Counsellor for Depression
Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
The closing date is 04 February 2026
This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. If it is identified that you require sponsorship to undertake this role your application may be withdrawn
If you have aspirations to develop and progress, our Talking Therapies team is leading the way in providing excellent opportunities for training and our focus on staff wellbeing and flexible working arrangements enable our workforce to enjoy a good work life balance.
Due to continuing expansion, we are advertising for a Band 6 Counsellor for Depression.
The successful applicant will be required to complete the Person-centred Experiential Counselling for Depression course at the first available opportunity. An application to move to Band 7 will be considered on successful completion of training and achievement of BACP Accreditation
The Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Wellbeing Service is a creative organisation which embraces staff ideas to constantly seek ways of taking the service forward to adapt to changing expectations.
We have strong links with academic institutions with staff from the service teaching university courses devised in conjunction with MPFT.
Our staff lead professional development sessions locally and nationally and you will be actively encouraged to develop your practice through internal and external CPD opportunities.
When applying for this role, please provide detailed evidence of how you meet the criteria on the personal specification in your Supporting Statement
Main duties of the job
You will work at Step 3 of the Stepped Care Model, providing assessments and NICE approved therapies across the service, including face to face and video conferencing. The post is clinically supervised by senior clinicians in the service and is operationally responsible to the Senior Therapist and Operational Lead.
We are looking for someone who can demonstrate some existing knowledge and experience of using Person Centred Counselling for treating Depression.
Applicants must have:
Minimum Level 5 Diploma training in humanistic counselling with 100 client hours as part of the course
Minimum of 2 years post qualifying experience providing brief counselling to clients with common mental health problems particularly depression
Evidence of working towards BACP Counsellor/Psychotherapy accreditation or equivalent
A willingness to train in Person-centred Experiential Counselling for Depression
The successful candidate will be supported to apply for the Person-centred Experiential Counselling for Depression which starts in April 2026 and will need to meet the eligibility criteria for this course as well as be available to attend the specific training dates.
The service works core 9-5 hours but offers patient therapy between the hours of 8am-8pm Monday to Friday, and in future on Saturday mornings. Candidates should be prepared to work flexibly to meet service needs.
About us
Come and work with us at our award-winning NHS Trust, leading the way for trying new and better ways of working to help improve life for our local communities.
We have around 9,000 staff who provide physical and mental healthcare, support for people with learning disabilities, and adult social care across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin. We also run regional and national services, including help for new parents (perinatal care), eating disorders, forensic services, sexual health, and support for people in prison with mental health, drug, or alcohol problems.
We offer great career development for both clinical and non-clinical roles, with ongoing training and support to help you learn and grow.
We are 'United in our Uniqueness' and committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and can be themselves, no matter their background or identity. We want our staff to feel supported and valued, and we aim to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard, and every difference is respected.
Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications
Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.
Job responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
Make decisions on the suitability of new referrals, identifying the most suitable service for the patient
Formulate, implement and evaluate individual therapy programmes for patients
Exercise autonomous professional responsibility for the assessment and treatment of clients in line with the service.
Attend multi-disciplinary meetings relating to referrals or clients in treatment, where appropriate
Liaise with other health and social care staff from a range of agencies with a regard to referrals
Promote and maintain links with services across the Trust to help co-ordinate provision of an effective Psychological Therapies Service
Contribute to the teaching and training of mental health professionals and other staff working in the service
A detailed job description and personal specification listing necessary qualifications are attached.
When completing your application, please provide detailed evidence of how you meet the criteria on the personal specification in your Supporting Statement
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Talking Therapies approved qualification in 'Counselling for Depression' or a minimum of level 5 training in humanistic counselling with at least 100 client hours completed as part of the course and a further 2 years clinical experience post qualification
Experience
* Minimum 2 years counselling experience post qualification and evidence of working with depression and a range of problems with adults
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.
Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Talking Therapies Service
£38,682 to £46,580 a year Pro Rata - Band 6 pay is dependent on registration with BACP
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Part-time
Reference number
301-ME-26-7756532
Job locations
Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Talking Therapies Service
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