Qualified Counsellor - Part time

Key Responsibilities:

As a Counsellor, the key responsibilities associated with the job role include:

• To assess the counselling suitability needs of clients who have been referred to PIPS, ensuring clear boundaries and explaining PIPS policy on protecting everyone’s mental health.
• Showing warmth, acceptance and honesty during counselling sessions to create a trusting relationship between client and counsellor so that it is possible to explore problems, clarify issues, focus and prioritise difficulties, challenge behaviours wherever necessary and promote change
• Assist clients to define goals, plan actions and promote change
• To select appropriate therapeutic intervention and make decisions regarding referrals
• Provide appropriate therapeutic intervention for the same, to include:
• Short term one-to-one counselling (via face to face, telephone or webcam)
• Crisis intervention
• Co-facilitation of group work programmes for young people in conjunction with youth staff in a variety of settings
• To assess risk of harm to clients and take appropriate action.
• To inform referrers, and other appropriate health care professionals involved, of outcome of assessments and service(s) for which the client is referred.
• To administer CORE Outcome Measures.
• Provide monthly progress reports on all activities undertaken
• To keep accurate, up to date records on PIPS Tracker of all clients to whom PIPS provide a service. Maintain and ensure storage of records in accordance with PIPS’ professional and confidential procedures
• To evaluate the impact of all work undertaken and to contribute to the overall evaluation of the organisation
• Implement monitoring and evaluating systems and procedures to ascertain client satisfaction and service impacts
• To adhere to all PIPS policies and procedures and observe and carry out Health and Safety procedures in respect of oneself, colleagues and the public. In the event of a serious risk, take immediate action to reduce this risk, informing safeguarding officer
• To regularly attend clinical supervision in accordance with policy and procedures
• To work in line with current safeguarding requirements and policies, in accordance with the current NI legislation and all other legislative frameworks relevant to your work
• To work in line with the BACP good practice guidelines
• To assist in the development of a referral process for clients to other appropriate support systems, within the voluntary, statutory and community sectors
• To keep abreast and informed of new research, developments in practice, emerging programmes and changes in social policy, affecting clients
• Ensure adherence to the Ethical Framework for good practice in counselling
• Achieve the highest standards of safeguarding for families, children, young people and vulnerable adults who come into contact with PIPS services
• To liaise, develop and maintain effective communication with other organisations in the voluntary, statutory and community sector, in the promotion of the service, and to ensure that the services we offer are targeting those most in need
• To work alongside management implementing individual and group programmes of care involving the clients social, emotional and physical welfare
• To participate in events, meetings, conferences and training, as required by the organisation or line manager
• Carry out training as and when required and attend training sessions as required.
• Participate in staff, team and project meetings on a regular basis. To attend a personal review and appraisal meeting
• Work flexible hours to meet the needs of the organisation, which will include evenings, weekends and residential events
• Facilitate the creation of a relaxed and friendly environment which will maintain and enhance the quality care to each client and maximise their opportunities for choice
• Be responsible for both personal and professional attitude and behaviour when interacting with fellow colleagues and service users
• To publicise and promote the aims and objectives of the organisation
• Liaising with Care Team Administration to ensure adequate supplies of stock to the service
• Communicate effectively with other professionals who also provide services to clients
• Observe and carry out health and safety procedures in respect of oneself, colleagues and the public
• To keep accurate statistics of all clients to whom PIPS provide a service
• Promote Equal Opportunities in all areas of work
• To continue to participate in ongoing/professional development opportunities 
• Develop good relationships with staff and volunteers throughout PIPS.
• Manage your own time effectively to achieve deadlines.
• Suggest and present ideas for improvement and be actively involved in their planning, implementation and evaluation.
• Plan and organise own work to achieve results that are aligned to personal and corporate objectives.
• Have knowledge and understanding of, and contribute to, PIPS’ strategic objectives and how your role and personal objectives contribute to their achievement.
• Contribute effectively to a cost conscious and value for money culture including awareness of, and adherence to PIPS’ budget.
• Any other reasonable management request.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

Qualifications

• Professional qualification in counselling (minimum Level 4)
• Have a minimum of 100 hours post qualification experience of working with adults
• A high level of computer literacy and IT skills regarding common Microsoft platforms and applications.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to work flexibly.
• Self‐motivated, adaptable, enthusiastic and positive approach.
• Ability to work to a high level of accuracy.
• Confidential, diplomatic and approachable with a high standard of service.
• Ability to prioritise, work to strict deadlines and have excellent time management.

Professional Accreditation

Must be an active participant in a professional body such as, BACP, BABCP, IACO or NCPS.

To apply for this role, you must have a full driving licence and access to a motor vehicle.