Counsellor/Therapist

Title:  Counsellor / Therapist

Reports to: Head of Counselling / Head of wellbeing 

Hours: 10.66 per week (working with 8 clients. (flexible hours options) 

Salary: Competitive (to be discussed at interview)

Contract: Either self-employed or contracted

Job Description

We are looking for experienced and highly motivated Counsellors / Therapists to join our thriving charity. The Abingdon Bridge (TAB) is a registered charity that provides support to young people (age range: 13-25 years). The counselling / wellbeing service is mostly provided Monday to Friday between 1 and 7pm. Counsellors / therapists would normally work within these times, but other tasks may include attending meetings, administrative duties, and in-house supervision.

Job Purpose

• Provide effective and confidential therapy to young people in both a face-to-face and virtual setting.

• Be aware of, and implement, the Abingdon Bridge vision and values.

• Support the head of service with the smooth running of TAB counselling provision.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide therapy sessions to young people as a member of the counselling / wellbeing team. 

• Share good practice across the service.  

• Keep up-to-date with developments within counselling therapies and the wider young people’s agenda. 

• Collect both qualitative and quantitative data; inputting data and ensuring that the database is up to date. 

• Keep confidential records and store them securely on the TAB database.

• Attend clinical supervision sessions for a minimum of one hour per month. 

• Maintain accreditation with BACP or UKCP.

• Abide by the ethical code of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists. 

• Work as part of the wider staff team, attend regular staff meetings and be aware of and implement all Abingdon Bridge policies. 

• Undertake other relevant duties that may from time to time be required appropriate to the role.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in relevant subject.

• BACP or UKCP accredited counsellor/psychotherapist. 

Experience

A minimum of 2 years’ experience of working in a counselling setting, specifically with 13 to 25-year olds. We are ideally looking for someone with a wealth of experience working with complex needs, such as self-harm, anxiety disorder, and depression.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of, and the ability to work with a variety of psychotherapeutic modalities depending on the needs of the client, including CBT. 

• Extensive knowledge and understanding of the BACP Code of Ethics.

• Up to date knowledge of legislation, procedures and regulations covering children and young people, including safeguarding, confidentiality and data protection. 

• Knowledge of and the ability to implement risk assessment procedures.

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Skills and Abilities

• Ability to deliver one to one counselling.

• Ability to develop appropriate, positive relationships with young people, particularly 13 to 25 year olds.

• Ability to communicate with young people and involve them in decision making, together with an understanding of the issues which affect young people.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Excellent inter-personal skills.

• Good organisational skills, including the ability to manage appointments.

• Clear and concise written and spoken communication skills.

• To be familiar with Microsoft Office Suite and be able to produce basic documents using the software.

• The ability to carry assessments and ensure the client is suitable for service. 

Personal Attributes

• To be a good team worker demonstrating loyalty and commitment to team members. 

• To show commitment to personal professional development with all members of the team. 

• To be open to supervision and guidance from clinical supervisor and manager. 

• To have an up to date enhanced DBS check (not more than 2 years old). 

• To maintain good levels of attendance and to be punctual.