Senior Counsellor

Information

We welcome applicants who can work up to our full time hours of 38.50 per week, however, we are also open to discussions with applicants who cannot commit to a full time role. Please email recruitment.team@crossreach.org.uk for more information or to discuss this.

 

Join CrossReach Counselling Scotland’s well-respected schools counselling team and make a profound difference to the lives of children and young people.

 

You already know the incredible power of therapeutic care. The impact you can make with a thoughtful question, a gentle prompt, open ears and a human connection. Every day in our counselling services we see and value how these skills can transform people’s lives. And that’s why we value professionals like you.

Our schools counselling team offers a great example of everything these tools can do. The demand has never been higher for our expertise, but with a dedicated team working across primary and secondary schools, we’re making a profound difference for young people and their families.

You’ll be part of a close-knit team providing therapeutic face-to-face and online support in schools and from our centre in Inverness. As well as working with children, you’ll look to nurture relationships with schools, showcasing the service we offer. And as a senior member of the team, you’ll not only provide an example for others to follow, but also play a role in supporting the manager including assessing and allocating referrals. Above all, you’ll help maintain our supportive network and exceptional standards, not just for the team but for yourself too, by developing and honing your therapeutic skills.

It’s a role for a seasoned professional, with a Diploma in Counselling and a CYP qualification, or equivalent. Excellent communication skills and plenty of post-qualifying practice hours go without saying, while experience of working in multi-disciplinary teams and with volunteers would also be a plus.

At CrossReach, even though we’re one of Scotland’s largest voluntary social care charities – with a 1,600-strong team working across 60 services around the country – we genuinely value the individual. For our clients or services users, that means being treated with respect and care, regardless of the circumstances. For professionals like you, it means being part of a genuinely caring environment where you can contribute ideas, have your needs recognised and help shape your role around your ambitions.

In exchange, as well as a competitive salary, you’ll have a generous pension, health benefits, paid holiday and access to a range of retail and leisure discounts. In addition, we offer flexible working patterns where possible, access to clinical supervision and a programme of specialist therapeutic training. So, if you’re looking for a supportive career, we’re looking for you.

To find out more  email recruitment.team@crossreach.org.uk with any queries or to arrange an informal chat.

Main Function

Working within CrossReach Counselling Services, you will work as part of a holistic team to deliver a service that ensures that the needs of our clients are fully met.  You will be expected to assist in the development of a high quality counselling, therapy and support service, work to the highest professional standards and ensure that the aims and objectives of CrossReach Counselling Services are met.

You will promote a therapeutic environment and ensure that our services reflect CrossReach's Christian ethos and mission statement.

Main Duties

• Hold specific responsibilities for the day-to-day operation of the service and to hold clinical responsibility in relation to referral assessment and allocation of clients.
• Manage the clinical aspects of the client waiting list and referrals to the service. To take a lead role in assessing new referrals into the service, conducting initial assessments and allocating clients to counselling staff and volunteers, and to hold a small client caseload.
• Contribute to developing policies and procedures and work within the policies procedures and guidelines set down by CrossReach including human resources policies, health and safety guidelines, and child protection guidelines.
• Participate in recruitment, selection, induction and training of a multi-disciplinary team including volunteer counsellors, supervisors, therapists and fundraising volunteers. Co-ordinate PVG Disclosure applications and act as counter-signatory.
• Provide clinical and management supervision for staff and volunteers as appropriate and liaise with other professionals around safeguarding issues for adults and children.
• To assist in developing expertise and links within local area networks.
• Contribute to the development & delivery of training and personal growth opportunities for volunteers within the centre.
• Assist the service manager to promote fundraising, publicity, social media and training and education.
• Together with the counselling manager, monitor standards required to maintain COSCA Service Recognition and work within the ethical framework laid down by COSCA and BACP/BAAT.
• Liaise with relevant professional, statutory and voluntary organisations as required.
• Any other duties as requested by the Counselling Manager.
• To demonstrate and share Christian love and support including sharing with others the leading of worship in accordance with CrossReach policy and by ensuring all staff meetings are opened with prayer and Bible. reading.

Qualifications

Essential: 

• Diploma in Counselling or other relevant qualification eg Art Therapy
• PSA registered

Desirable:          

• A qualification in CYP Counselling or evidence that you meet the BACP CYP competencies
• A qualification in Clinical Supervision and/or Training
• ACTO approved online counselling qualification or evidence that you meet the BACP online competencies

Personal

As we do our work in Christ’s name the job you have applied for requires you to have a Christian faith and be able to work within and uphold our Christian Ethos (this is an ongoing occupational requirement under the Equality Act 2010).

This post requires you to be a member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme and undertake the necessary vetting checks.

Skills and Abilities

Essential:

• Significant post qualifying practice hours
• Good communication and team working skills
• Computer literacy skills including use of Microsoft Office

Desirable:

• Experience in working with staff and volunteers
• Experience of being able to work across a multi-disciplinary team