Job summary
Primary Care Counsellor
Band 5
We are seeking to recruit Registered and/or Accredited Counsellors to join our team based in Boscombe, Bournemouth.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with the appropriate skills, experience and qualifications to join a highly motivated, professional and committed team. All successful candidates will be expected to train in one of the NICE Approved Counselling modalities, and any other trainings in accordance with service demand.
The requirements for a Band 5 position will be a minimum of a Diploma in Counselling, be Registered with the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP), achieved a Certificate of Proficiency (CoP) and be working towards Accreditation.
Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of. Applicants who subscribe to the DBS update service are able to present a valid DBS certificate instead of requiring a new check.
Main duties of the job
To provide a systematic, comprehensive counselling service, offering advice, guidance, counselling and psychological therapy to patients referred by the GP partners, any other healthcare professional, or self-referral to access the service. To provide advice and guidance to other members of the Steps to Wellbeing Service (S2W) on psychological and mental health-related issues concerning their patients.
The post holder is expected to act in a largely autonomous way, operating within recognised professional guidelines and the overall framework of DHC service's policies and procedures.
You will be expected to provide Counselling via digital and telephone platforms plus face-to-face appointments including on occasions home visits. We provide short term time limited treatment. You will be required to facilitate groups online/face to face and have excellent administration, IT and communication skills. The successful candidate will work as part of a team, be expected to work flexibly including one evening to meet with service demand.
Previous experience of working in an NHS mental health setting, Improving Access to Psychological Therapy (IAPT) service or similar organisation would be highly desirable.
It is essential before applying you read the job description and person specification.
About us
At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.
We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urbanlocations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.
Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.
Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion and expertise in all we do.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.
Person Specification
Educational requirements, qualifications
Essential
- Registered with an approved Psychological Professional Governing Body (eg., BACP, BPC, UKCP) Certificate of proficiency)
- A recognised Diploma/Degree in Counselling/Psychotherapy. Clinical training in the theory and practice of counselling.
Desirable
- Further training in a recognised model of psychological therapy.
- Accreditation with an approved Psychological Governing Body (eg., BACP, BPC, UKCP).
- Qualification in group facilitation.
- Qualification in supervision.
- NICE Approved Modality training (eg., PCET, IPT, DIT, CTfD)
Skills, experience and knowledge
Essential
- Skills in the assessment and evaluation of risk associated with mental ill-health and related psychopathology.
- Effective communication in written and spoken English, adequate to enable the post holder to carry out the role effectively.
- Fully competent with data input and IT systems.
Desirable
- Experience of Group delivery
- Previous experience of working in an IAPT service or NHS Primary Care.
Persoanl qualities and aptitudes
Essential
- To work as part of a team and to develop personal, team targets and objectives.
- Personally responsible for self care and be able to work in a pressurised environment.
Desirable
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Car owner/driver
Essential
Person Specification
Educational requirements, qualifications
Essential
- Registered with an approved Psychological Professional Governing Body (eg., BACP, BPC, UKCP) Certificate of proficiency)
- A recognised Diploma/Degree in Counselling/Psychotherapy. Clinical training in the theory and practice of counselling.
Desirable
- Further training in a recognised model of psychological therapy.
- Accreditation with an approved Psychological Governing Body (eg., BACP, BPC, UKCP).
- Qualification in group facilitation.
- Qualification in supervision.
- NICE Approved Modality training (eg., PCET, IPT, DIT, CTfD)
Skills, experience and knowledge
Essential
- Skills in the assessment and evaluation of risk associated with mental ill-health and related psychopathology.
- Effective communication in written and spoken English, adequate to enable the post holder to carry out the role effectively.
- Fully competent with data input and IT systems.
Desirable
- Experience of Group delivery
- Previous experience of working in an IAPT service or NHS Primary Care.
Persoanl qualities and aptitudes
Essential
- To work as part of a team and to develop personal, team targets and objectives.
- Personally responsible for self care and be able to work in a pressurised environment.
Desirable
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Car owner/driver
Essential
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
