 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 Minds 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 Minds 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.

Qualifications

Essential

• Education / Qualifications:
• - A recognised diploma or degree in counselling/psychotherapy.
• - Substantial evidence of post-qualification experience with young people. Continuing Professional Development;
• - Good understanding of Safeguarding Procedures, CAMHS provision and other systems around YP

Desirable

• Education / Qualifications
• - 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

Experience

Essential

• -Substantial post-qualification clinical experience (minimum of 3 years);
• -Substantial experience of counselling young people
• -Working in an integrative therapeutic environment using a range of counselling modalities; with an emphasis on person centred/solution focused models
• -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

• Experience in educational, health or social care settings

Knowledge and Understanding

Essential

• -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
• - Of co-production and its benefits

Desirable

• - Of co-producing services with young people
• - Of community organisations and facilities within Sunderland and surrounding areas.
• - Of the development and marketing of counselling services;

Skill and Ability

Essential

• -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

• Additional skills e.g.
• -EMDR
• -Counselling for Depression

Other Requirements

Essential

• -Passion for a creative approach to working with people
• -Authenticity, patience, , empathy, robustness and a positive attitude in relating to people with mental health issues
• -Open minded, innovative and receptive to new ideas, approaches and challenges
• -Evident commitment to promoting equality and diversity, and non-discriminatory practice;
• - Energy, and 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.
• -Ability to adapt and respond in a timely manner
• Commitment to young people and belief in their wisdom.
• Commitment to develop mechanisms through which their voices can be heard

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).