Job Description

Thank you for your interest in our

Talking Therapies Lead

role. Ayrshire Cancer Support has operated since 1982, providing emotional support and practical help to those affected by cancer; this role will play a valuable part in supporting the services we offer.

Overview

As we continue to grow our services to meet increasing demand, we are seeking a dedicated and experienced Talking Therapies practitioner to take a strategic and operational lead in delivering psychological support services to adults and young people affected by and bereaved from cancer across Ayrshire.

Reporting to our Director of Care Services, our TTL will be responsible for the leadership, development, and delivery of Ayrshire Cancer Support's talking therapy services. This includes direct provision of high-level one to one and group psychological support to those affected by cancer, supervision of the counselling team, and service development aligned with best practice, governance, and quality standards.

The position is suitable for one of the following mental health professionals;

either,

a Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology;

or,

a Nursing or Allied Health Professional with specialist training;

or,

an experienced talking therapist qualified in one or more therapeutic approach (counselling, psychotherapy, CBT, EMDR) whilst holding registration with a relevant regulatory body (e.g., NMC, HCPC, BACP, COSCA).

Whilst third sector experience is desirable, this is not essential.

A satisfactory Level 2 PVG will also be an essential requirement for the role.

The role will be part-time, operating over 30 hours per week between Monday and Friday, and we are open to discussing how these hours are worked. Salary and Holiday Entitlement will be offered on a Full Time Equivalent pro-rata basis. The role will involve working flexibly throughout Ayrshire and between our support centres in

Kilmarnock

and

Ayr

.

About Us

We provide essential services and support across Ayrshire, free of charge, to people affected by cancer and their families. As the sole organisation in Ayrshire dedicated to providing practical and emotional support for all stages of the cancer journey, Ayrshire Cancer Support relies on donations and fundraising to deliver high quality, professional facilities and services that the people of Ayrshire depend on. From our warm, welcoming support centres, to providing transport to vital appointments and a wide range of tailored support services in between, we are here for everyone in Ayrshire affected by cancer, whatever the nature or level of their need.

About the Role

Leadership and Service Delivery...

Deliver high-quality psychological assessment and interventions to adults and young people who may have a cancer diagnosis, be affected by the diagnosis of someone close to them, or be bereaved from cancer. Lead and coordinate all areas of psychological support within the charity, including one to one counselling and psychoeducational groups. Ensure services are person-centred, and aligned with NHS Service Level Agreement, COSCA, and other relevant clinical standards. Manage caseloads effectively while maintaining accurate and confidential records.

Staff and Volunteer Supervision...

Provide line management support, supervision and ongoing professional development to permanent and sessional counsellors. Support recruitment, induction, and development of sessional or voluntary therapists as required. Promote reflective practice within the team. Embody and instil a culture where staff wellbeing is prioritised. Staff and Volunteer Supervision

Service Development and Evaluation...

Evaluate service outcomes using appropriate psychological measures and client feedback. Contribute to the delivery of the organisational strategy and Care Services Action Plan. Develop and review policies, procedures, and care pathways in collaboration with Director of Care Services. Identify opportunities to expand services, improve access, and meet the evolving needs of local people affected by cancer. Contribute to service reporting for funders.

Partnership and Engagement...

Build and maintain effective partnerships with NHS, Macmillan, local mental health services, GPs, and other relevant agencies. Represent Ayrshire Cancer Support at professional meetings and external forums. Promote awareness of emotional wellbeing and psychological services across the cancer community.

Essential Qualifications and Experience...

A Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology.

Or,

a registered Nursing or Allied Health Professional with training and experience in mental health assessment and support.

Or,

an experienced talking therapist with training and experience in more than one therapeutic approach e.g. counselling, CBT, psychotherapy, EMDR. Current registration with relevant regulatory body. A Full Driving Licence and access to a vehicle is essential. Significant post-qualification experience in provision of high-level psychological support. Experience working with clients affected by life altering illness, trauma, grief, or long-term conditions. Experience of delivering clinical supervision. Experience of service development and evaluation.

Skills and Knowledge...

Therapeutic skills and competence to work with high levels of emotional distress and complexity in relation to cancer experience. Familiarity with outcome measurement tools (e.g., CORE10, YPCORE). Knowledge of the psychological impact of cancer and chronic illness. Knowledge of Psychological Therapies and Support Framework for People Affected By Cancer. Understanding of safeguarding, GDPR, and clinical governance. Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills. Commitment to equity and inclusion.

Desirable Experience...

Proven experience of managing or leading therapeutic teams. Oncology experience Experience working in the third sector or cancer support services Knowledge of Scottish mental health policy and NHS referral pathways. Training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Please submit your CV and a Covering Letter which explains why you believe you'll be the ideal candidate for the role. HR@ayrshirecs.org

If you'd like to discuss the role, please request a call-back via HR@ayrshirecs.org

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: 37,000.00-42,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 30 per week

Benefits:

Company events Company pension Sick pay
Ability to commute/relocate:

Kilmarnock: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:

providing high-level psychological support: 3 years (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person