Accredited Counsellor - Police Contract

Job Title: Accredited Counsellor
Location: Base locations in Sidcup or Lambeth, however further travel within London is required on a need must basis.
Salary: £40,000 per annum, pro rata
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Monday – Friday. Minimum of 3 days per week. 9am-5pm

Right to live & work within the UK is required for this role. (This role requires high level security clearance)

Role Summary:

As part of our ongoing recruitment drive, we are currently recruiting for Accredited Counsellors to join our team working with the MET Police. You will provide a confidential counselling and related proactive functions to staff and officers within the context of a multi-specialist occupational health team.

You will adhere to the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Framework of Ethical Practice and MPS policies and processes.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• To conduct weekly psychological screening appointments with clients in vulnerable roles.
• Facilitating support groups with officers & staff, focused on various mental health topics, such as bereavement, substance misuse etc.
• Provide crisis counselling based on case-by-case need as specified by the Clinical Lead.
• To deliver trauma interventions, which will include major and critical incidents as reported, working within Optima and MPS policy.
• Manage own caseload, delivering short-term (up to 6 sessions) counselling for clients with personal or work-related issues, who are off sick or at work, with the goal of returning staff back to recuperative/full duties.
• Intermittent, longer-term, ongoing support to suspended officers.
• Advice/support to managers about counselling services and managing a duty mailbox for urgent assessment of clients.
• Psychological risk assessment for referrals received from managers and other wider occupational health departments and act according to MPS risk management protocol.
• Offer practical problem-solving guidance and signpost to other external agencies or internal multi-specialist occupational health team, which may include delivering presentations.
• To assess officers' needs, plan effectively, and monitor and evaluate interventions using evidence-based practice applied to individual needs.

Experience, Skills, and Knowledge Required for the Role:

• BACP Accreditation is essential (or equivalent).
• Experience in substance misuse would be advantageous.
• Evidence of completion of psychological risk assessment and the ability to work autonomously.
• Experience of delivering a brief counselling model.
• Understanding of the use of IAPT measurement forms.
• A knowledge and understanding of clinical governance and risk management.
• You must have at least 3 years' experience of working in a counselling service, occupational health or related service offering short-term solution focused therapy.
• CBT trained practitioners desirable but not essential.
• Experience delivering trauma-focused counselling.

What Can We Offer You?

• Excellent leadership training scheme available if you would like to progress to leadership.
• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays.
• Buy and sell holiday scheme.
• Clinical Training Academy.
• Professional Registration fees paid.
• Health Cash Plan.
• Pension Scheme.
• Career progression opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Eye care test vouchers.
• Annual Flu jabs.
• Perkbox retail reward and discount scheme.
• Life assurance.

About Us:

The new Optima Health is the UK market leader in the provision of Occupational Health and Wellbeing services. Formed by the combination of three leading businesses (Optima Health, TP Health and Healthwork), the new Optima Health is more than the consolidation of the individual legacy businesses. Our combined and complementary capability means we can offer unrivalled clinical expertise and industry-leading tailored solutions to our clients. Our aim is to improve the health and wellbeing of the UK workforce by supporting healthy high performance in our client organisations, helping them to achieve their full potential through their people.

Optima Health not only provides an excellent package, but we also offer a structured induction and training programme in your first few weeks, with touchpoints all the way through and support from your Line Manager. One of our core values is One Team and growing and developing together is our key commitment. We offer tailored career development and opportunities for further training and qualifications to support you in your career journey.

Optima Health is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All applicants meeting the minimum criteria for the role will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, gender or gender expression, disability, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

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