Advanced High Intensity Counsellor (Various locations in Surrey)

Job responsibilities

This is an exciting opportunity for an Advanced Counsellor to support the clinical delivery of treatment across the service, while maintaining a strong clinical focus and a PCE-CfD caseload.

Ideally, this role is suited to a qualified PCE-CfD practitioner and supervisor; however, training in PCE-CfD will be available for the right candidate.

This is a blended role, combining both home and on-site working.

We are seeking an Advanced Counsellor to contribute to the development of a team of therapists working across the region in sub-groups aligned with Primary Care Networks. This will involve networking to establish new relationships and a flexible approach to align with emerging delivery models within general practice and other local services.

The successful candidate will have the ability to inspire and support their team in delivering high-quality psychological interventions. They will also work collaboratively to improve organisational performance. We are looking for someone who is highly motivated, capable of leading change, building effective relationships, and supporting the Service Manager, Clinical Lead, and Locality Managers in creating a team that delivers outstanding services to the local population.

The post-holder must have developed clinical expertise and demonstrable experience of working as a qualified therapist. They will carry a clinical caseload alongside responsibilities for clinical supervision and duty support.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the Clinical Lead and Locality Managers to ensure delivery of a dynamic, effective, and efficient service.
• Holding a clinical caseload, including more complex cases as appropriate at Step 3, drawing on advanced skills in assessment and psychological therapies.
• Undertaking Duty Manager shifts, including risk management and therapist support.
• Providing high-quality clinical supervision and supporting the design and implementation of workforce development programmes for all staff within the DHC NHS Talking Therapies service.
• Supporting the clinical development of the service, including involvement in pathway meetings, Primary Care Networks, Long-Term Condition Pathways, and therapeutic groups.
• Acting as an innovator who embraces change and strives for clinical excellence.
• Deputising for the Clinical Leads when required.

ROLE OF DEPARTMENT

The post-holder is expected to demonstrate exemplary standards of conduct and professionalism, working accurately and efficiently under pressure. They will be capable of managing and prioritising both their own workload and that of the wider department. The role involves both providing and receiving information that may at times require the use of tact, diplomacy, and persuasive communication skills.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical

• To undertake specialist psychological assessments of clients referred to the service, using appropriate interpretation and integration of complex data from a range of sources. The post-holder will maintain a clinical caseload, including more complex cases, drawing on advanced theoretical and practical expertise.
• The clinical work involves managing a variety of presentations, including more complex cases. The role requires the communication of complex and sensitive information, and the ability to challenge deeply held beliefs or behaviours. This necessitates a high level of emotional resilience, sensitivity, and sound judgement in managing information, delivering interventions, and supporting meaningful change. All treatment should be evidence-based and aligned with NICE guidelines and the NHS Talking Therapies Manual.
• To carry out risk assessments and manage risk appropriately for individual clients. The post-holder will also provide general and specialist advice on psychological risk management to NHS Talking Therapies clinicians, with the support of the Team Lead and Clinical Lead as needed.
• To make sound, evidence-based decisions regarding risk and to support therapists who require urgent supervision.
• To lead the development of new and innovative approaches to clinical work, with guidance and support from the Clinical Leads and Service Manager.
• To provide clinical expertise and advice to ensure effective and appropriate delivery of psychological care by all team members, in accordance with the NHS Talking Therapies AQP contract and service manual.
• Consultation with colleagues regarding appropriate client treatment pathways is central to this role.

Policy and Service Development

The post-holder will:

• Support the Locality Manager and Team Leads in the development of the NHS Talking Therapies service, including models such as integrated Long-Term Conditions (LTC) services, pathway groups, and collaborations with Primary Care Networks.
• Assist in developing and implementing clinical policies and operating procedures across the organisation, including those related to clinical governance and audit.
• Promote service user engagement in shaping service delivery and design.
• Support the facilitation of training, monitoring, and supervision of clinical skills, including continuing professional development (CPD) for staff.
• Liaise with university training providers to address interface issues promptly and effectively.
• Contribute to the development of services to improve accessibility and engagement for underrepresented groups, such as men, underrepresented ethnic groups, perinatal populations, and military veterans.
• Work collaboratively with third sector organisations to improve access, recovery, resilience, and mental wellbeing.
• Work alongside Employment Advisors embedded within the team.
• Collaborate closely with Team Leads to ensure the achievement of service delivery targets, workforce development goals, and clinically validated outcome measures.

