Job summary We have an exciting opportunity for a part time qualified Adult Counsellor to join our team, working 13 hours per week. At The Shakespeare Hospice we offer professional counselling support to our patients, their carers and families, at a time when they may be experiencing significant stress and difficulties. The successful candidate will possess a Counselling degree or equivalent, such as a Level 5 in Diploma in Counselling (recognised by BACP/UKCP/other relevant professional bodies). You will be able to demonstrate proficient IT skills, in order to maintain and develop data collection. Experience of working with those directly affected by a life limiting or terminal illness, their carers and loved ones would be an advantage. You will possess excellent communication skills and be a team player who is enthusiastic and passionate about palliative and end of life care. You will be keen to continuously improve practice and advocate on behalf of patients. You should also be willing to both learn and develop whilst supporting other team members, including our Volunteer Counsellors, in their day to day practice, including organising training for the counselling team. You will receive monthly external clinical supervision in accordance with BACP, alongside regular meetings with your line manager, annual appraisal and access to the Hospices Employment Assistance Programme. Main duties of the job The post holder will work as an active member of the Counselling and Bereavement Support team, providing counselling to clients both pre and post bereavement, whilst also supporting the Lead Counsellor in their priorities, to meet the continual high standards of care within the department. Working in close collaboration with our other hospice and community teams, the post holder will promote holistic, person centred support for patients, their families and those who require support. The role will also involve supporting colleagues to further their knowledge and develop approaches when providing pre and post bereavement care and support. About us The Shakespeare Hospice provides care for patients with life limiting illnesses, also offering support to their carers and those who matter the most to them.The post holder will uphold our hospice values: Compassionate, Accessible, Respectful and Effective. Date posted 10 January 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 5 Salary Depending on experience Contract Permanent Working pattern Part-time, Flexible working Reference number B0005-25-0000 Job locations Church Lane Shottery Stratford-upon-avon Warwickshire CV37 9UL Job description Job responsibilities Main Duties and Responsibilities Clinical To act as a role model and provide exceptional Counselling skill and expertise across The Shakespeare Hospice Adult Community Care Services. To manage an active caseload of clients dealing with complex psychological emotional issues as a consequence of a life limiting diagnosis or bereavement, continuously reviewing outcomes by undertaking client focused assessments throughout an episode of support. To provide specialist one to one intervention via a range of delivery modes, including in person at the Shottery site, via videoconferencing, telephone consultations and on rare occasions (and with direction from the Lead Counsellor) in a persons own home. To ensure that all necessary and recommended infection control precautions are taken at all times when meeting with clients face to face. To respond appropriately in managing a crisis or emotional/psychological deterioration and to ensure that an effective plan of support and care is put in place. To confidently liaise with other relevant professionals and statutory/voluntary organisations, as necessary, to facilitate appropriate additional support and/or signposting. To prioritise workload accordingly and to work flexibly to meet the changing needs of clients and the organisation. To be able to work both autonomously and within close partnership with the Hospice team. To utilise the electronic clinical database to record all active cases. To complete contemporaneous and accurate records in accordance with professional counselling requirements/standards and Hospice practice. To ensure that all patient and sensitive information will be treated confidentially and in line with local Hospice and national policies/legislation. Participate in the Counselling team meetings and one to one meetings with the Lead Counsellor. To actively participate in relevant Hospice multi-disciplinary team meetings, to ensure optimal patient/carer/client care. To be an educational resource to the overall Hospice team and to be able to organise training sessions as requested, for example, at the monthly Counselling Team meetings or Day Hospice/Hospice at Home Team meetings. To work in accordance with the BCAP Ethical Framework or other appropriate/relevant regulatory bodies' Professional Code of Conduct together with undertaking regular clinical supervision in accordance with organisational requirements. To maintain and update current knowledge of evidence based best practice and guidelines from the National Bereavement Alliance, alongside NICE guidelines and national standards for palliative and end of life care. Management To work alongside