WORCESTERSHIRE ACUTE HOSPITALS NHS TRUST JOB DESCRIPTION Post Title- Macmillan Counsellor/ Macmillan CBT Therapist Pay Band- 6 Hours- part time 30 hours Contract-Permanenet Location Department-Worcestershire Royal Hospital, Oncology Job Purpose To provide Level 3 Counselling/ Psychological Support as part of a stepped-care Clinical Psychology Service (Level 3 and 4) for cancer patients and carers (at diagnosis, during and post-treatment) and staff of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, in line with NICE guidelines for psychological support in cancer (2004) and the Cancer Reform Strategy (2008) for psychological support during and after treatment; providing specialist assessment and treatment and clinical supervision. To be able to provide effective and evidenced based Counselling/Psychological Therapy (Level 3) to cancer patients and carers/relatives, presenting with a variety of presenting problems (e.g. anxiety and depression). This post will be part of a clinical psychology service which provides Level 3 and 4 psychological supports to all cancer patients in the Acute Trust. The post holder will provide Level 3 interventions to cancer patients (across all tumour sites), within the services remit, based on the developing needs of the service. The post holder will work as part of a team of other professionals such as Clinical Psychologists and Counsellors. Participate in education and training for cancer patients, carers/relatives and staff. Contribute to service development and participate in Recovery Package initiatives such as Health and Wellbeing events. To maintain appropriate records of clinical work, provide appropriate statistical returns and participate in outcomes assessments. The post will be based across the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trusts three sites (Worcester, Redditch and Kidderminster). The post holder will be self-motivated and be able to work flexibly in an evolving service. As a Macmillan and NHS professional the post holder will be required to be a good representation of the charity and the NHS to the public; upholding high standards of professionalism at all times. Key Duties: To maintain an individual caseload, carry out regular reviews and be able to signpost/refer patients as appropriate. Be able to carry out comprehensive first contact assessments (including risk assessment and management), provide detailed feedback to the team and contribute to decisions about the appropriateness of referrals in relation to the level of intervention required. To communicate effectively in highly complex situations regularly dealing with sensitive and contentious information and where there may be significant barriers to acceptance and sometimes conducted in hostile, antagonistic and highly emotive conditions. To frequently work within highly emotive and distressing circumstances such as initial diagnosis, invasive treatments, poor prognosis, pre and post-bereavement and family breakdown. To be accountable for own professional actions and decisions whilst being managed within professional and Trust policies. To contribute to psychological interventions which support self-management, wellbeing and improved quality of life (QoL). Work with and support colleagues to provide information and support for patients, relatives and carers who are affected by cancers. This includes signposting individuals to other services and organisations that may be able to offer support and advice. Where appropriate, liaise and work with ward staff regarding patients that are inpatients on the ward and be involved in discharge review ensuring continuity of care. To deliver and participate in departmental in-house training programmes. To liaise with other NHS professional and colleagues within the Trust and in the wider health community, this includes, PALs, Trust managers, ward staff, multi-disciplinary teams, health professionals in primary care, social services and voluntary bodies. To attend and actively participate in the weekly team meeting and when appropriate wider MDT meetings and participate in discussions regarding patient care by acting as patient advocate. To provide mentoring, consultation, information, recommendations or supervision to other health professionals. To offer a variable duration of counselling contact/psychological support, according to need; to encompass short and medium term work and intermittent follow up appointments as required by the particular circumstance of the client population, within the resources available. To maintain appropriate records of clinical work, provide appropriate statistical returns and participate in outcomes assessments. To be able comprehensively assess and monitor patient risks, document appropriately and follow risk management procedures and plans. Liaise effectively and appropriately with other Trust staff and/or external contacts on a need to know basis while protecting client confidentiality and safety. Provide face to face and where appropriate and required telephone/virtual platform counselling, support, information, assistance and advice where necessary; responding to queries and requests from referrers and potential and existing clients. To act as a point of contact for hospital departments which require information and advice regarding psycho-social interventions. To provide group and individual sessions for patients, carers and staff on subjects such as Managing Stress, Support for Carers, and so on. To engage in regular professional clinical supervision as required by BACP. To maintain professional attitude at all times, developing the role of the practitioner in the best interest of the patients and profession in accordance with the post holders professional body. Clinical Governance: Monitor and maintain health and safety and security of self and others in own workplace. Contribute to quality and improvement. Support equality, diversity and rights of patients and their families. To ensure that counselling procedures are implemented and maintained in accordance with the policies of the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust. To participate in the development and setting of standards, ensuring that acceptable levels are maintained.