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- Tasks: Provide confidential counselling and support to staff and officers in a multi-specialist team.
- Company: Optima Health, the UK leader in Occupational Health and Wellbeing services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days leave, health cash plan, and career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in mental health support for police staff and officers.
- Qualifications: BACP Accreditation and at least 3 years' experience in counselling or related services.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to improving workforce wellbeing across the UK.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Base locations in Sidcup and Lambeth, however further travel within London is required on a need must basis.
Salary: £40,000 per annum, pro rata if part time
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full Time or Part Time. 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)
About Us: Optima Health are the UK market leader of Occupational Health and Wellbeing services. Our heritage can be traced back to 1947 where we were pioneers in the provision of Occupational Health and have led the way ever since, bringing new and innovative solutions to employers across the UK. We can offer unrivalled clinical expertise and industry leading tailored solutions to our clients. We work with over two thousand businesses, in various industries, and 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.
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 with individuals in vulnerable roles.
- Facilitating support groups with officers & staff, focused on various different 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, this will include major and critical incidents as are reported working within with Optima and MPS policy.
- Manage own caseload, delivering short-term (up to 6 sessions) of counselling for clients with personal or work-related issues, who are off sick or at work, with a goal of returning staff back to recuperative/full duties.
- Intermittent, longer-term, on-going 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, monitor and evaluate interventions using evidence-based practice applied to individual needs.
- Any additional duties to support the duty team.
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 have 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 focussed 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
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.
Accredited Counsellor employer: Optima Health
Contact Detail:
Optima Health Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Accredited Counsellor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the counselling field or related industries. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to counselling roles. Think about how you would handle various situations, especially those involving trauma or crisis management.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along examples of your work or case studies that highlight your experience and success in counselling. This will help you stand out and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Accredited Counsellor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the role of an Accredited Counsellor. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at Optima Health!
Showcase Your Qualifications: Don’t forget to mention your BACP accreditation and any other relevant qualifications. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their expertise in counselling, so let us know what makes you stand out!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points shine through without unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Optima Health
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the BACP Framework of Ethical Practice and the specific policies of the MET Police. Brush up on your knowledge of trauma interventions and psychological risk assessments, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous counselling experience, especially in occupational health or with vulnerable individuals. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've managed your caseload and delivered effective short-term solutions.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Problem-Solving Skills
As an Accredited Counsellor, your ability to empathise and provide practical problem-solving guidance is crucial. Think of scenarios where you’ve successfully supported clients through difficult times and be prepared to discuss these in detail.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that show your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about the support systems in place for counsellors or how they measure the success of their interventions. This shows you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