the Lead Counsellor to manage and organise the daily running of the Counselling caseload including patient flow from referral to discharge. To work alongside the Lead Counsellor to support and supervise the team of volunteer Adult Counsellors on a day to day basis. To demonstrate proficient IT skills to maintain and develop data collection and reporting. To support service development using local audit and evaluation of the counselling and bereavement service, together with implementing new ways of working as deemed of benefit to patients, staff and the organisation. To cover/deputise for the Lead Counsellor during periods of absence. Organisational To demonstrate on a day to day basis the organisational values of the Hospice, acting as a role model to others. To work in accordance with all Hospice policies and procedures. To maintain confidentiality and safe data handling at all times. The unauthorised use of, or disclosure of client, staff or other personal information is a dismissible offence. Employees and volunteers have a duty to protect and safeguard the health and well being of children and vulnerable adults at all times, adhering to Hospice policy and undertaking all required training at a frequency outlined by the Human Resources department. To support the organisation to ensure that all clinical staff and clinical volunteers are appropriately supported and equipped to provide emotional support to those in need. To undertake administrative tasks for the purpose of your role and utilise volunteer support as appropriate. To participate in the Hospice appraisal process, responsible for complying with mutually agreed personal objectives. To raise any areas of risk or concern in accordance with hospice policy, including incident reporting. To be involved with the wider organisational aspects of the hospice, such as promotion of the charity and its services. This may include representing the hospice at certain key events, where support may be required. Educational: To adhere to all statutory and mandatory training requirements as designated by the organisation. To be responsible for your own Continuous Professional Development (CPD). To attend and participate in learning and development opportunities as deemed mutually beneficial for both yourself and the organisation. Complete mandatory and relevant training as identified with the line manager. General: To undertake any other duties commensurate with the post and as requested by the Lead Counsellor & Head of Clinical & Operational Services. Maintain high professional standards and continuing professional development. Job description Job responsibilities Main Duties and Responsibilities Clinical To act as a role model and provide exceptional Counselling skill and expertise across The Shakespeare Hospice Adult Community Care Services. To manage an active caseload of clients dealing with complex psychological emotional issues as a consequence of a life limiting diagnosis or bereavement, continuously reviewing outcomes by undertaking client focused assessments throughout an episode of support. To provide specialist one to one intervention via a range of delivery modes, including in person at the Shottery site, via videoconferencing, telephone consultations and on rare occasions (and with direction from the Lead Counsellor) in a persons own home. To ensure that all necessary and recommended infection control precautions are taken at all times when meeting with clients face to face. To respond appropriately in managing a crisis or emotional/psychological deterioration and to ensure that an effective plan of support and care is put in place. To confidently liaise with other relevant professionals and statutory/voluntary organisations, as necessary, to facilitate appropriate additional support and/or signposting. To prioritise workload accordingly and to work flexibly to meet the changing needs of clients and the organisation. To be able to work both autonomously and within close partnership with the Hospice team. To utilise the electronic clinical database to record all active cases. To complete contemporaneous and accurate records in accordance with professional counselling requirements/standards and Hospice practice. To ensure that all patient and sensitive information will be treated confidentially and in line with local Hospice and national policies/legislation. Participate in the Counselling team meetings and one to one meetings with the Lead Counsellor. To actively participate in relevant Hospice multi-disciplinary team meetings, to ensure optimal patient/carer/client care. To be an educational resource to the overall Hospice team and to be able to organise training sessions as requested, for example, at the monthly Counselling Team meetings or Day Hospice/Hospice at Home Team meetings. To work in accordance with the BCAP Ethical Framework or other appropriate/relevant regulatory bodies' Professional Code of Conduct together with undertaking regular clinical supervision in accordance with organisational requirements. To maintain and update current knowledge of evidence based best practice and guidelines from the National Bereavement Alliance, alongside NICE guidelines and national standards for palliative and end of life care. Management To work alongside