Staff Counsellor/psychotherapist

SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE. TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE Respond professionally to staff requests for counselling, help or advice by offering short term counselling and referral to outside statutory or voluntary agencies as appropriate. Elicit highly sensitive information from individuals who may be very distressed. Implement a variety of counselling strategies in a range of different situations, based on experience and advanced training.

Define and formulate policy and care delivery strategies for this specialist area. To contribute to the return to work of staff whose psychological health has resulted in absence from work. Work closely with Occupational Health staff, where appropriate attend MDT meetings. Liaise effectively and appropriately with other Trust staff who may be involved, e.g., Managers, HR Managers, Trade Unions, on a need to know basis, whilst guarding confidentiality Provide post-trauma support following traumatic incidents in clinical & other areas as well as responding appropriately to individuals, offering both immediate and longer-term support.

ASSESSMENT AND DECISION MAKING, ANALYTICAL AND JUDGEMENTAL SKILLS Assess which problems can be addressed using short term counselling, or which problems need longer term or a more specialist input. Act independently in making, often difficult, decisions with far reaching implications. Assess risk of self-harming or suicidal behaviour, as well as possible risk to patients, relatives, or other staff Make formal referrals of staff to NHS or outside agencies as necessary, e.g., to Psychiatrists, Psychotherapists, GPs, or the Occupational Health Department. Demonstrate understanding of complex clinical issues.

In group work be able to understand problems at a systemic and contextual level, assessing the multiple factors that may contribute to an individuals or groups stress/distress particular to the stresses in a health care context. MANAGEMENT and PLANNING SKILLS Write up client case notes following therapy sessions. Contribute to setting clear goals and performance standards for the Staff Support Counselling Service. Balance and make decisions on priorities and case load and review regularly.

Maintain records and collect and analyse statistics, conduct audits and contribute to annual report. Formulate, promote, monitor and audit good standards of staff support throughout the Trust. Represent the department at internal and external meetings. Undertake regular clinical supervision and professional/self-development on a continuous basis, adhering to the BACP code of Ethics and Practice for Counsellors.

EDUCATIONAL SKILLS Design and deliver training programmes on a range of topics e.g., Stress Management, mindfulness, burnout, and moral injury. Identify training and development needs of groups of staff and initiate strategies to meet those needs. Maintain a positive learning environment. Ability to develop online resources and promote the Staff Counselling & Mediation Service on the Trust intranet.

COMMUNICATION AND COUNSELLING SKILLS An empathetic, non-judgemental, and compassionate attitude with experience of counselling in a hospital/health care setting. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to provide therapy and build a therapeutic relationship over telephone and video. Exemplary communication skills with the ability to listen to, understand and address the mental health and wellbeing of those access the service. A positive outlook and strong work ethic.

Self-awareness and emotional resilience. A calm and confident approach and experience of and a commitment to working with complicated mental health issues including self-harm and suicidal ideation. Be reliable, a good timekeeper and demonstrate attention to detail. An ability to work in a confidential and discreet setting and maintain professional boundaries.

A desire to work on own initiative and as part of the wider team. A commitment to Professional and Personal Development. BACP or equivalent membership and a minimum of three years post qualification experience. Evaluate and report on counselling outcomes.