At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide confidential counselling and support to MET Police staff and officers.
- Company: Optima Health, a leader in Occupational Health and Wellbeing services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days leave, health cash plan, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team with excellent career progression and training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in mental health support for those who serve the community.
- Qualifications: BACP Accreditation and at least 3 years' experience in counselling or related services.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 48000 £ 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 in London employer: Optima Health
Optima Health is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the health and wellbeing of its employees. With competitive benefits such as a comprehensive leadership training scheme, generous annual leave, and a commitment to professional development, Optima Health empowers its Accredited Counsellors to thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact within the community, particularly through their collaboration with the MET Police in London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accredited Counsellor in London
✨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 crisis situations or support vulnerable clients, as these are key aspects of the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along examples of your work or case studies to demonstrate your experience and approach to counselling. This will help you stand out and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨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, it shows you're serious about joining our team at Optima Health.
We think you need these skills to ace Accredited Counsellor in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Accredited Counsellor role. Highlight your BACP accreditation and any relevant counselling experience, especially in occupational health or trauma-focused therapy.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our mission at Optima Health. Don’t forget to mention your experience with psychological risk assessments!
Showcase Your Skills:In your application, be sure to highlight specific skills that are relevant to the job, like crisis counselling and facilitating support groups. We want to see how you can contribute to our multi-specialist occupational health team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
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 Communication Skills
As an Accredited Counsellor, your ability to connect with clients is crucial. During the interview, highlight your communication skills and provide examples of how you've facilitated support groups or provided crisis counselling.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the team dynamics at Optima Health. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you. Consider asking about their approach to mental health topics or how they support their counsellors.