the Lead Counsellor to manage and organise the daily running of the Counselling caseload including patient flow from referral to discharge. To work alongside the Lead Counsellor to support and supervise the team of volunteer Adult Counsellors on a day to day basis. To demonstrate proficient IT skills to maintain and develop data collection and reporting. To support service development using local audit and evaluation of the counselling and bereavement service, together with implementing new ways of working as deemed of benefit to patients, staff and the organisation. To cover/deputise for the Lead Counsellor during periods of absence. Organisational To demonstrate on a day to day basis the organisational values of the Hospice, acting as a role model to others. To work in accordance with all Hospice policies and procedures. To maintain confidentiality and safe data handling at all times. The unauthorised use of, or disclosure of client, staff or other personal information is a dismissible offence. Employees and volunteers have a duty to protect and safeguard the health and well being of children and vulnerable adults at all times, adhering to Hospice policy and undertaking all required training at a frequency outlined by the Human Resources department. To support the organisation to ensure that all clinical staff and clinical volunteers are appropriately supported and equipped to provide emotional support to those in need. To undertake administrative tasks for the purpose of your role and utilise volunteer support as appropriate. To participate in the Hospice appraisal process, responsible for complying with mutually agreed personal objectives. To raise any areas of risk or concern in accordance with hospice policy, including incident reporting. To be involved with the wider organisational aspects of the hospice, such as promotion of the charity and its services. This may include representing the hospice at certain key events, where support may be required. Educational: To adhere to all statutory and mandatory training requirements as designated by the organisation. To be responsible for your own Continuous Professional Development (CPD). To attend and participate in learning and development opportunities as deemed mutually beneficial for both yourself and the organisation. Complete mandatory and relevant training as identified with the line manager. General: To undertake any other duties commensurate with the post and as requested by the Lead Counsellor & Head of Clinical & Operational Services. Maintain high professional standards and continuing professional development. Person Specification Experience Essential Participation in ongoing supervision on a monthly basis. Good IT skills, including Word, Excel and Outlook. Ability to organise work, working both autonomously and as part of a team. Experience of having worked as part of a multidisciplinary team. Ability to reflect and adapt practice to suit the individual clients needs. To advocate professionally on behalf of patients Ability to support other members of staff and volunteers. Some experience of having provided training. Ability to identify risks and risk management Ability and willingness to participate within service development. Ability to motivate others Effective time management skills Desirable 1 year post qualification experience in counselling adults. 100 supervised hours post qualification. Experience of working within a voluntary organisation. Experience of facilitating small groups. Experience of working with those affected by life limiting/terminal illnesses and experiencing loss, whether patients directly, their carers or loved ones, providing counselling input. Experience of having provided training. Qualifications Essential Degree in Counselling or equivalent, such as Level 5 Diploma in Counselling recognised by BACP/UKCP Evidence of ongoing CPD Registered member of BACP or other relevant/recognised body Desirable Relevant recognised professional/clinical qualifications relating to bereavement and psychological and emotional care Knowledge Essential Understanding and awareness of a range of therapeutic interventions and techniques Understanding of the theories and best practice relating to loss and bereavement Understanding of trauma and how it affects bereavement Excellent understanding and application of caseload management skills. Excellent knowledge surrounding the safeguarding of patients. Ability and confidence to apply and use own initiative An ethos of being committed to the teaching and support of others. An ability to understand, interpret and put into practice policies and relevant frameworks in day to day practice Desirable Specialist training in loss and bereavement interventions and techniques Training in the effects and risk of trauma in bereavement responses. Communication Skills Essential Excellent listening and communication skills across all therapeutic forms, including verbal and non verbal. Ability to work empathetically, interpret and work sensitively with a range of potentially complex and stressful issues. Ability and confident to communicate information and risk effectively with MDT staff, across all levels as appropriate and required. To demonstrate an enthusiastic, approachable and friendly manner. Excellent