Senior Counsellor - Part Time - Fixed Term 1 Year Contract - Edinburgh Based

Information

“At CrossReach, we make a positive difference to people’s lives."

We’re looking for someone to join our team, someone who values relationships that are supportive and caring, and nurtures the potential in others. Someone who knows what it’s like to be vulnerable and has the strength to allow themselves to be vulnerable too.

Our team members are reliable, dependable and consistent, and open to learning about themselves and others.

We’re a creative and diverse organisation and you’ll fit in if you believe in the value and worth of others, and can bring out the best in them.

Bring your past experiences and let us learn from what you’ve learned.”

"Many thanks for your continued support with our child - we really feel it has made a difference and they have made it clear they want to continue."

CrossReach Counselling offers a one-to-one counselling service to individuals, families, children and young people in a safe and confidential environment.

As a Senior Counsellor, together with the Service Manager, you will be responsible for maintaining and developing counselling, therapy and support service a oversee the day to day management of the service.

What do I need?  A qualification at Diploma level in Counselling/Art Therapy and ideally a qualification in Training and Clinical Supervision.  To do this role you will also need to be a strong self motivator and be able to work to a broad remit where priorities can change on a daily basis.  You will also be required to register with a professional body for example the SSSC.

Salary is pro rata of 38.5 hours per week.

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Provide clinical and management supervision for staff and volunteers as appropriate and liaise with other professionals around safeguarding issues for adults and children.
6. To assist in developing expertise and links within local area networks.
7. Contribute to the development & delivery of training and personal growth opportunities for volunteers within the centre.
8. Assist the service manager to promote fundraising, publicity, social media and training and education.
9. Together with the service manager, monitor standards required to maintain COSCA Service Recognition and work within the ethical framework laid down by COSCA and BACP/BAAT.
10. Liaise with relevant professional, statutory and voluntary organisations as required.
11. Any other duties as requested by the Counselling Manager.

GENERAL

Have respect for all aspects of Christian worship.

Facilitate Service Users to attend Christian worship (or worship of choice as required by the role).

Qualifications

Essential:

• Diploma in Counselling or other relevant qualification e.g. 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 you must be respectful of our Christian Ethos and be able to work within it.

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.
• Basic computer literacy skills including use of Microsoft Office and the internet.

Desirable:

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