Counsellor

JOB SUMMARY This job description is an outline of the main duties of the post. The postholder will be required to undertake other duties commensurate with the grade as directed. The content of this post will be reviewed in consultation with the postholder when necessary and in line with the service developments. In accordance with NICE guidance, the provision of counselling for depression is one of a range of therapeutic interventions within a stepped care pathway which helps to ensure increased service user choice and access to services.

All IAPT practitioners, including counsellors, are required to deliver high quality services through the use of routine outcome measures, evidence based treatment and electronic record and data management systems and participation in clinical and management supervision. Support is given to continuous professional development to ensure that counsellors skills and knowledge remain up-to-date. The counselling service is aimed at people aged 18 and above, experiencing mild to moderate low mood for one or more of the following reasons: Marital, family/relationship disharmony, including separation and divorce Reactive depression, including loss and bereavement Self-image/esteem and identity problems Developmental life crises (e.g. job related stress, unemployment, redundancy, role changes, parenting, infertility, ageing) Material or practical stressors (e.g.

housing, financial) Coping with injury or illness Appropriate emotional/physical/sexual abuse issues The post holder will be responsible for providing time-limited counselling in designated localities to those service users who meet the service referral criteria. The duration of counselling interventions will be in accordance with the service contract and evidence-based practice. KEY RESULT AREAS: 1. Clinical The post holder will: Maintain an individual caseload; working independently and using own initiative.

S/he will be accountable for the direct delivery of clinical work where there is a frequent requirement for intense concentration and frequent exposure to highly charged emotional circumstances. Accept referrals via agreed protocols within the service and assess the appropriateness of counselling for service users. Undertake service-user centred interviews which identify areas where the person wishes to see change and/or recovery, and make an accurate assessment of risk to self and others. Use a recognised theoretical framework and specialist knowledge to formulate individual programmes of care, implement treatment and evaluate outcomes for counselling referrals made to the IAPT Service.

Work closely with other members of the team ensuring appropriate step-up and step-down arrangements are in place to maintain a stepped care approach with the IAPT service. Keep accurate records of all clinical activity, in line with service protocols, provide appropriate statistical returns and participate in outcome assessment. Adhere to an agreed level of activity relating to the number of client contacts offered and clinical session carried out per week in order to minimise waiting times and ensure treatment delivery remains accessible and convenient. 2.

**Professional The post holder will**: Actively participate in caseload management/professional/clinical supervision using these processes to review and improve the effectiveness of assessment and interventions. Be eligible for professional accreditation and/or registration. Actively participate in the Trusts appraisal system. Maintain standards of counselling practice in accordance with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) code of ethics.

Be responsible for keeping knowledge and skills up-to-date by undertaking continuous professional development as required to maintain professional registration/accreditation requirements and/or regulation of the relevant professional body. Attend team and service meetings as required and collaborate with colleagues in achieving team and service objectives. Contribute to the management of the counselling waiting list as required. Contribute to staff/student training and development and in the training of the wider multi-professional team.

Promote awareness and understanding of the role of counselling within the IAPT Service and to other agencies. Offer specific professional knowledge/expertise to other team managers demonstrating clinical reasoning, reflection and analysis. Be aware of and comply with the policies, procedures and service standards of the Trust. Understand and demonstrate a working knowledge of national guidelines and legislation relating to health and social care which directly impacts on counselling practice.

Participate in any activities as agreed with the service managers. 3. Management The post holder will: Ensure that all significant events, incidents and/or complaints are promptly communicated to the IAPT Team Manager. Contribute to other new staff/student induction programmes as required.