Talking Therapies Counsellor

PENNINE CARE NHS FOUNDATION TRUST; Bury; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust in Bury is seeking an experienced Counsellor to deliver high-quality therapy for adults with mild to moderate anxiety and depression. The role supports a friendly team within NHS Talking Therapies, with core hours 9–5, and flexible working where possible.

You will assess risk, undertake safeguarding, and contribute to continuous service improvement while delivering evidence-based practice in community or remote settings.

Qualifications

• Deliver effective counselling for adults with mild to moderate anxiety and/or depression.
• Work as part of a team within NHS Talking Therapies service.
• Contribute to safeguarding and risk assessments as required.
• Flexible working arrangements may be offered to support work-life balance.

Responsibilities

• Accept referrals via agreed protocols within the service.
• Provide specialist brief structured counselling for adults (18+) with mild to moderate anxiety/depression; in-person or remote.
• Assess clients with complex issues for suitability and referrals as needed.
• Assess risk of harm and take appropriate action, including safeguarding procedures.
• Organise and manage counselling workload and plan brief interventions.
• Maintain records in line with Trust policies and service protocols.
• Collaborate with team to ensure stepped care and appropriate service delivery.

Skills

Counselling

Adult therapy

Risk assessment

Safeguarding

Team collaboration

Education

Diploma in Counselling

BACP Registered (or equivalent)

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Counsellor to join NHS Bury Talking Therapies. The successful candidate will deliver high-quality, evidence-based therapy to adults in need of psychological treatments for mild to moderate anxiety and/or depression. The role offers the opportunity to join a friendly and supportive team committed to delivering excellent patient care and continually improving the services we provide. You will join a friendly and supportive team within a wider service that shares a culture of compassion, collaboration, and care for both colleagues and patients. Our core service hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm; however, as a service committed to promoting diversity and supporting work-life balance, we offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible to help staff balance their professional and personal commitments. This post is offered at 37.5 hours per week, although part-time hours may be considered for the, considering both the needs of the successful applicant and those of the service. As part of our commitment to improving access to psychological therapies, there is an expectation that the post holder will contribute to the delivery of some appointments outside of core hours to meet the needs of our patients. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated clinician seeking to develop their career within a supportive, forward-thinking and ambitious NHS Talking Therapies service. To provide effective counselling for mild to moderate anxiety and depression in line with Talking Therapies evidence based practice. To work as a member of the team and contribute to good team cohesion. To undertake safeguarding and risk assessments where required. We are proud to provide high quality mental health and learning disability services, both inpatient and in the community across five boroughs of Greater Manchester - Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport and Tameside and Glossop. Our vision is for a happier and more hopeful life for everyone in our communities and our staff work hard to deliver the very best care for the people who use our services. We're really proud of our #PennineCarePeople and do everything we can to make sure we're a great place to work. All individuals regardless of race, age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership are encouraged to apply for this post. NHS Bury Talking Therapies is a well-established and service with a strong reputation for teamwork, and clinical innovation. We are committed to ensuring that people can access timely, effective psychological therapies and are proud of our collaborative culture, where staff are valued, supported, and encouraged to develop their skills and interests. We are committed to supporting staff development and offer a range of training and continuing professional development opportunities. The post holder will have access to regular clinical supervision, peer support, and ongoing learning opportunities to further develop their therapeutic skills and knowledge. The post holder will contribute to the ongoing development of the service, working in line with the values of Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust. Working collaboratively with colleagues, they will help shape and enhance service delivery to ensure equitable access to evidence-based treatments for people across Bury's diverse communities. They will contribute to a culture of continuous learning, clinical excellence, and person-centred care, working closely with colleagues to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.

Main Duties and Responsibilities Clinical

• Accept referrals via agreed protocols within the service
• To provide specialist brief structured counselling service for adults (18+) with mild to moderate anxiety and depression. This will normally be individual counselling but may also include group work where appropriate and requested by Line Manager. Therapy will be delivered in-person in community venues or remotely.
• To assess clients presenting with multiple and complex issues regarding suitability for talking therapies e.g. treatment of depression, anxiety, phobias, childhood trauma (physical / sexual / emotional abuse), complex bereavement/loss issues.
• To select appropriate therapeutic treatment and make decisions regarding referrals e.g. If another intervention is more appropriate, or referral requires secondary care intervention.
• To assess risk of harm to client / self / others / property and take action as appropriate. This may involve breaching client confidentiality in interest of client or others safety e.g. Safeguarding Children or Adults, acts of terrorism, etc. This will be assessed in line with Primary Care Mental Health Services risk assessment policies.
• To organise and manage a counselling workload and plan appropriate brief interventions
• To maintain appropriate records according to Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust policies and Service protocols as directed by Line Manager
• Work closely with other members of the team ensuring appropriate step-up and step-down arrangements are in place to maintain a stepped care approach.