Counsellor

JOB TITLE: SESSIONAL COUNSELLOR

**Department**:Cancer Centre of Excellence

**Reporting to**: Principal Manager

**Location**: Cancer Aid Merthyr Tydfil

**Hours**: 1 set day per week

**Pay Rate**: Up to £20 per hour for face to face appointments based in the centre

Telephone counselling rate up to £15 per hour.

**Additional** - BACP membership or equivalent & own insurance.

**PURPOSE OF ROLE**:
To provide counselling support to Cancer Aid Merthyr Tydfil clients and their families or carer’s affected by cancer.

To liaise with the Centre Manager if there is a need to refer clients to psychiatric services and external agencies and refer to alternative counselling agencies where appropriate.

To promote the work of Cancer Aid Merthyr Tydfil.

**MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**:
Clinical Responsibilities:
Provide one-to-one counselling and undertake group work, as requested, within the current resources of the service if this is within the counsellor’s expertise/training. Working to deliver therapeutic packages to suit the needs of individual patient/client; using a range of theories e.g. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Psychodynamic, Person-Centred/Humanistic and Brief Therapy.

To assess clients, presenting with multiple and complex issues, regarding suitability for counselling, in line with the Service Protocol. To select appropriate therapeutic treatment and refer clients for specialist treatment or other resources as appropriate.

To maintain a high quality clinical practise by attending monthly clinical supervision meetings in accordance with at least the minimum levels recommended by relevant professional bodies - e.g. BACP.

To ensure clients are made aware that confidentiality will be broken if the counsellor believes that the information is of such gravity that there is a case of serious harm to self or others; or child protection issues (Children’s Act) or issues in relation to prevention of Terrorism Act, Road Traffic Act or Drug Trafficking Act. Ensuring that the client contract is signed at the initial assessment.

To undertake appropriate Continuing Professional Development in line with professional body requirements by accessing in-house training events and opportunities organised externally to the service.

To be a member of and work to the quality and standards in accordance with a Professional Body and statutory guidelines. To be accountable for own ethical, professional and clinical practice and work within a recognised ethical framework e.g. BACP Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy (2002)

Operational Responsibilities:
Evaluation and Reporting

To assist the Centre Manager with reports. Maintain client records appropriately and securely and to provide statistical data for routine audit e.g. waiting lists/analysis of clinical activity.

Service Development

Provide input to the Centre Manager for consideration during the development of the counselling strategy in accordance with the strategic aims of the charity.

Liaise with other staff members as well as the Centre Manager so as to understand all necessary aspects and needs of operational performance and to ensure they are fully informed of the counselling operational objectives, purposes and achievements.

To comment and help implement amendments to the administrative procedures or policies in relation to the counselling service, working practices and clinical service needs and contribute to successful outcomes.

To assist the Centre Manager in the development and delivery of client services. To develop and implement a range of new innovative services that use creativity to meet the counselling service strategic aims of delivering an equitable service in Merthyr Tydfil.

Manage all aspects of appointments and waiting list system(s) with the Service Support Officer, appointments and room allocation, client allocation.

Provide an initial client assessment including risk assessment.

To deal promptly, and with sensitivity and consideration, with individuals external to Cancer Aid Merthyr Tydfil, members of the public, staff, and volunteers whilst maintaining personal and professional boundaries.

To maintain an active involvement with current developments in counselling and the wider services offered by Cancer Aid Merthyr Tydfil and work effectively and flexibly in a team and collaboratively with others.

Ensure that any complaints relating to the counselling service are reported to the Centre Manager so that corrective action can be instigated.

General

To ensure appropriate insurance and legal requirements are maintained and ensure compliance with the Charities Health & Safety policy in order to achieve a safe working environment for all employees and third parties.

Ensure that Cancer Aid Merthyr Tydfil values and objectives are reflected in all aspects of the role and promote these when working with others.

In addition, the Counsellor/Therapist must be prepared to undertake such addition