We are seeking a compassionate and experienced Counsellor to join our multidisciplinary primary care team.The successful candidate will provide short-term counselling interventions to patients aged 16 and over who are experiencing a range of emotional and psychological difficulties, with a strong emphasis on trauma-informed care.The post holder will work under the supervision of the Counselling Service Lead and the Primary Care Network Manager. They should be able to work independently, communicate effectively, and take responsibility for their own tasks and record-keeping, ensuring these are completed to a high standard.
Main duties of the job
For a counsellor working in a primary care setting, the role involves delivering structured, evidence-based psychological support to individuals experiencing a range of emotional and mental health difficulties.Key responsibilities include direct client work, collaborative practice, service development, supervision, and upholding ethical standards.
The post holder is expected to manage tasks delegated by members of the management teamsuch as the Business Manager, Practice Manager, or GPs. They may also provide supervision and training to other team members when appropriate. The role involves working collaboratively with the wider general practice team to meet the needs of the service, while supporting the implementation of policies and procedures.
About us
Our Primary Care Network (PCN) is made up of three General Practices in Grimsby: Woodfield Medical Centre, Littlefield Surgery, and Pelham Medical Group. Together, we care for over 37,000 registered patients.
The PCN was established to provide more localised support, expand access to services, and enhance the overall patient experience by meeting a broader range of needs and supporting practice capacity. We have a multidisciplinary team of clinicians who work under the mentorship and supervision of our General Practitioners, delivering care both within the practices and out in the community. This team includes Health and Wellbeing Coaches, a Dietitian, a Social Prescriber, and a Paramedic. These roles work collaboratively with one another and closely with our in-house counselling team to provide holistic, person-centred care that addresses both physical and mental health needs.
Job responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
- Deliverhigh-quality, evidence-based counselling interventions to clients referred byGPs or other primary care professionals, including short-term, goal-focused 1:1session both in-person and remotely.
- Conductcomprehensive psychological assessments to determine appropriate therapeuticapproaches and collaboratively formulate, implement, and review personalisedcare plans.
- Maintainaccurate and timely clinical documentation, including assessments, progressnotes, reports, and discharge summaries, in line with data protection,confidentiality, and professional standards.
- Buildeffective therapeutic relationships to support client engagement and positiveoutcomes within a primary care setting.
- Workcollaboratively with GPs, nurses, mental health professionals, and other alliedhealth and statutory services to deliver integrated and holistic care.
- Demonstratethorough understanding of safeguarding protocols, taking timely action andescalating concerns in line with organisational and legal requirements.
- Engage inregular clinical supervision, reflective practice, and appraisals to supportpersonal and professional development.
- Contributeto the ongoing development of mental health services, including serviceimprovement initiatives, psycho educational workshops, and group interventionswhere appropriate.
- Providementorship to student counsellors on placement, supporting learning andprofessional growth within ethical and clinical guidelines.
- Design anddeliver internal or external training to promote psychological awareness andenhance multidisciplinary skills across the service.
- Upholdprofessional accountability by adhering to relevant ethical frameworks (e.g.BACP, UKCP, AFT), maintaining current registration or accreditation, andcomplying with legal standards such as the Mental Health Act 2007 and MentalCapacity Act 2005.
- Manageworkload effectively, demonstrating flexibility and responsiveness to servicedemands and priorities.
- Operate inline with Health and Safety legislation and organisational policies, ensuringsafe, efficient, and values-driven practice using appropriate digital systems.
- Positivelyinfluence service culture by modelling a compassionate, person-centred, andvalues-led approach to mental health care.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* - Degree or diploma in counselling or equivalent recognised qualification.
* - Current membership with a professional body such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), UKCP, or equivalent.
* - Formal training in trauma-informed approaches, such as Trauma-Focused CBT, EMDR, or other recognised therapeutic modalities.
Experience
* - Demonstrated experience delivering counselling interventions in clinical or community settings.
* - Experience in assessing clients and providing a range of therapeutic approaches.
* - An enhanced DBS check will be required for this role.
* - Experience working in primary care, NHS, or similar healthcare environments.
* - Understanding of local mental health services, referral pathways, and community resources.
* - Experience or training in delivering psychotherapy within NHS services.
Knowledge and skills
* - Sound knowledge of current legislation relevant to counselling practice.
* - Strong understanding of common mental health conditions encountered in primary care (e.g., anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief, relationship difficulties).
* - Ability to develop and maintain effective therapeutic relationships.
* - Critical reasoning and clinical decision-making skills.
* - Excellent communication, interpersonal, organisational, and time management skills.
* - Ability to work autonomously while contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary team.
* - Proficiency in maintaining electronic records and using case management systems.
* - Basic IT Skills
* - Familiarity with stepped-care models and frameworks such as IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) or similar.
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.
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