Job Description

Job Title: Counsellor (2 year fixed term contract)

Hours: Part-time, 13 hrs per week

Hours of work to be agreed.

Location: Lighthouse, 187 Duncairn Gardens, Belfast, BT15 2GF or other Satellite Offices in Belfast.

Salary: 29,269 per annum (pro-rata)

Responsible To: Services Lead

Annual Leave: 28 days per annum plus statutory days (pro-rata)

Background:

Lighthouse was formed in 2003 as a community response to a community problem - the exceptionally high incidence of suicide in North Belfast. Since its inception the organisation has grown and developed in line with the needs of its clients and the changing community landscape it serves.

Lighthouse's core purpose is 'to save lives, offer advice and support to those affected by suicide and self-harm'. It has worked hard to dissolve the stigma associated with suicide and poor mental health, through designing a portfolio of early interventions, counselling services, information and resources for families, carers and individuals dealing with impact of suicidal thoughts and bereavement by suicide.

As we emerge from Covid-19 restrictions and deal with the impact on service delivery, demand, and new ways of working, we are delighted to grow our team with new counsellor roles.

Job Purpose:

Our Counsellors work with a diverse client group who present with a wide range of presenting issues, including those in crisis. Working with the Counselling Services Lead, they act as a first point of contact for clients referred from a variety of sources and provide appropriate interventions from the outset. They undertake assessments, counselling and provide support to this client base, as well as administrative duties associated with the same.

Main Duties:

Therapeutic Service Delivery

1. To assess the needs of clients referred to Lighthouse and respond to their immediate needs, by providing appropriate therapeutic interventions to include:

a. Risk assessment and de-escalation.

b. One-to-one counselling through a variety of mediums, including face to face, telephone or webcam.

c. Short-term interim follow-up support.

2. Liaising closely with professional/third party referrers in ensuring suitability of client's referred, and in determining appropriate services. This includes informing referrers and other appropriate health care professionals involved of risk issues, outcome of assessments and services for which the client is referred.

3. Signposting and/or referring clients to appropriate agencies for support, where appropriate.

4. Management of appointments diary, keep up-to-date clinical notes, administer CORE outcome measures and inform referrers and other appropriate health care professionals involved, when clients are discharged from the service.

5. Participation in weekly team case reviews, and regular reflective practice. Accessing support and consultation for clinical issues relating to child protection and areas of risk behaviour or concerns, utilising line management and peer support systems for effective information sharing, mutual accountability and quality assurance.

Other Duties:

Service Quality

1. To attend clinical supervision once a month in accordance with policy and procedures.

2. Be familiar with and comply with Health and Safety procedures and policy. In the event of a serious risk, take immediate action to reduce this risk, informing Lighthouse Safeguarding Officer.

3. Comply with legislative frameworks relevant to the work.

4. Ensure adherence to the Ethical Framework for good practice in counselling.

5. Achieve the highest standards of safeguarding for families, children, young people and vulnerable adults, who come into contact with our services.

6. Maintain and ensure secure storage of records in accordance with Lighthouse professional and confidentiality procedures.

7. To work in line with current child safeguarding requirements and policies, in accordance with current NI legislation.

8. To work in line with BACP good practice guidelines.

9. To liaise with other organisations in the voluntary, statutory and community sectors, in the promotion of the service, and to ensure that the services we offer are targeting those most in need.

10. To participate in events, meetings, conferences, and training, as required by the organisation or line manager.

11. Facilitate the creation of a relaxed and friendly environment which will maintain and enhance the quality of care to each client and maximise their opportunities for choice.

12. Develop and maintain effective communication links with statutory, community and other voluntary organisations.

13. Be responsible for both personal and professional attitude and behaviour when interacting with fellow colleagues and service users.

14. Observe and carry out health and safety procedures in respect of oneself, colleagues and the public.

15. Participate in staff, team and project meetings on a regular basis.

16. Provide monthly progress and caseload reports on all activities undertaken.

17. To keep accurate statistics of all young people to whom Lighthouse provides a service.

18. To publicise and promote the aims and objectives of the organisation.

19. To adhere to all Lighthouse policies and procedures.

20. To work alongside management implementing an individual and group programme of care involving the clients social, emotional and physical welfare.

21. To evaluate the impact of all work undertaken and to contribute to the overall evaluation of the organisation.

Personal Development:

1. To continue to participate in ongoing professional /personal development opportunities.

2. To attend performance review meetings.

3. To keep abreast of new research, developments in practice and in the operating environment/social policy framework.

The duties and responsibilities of this job description are neither definitive nor restrictive and can be modified to meet the changing needs of the organisation. The organisation is committed to providing the highest possible quality of service to its clients and the community. Members of staff are always expected to provide a caring service to treat those with whom they come in contact in a courteous and respectful manner.

Personnel Specification

Part-time Counsellor

Training/Education

Essential

Recognised Diploma in Counselling. Accredited with either BACP or IACP (or working towards accreditation). A minimum of 150 hours, post qualification supervised counselling practice, accumulated within the last 3 years. Proficiency in use of MS Office Package.

Desirable

Undertaken within the last 3 years: Mental Health First Aid Child Protection Training. Safeguarding Adults Training. Use of CRM Database to manage diary, appointments and session notes.

Knowledge

Essential

Knowledge of statutory and community agencies who provide support services. Good working knowledge of the factors that influence suicide risk. Knowledge of the impact of suicide on individuals and the community.

Experience /Skills

Essential

Able to deliver a wide range of interventions, from very brief (1-3 sessions) to medium term. A minimum of two years' experience of assessing and supporting people with mental health needs. Experience of liaising with professionals (example: Social Workers, GP's, CPN's Support Workers) regarding risk and support issues/needs for clients. Good organisational skills with an ability to prioritise work, meet deadlines and work effectively under pressure.

Desirable

Qualification or experience in an area of specialism such as EDMR, Trauma, Young People or Addictions Experience of working through a variety of mediums, including face to face, telephone or webcam. Experience of working with and de-escalating individuals who present with complex needs, are in distress or crisis and may be at risk of suicide. Effective Advocacy skills to help clients and obtain services needed.

Attitude

Essential

High personal integrity and professionalism. Commitment to high standards of services. Commitment to general personal development. Respect for the values and ethos of Lighthouse

*Please note this post will be subject to an Enhanced Access NI check.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: 29,269.00 per year

Expected hours: 13 per week

Benefits:

Company pension Free parking
Work Location: In person