Professional Leadership and Management

The post-holder will:

• Support Team Leads in implementing service development initiatives and projects to enhance team and organisational performance. This may include leading on specific projects such as group interventions, courses, audits, LTC pathways, or trainee development.
• Assist in providing professional leadership for all staff within the service, including contributing to CPD and clinical skills training where appropriate.
• Deliver effective clinical supervision and provide ad hoc support across all steps of care.
• Promote a culture of quality in all aspects of service delivery and support the identification, development, and implementation of service improvements.
• Contribute to recruitment processes and assist in ensuring staffing aligns with budgetary constraints.
• Assist in risk management and promote a safe working environment.
• Foster a culture that promotes both mental and physical health and wellbeing for clients and staff alike.
• Support the development and maintenance of IT systems and digital competencies across the team.

General

• Be a positive and influential team member, contributing to a supportive work environment and upholding a shared commitment to delivering excellent patient care effectively and efficiently.
• Act as a positive ambassador for DHC Ltd, especially in promoting the NHS Talking Therapies service to key stakeholders.
• Work autonomously within professional guidelines, upholding robust clinical governance and supporting a culture of effective and supportive supervision.
• Contribute to the smooth operational running of the team, including monitoring waiting lists across all service pathways and taking appropriate action where needed.
• All employees have a duty to take responsibility for their own health and safety and that of their colleagues, patients, and the general public.
• All staff are legally and professionally obligated to ensure that patient and staff information is accurate, confidential, and securely handled, in compliance with the Data Protection Act (1998) and associated confidentiality policies.
• Employees must not exploit their position for personal gain or to advance private interests during the course of their professional duties.
• This job description is not exhaustive and may be reviewed in discussion with the post-holder in line with service development needs.

Skills & Competencies

Essential

• Developed skills in the application of complex psychological assessment, intervention, and case management, often requiring sustained and focused concentration.
• Sound understanding of PCE-CfD competencies.
• Highly developed communication skills to convey sensitive and complex information to a range of audiences.
• Strong skills in risk assessment and a working knowledge of supervising and managing complex risk cases.
• Excellent organisational skills, including the coordination of others.
• Working knowledge of relevant legislation and its implications for clinical practice and professional management within mental health services.
• Ability to act as an advocate for the service and promote it effectively to stakeholders.
• Capability to develop and maintain strong relationships across stakeholder groups and to support integrated service delivery within Primary Care Networks.
• Positive, proactive approach to meeting service targets, working under pressure, and contributing to a safe and supportive work environment.
• Commitment to addressing mental health stigma and improving access to care through service development.
• Experience working within diverse and multicultural communities.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly to various sites across the organisation, including rural areas not served by public transport.

Desirable

• Ability to provide high-quality clinical supervision (following appropriate training).
• Working knowledge and experience of clinical governance and audit processes, including their practical application.

Qualifications

Essential

• Fully accredited therapist in accordance with NHS Talking Therapies Manual requirements.

Desirable

• Qualified PCE-CfD Practitioner.
• Formal training in counselling supervision, ideally as a qualified PCE-CfD Supervisor.

Experience

Essential

• Demonstrable post-qualification clinical experience within Primary Care.
• Experience of conducting complex assessments and delivering appropriate treatment for a range of presenting problems.
• Experience of delivering time-limited psychotherapeutic interventions in a variety of formats.
• Ability to meet agreed service targets.
• Proven ability to manage own caseload and time effectively.
• High standard of written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable

• Experience of providing clinical supervision (individual and/or group).
• Experience in training clinical staff.
• Experience in supporting and developing the clinical performance and welfare of others.
• Experience of teaching and collaborating with other professional groups.

Work Location

Essential

• Our hubs are in Weybridge, Woking, Guildford, Epsom, Dorking, Redhill and Oxted. Please state your preferred two base locations in your application.

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).