and effective written communication. Good presentation and teaching skills Personal Qualities Essential To be motivated, self-driven and enthusiastic To be a team player whilst also confident to work autonomously To be able to work under pressure, demonstrating a problem solving approach with creativity and employing initiative An ability to understand and work with conflict. To adopt an enabling and empowering approach. An ability to appreciate, understand and value diversity in a non-judgemental manner To be organised and reliable Ability to identify own learning needs and interests. To develop ones self and the counselling role utilising supervision, training and other forms of professional development. Ability to reflect and critically appraise own performance. Demonstrate personal insight and the ability to cope with personal emotions in distressing situations Willingness to develop collaborative working with other provider groups Commitment to the work and values of The Shakespeare Hospice Current Driving License and use of car for business purposes. To have some flexibility towards service requirements which on occasion may require working outside of standard hours. Person Specification Experience Essential Participation in ongoing supervision on a monthly basis. Good IT skills, including Word, Excel and Outlook. Ability to organise work, working both autonomously and as part of a team. Experience of having worked as part of a multidisciplinary team. Ability to reflect and adapt practice to suit the individual clients needs. To advocate professionally on behalf of patients Ability to support other members of staff and volunteers. Some experience of having provided training. Ability to identify risks and risk management Ability and willingness to participate within service development. Ability to motivate others Effective time management skills Desirable 1 year post qualification experience in counselling adults. 100 supervised hours post qualification. Experience of working within a voluntary organisation. Experience of facilitating small groups. Experience of working with those affected by life limiting/terminal illnesses and experiencing loss, whether patients directly, their carers or loved ones, providing counselling input. Experience of having provided training. Qualifications Essential Degree in Counselling or equivalent, such as Level 5 Diploma in Counselling recognised by BACP/UKCP Evidence of ongoing CPD Registered member of BACP or other relevant/recognised body Desirable Relevant recognised professional/clinical qualifications relating to bereavement and psychological and emotional care Knowledge Essential Understanding and awareness of a range of therapeutic interventions and techniques Understanding of the theories and best practice relating to loss and bereavement Understanding of trauma and how it affects bereavement Excellent understanding and application of caseload management skills. Excellent knowledge surrounding the safeguarding of patients. Ability and confidence to apply and use own initiative An ethos of being committed to the teaching and support of others. An ability to understand, interpret and put into practice policies and relevant frameworks in day to day practice Desirable Specialist training in loss and bereavement interventions and techniques Training in the effects and risk of trauma in bereavement responses. Communication Skills Essential Excellent listening and communication skills across all therapeutic forms, including verbal and non verbal. Ability to work empathetically, interpret and work sensitively with a range of potentially complex and stressful issues. Ability and confident to communicate information and risk effectively with MDT staff, across all levels as appropriate and required. To demonstrate an enthusiastic, approachable and friendly manner. Excellent and effective written communication. Good presentation and teaching skills Personal Qualities Essential To be motivated, self-driven and enthusiastic To be a team player whilst also confident to work autonomously To be able to work under pressure, demonstrating a problem solving approach with creativity and employing initiative An ability to understand and work with conflict. To adopt an enabling and empowering approach. An ability to appreciate, understand and value diversity in a non-judgemental manner To be organised and reliable Ability to identify own learning needs and interests. To develop ones self and the counselling role utilising supervision, training and other forms of professional development. Ability to reflect and critically appraise own performance. Demonstrate personal insight and the ability to cope with personal emotions in distressing situations Willingness to develop collaborative working with other provider groups Commitment to the work and values of The Shakespeare Hospice Current Driving License and use of car for business purposes. To have some flexibility towards service requirements which on occasion may require working outside of standard hours. Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name The Shakespeare Hospice Address Church Lane Shottery Stratford-upon-avon Warwickshire CV37 9UL Employer's website https://www.theshakespearehospice.org.uk (Opens in a new tab)