Main area Counselling Grade Band 5 Contract Bank Hours Flexible working - on site working hours Job ref 279-7264017-JUN25
Employer 279 University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site All UHSx Sites Town Worthing Salary £15.33 - £18.66 Per hour Salary period Hourly Closing 06/07/2025 23:59 Interview date 22/07/2025
Bank Counsellor
Band 5
About our Trust
At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute Trusts, we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.
Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to always put our Patient First. In fact our mission is summed up by our ‘where better never stops’ motto and you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in ourWellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Job overview
This role is offered on a bank contract, (with flexibility on hours to be discussed at interview) with a particular focus on reducing sickness absence. The post holder will be required to provide short-term counselling and group counselling sessions for members of staff working for University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust. This is a combination of face to face, telephone and Microsoft Teams appointments. The post holder will take responsibility for their defined caseload of counselling clients in which they will be responsible for the assessment of counselling needs and the implementation and evaluation of programmes of care using a chosen counselling approach. The post holder will be required to offer short group workshops to UHsussex teams to support the prevention of sickness within the trust. These workshops will be offered to targeted wards and team-based areas. They will be offered over a six-week period offering different mental health subjects The post holder is required to assume a high level of autonomy but will be supported by the Staff Psychological Support Service Manager & Lead Counsellor/ Psychotherapist with regular support and the Staff Psychological Support Service in-house supervisor providing clinical supervision.
Main duties of the job
To accept referrals via agreed protocols within the service which will be booked by the service administrator/ Lead Counsellor/ Psychotherapist. Responsible for the assessment of counselling needs.
Deliver short term counselling interventions in accordance with best practice and service protocols.
Complete all requirements relating to data collection within the service utilising electronic record and data collection.
When necessary and appropriate, liaise closely with care colleagues offering guidance and recommendations for client care always ensuring the client’s best interests are maintained.
Write reports/essays as required in line with continued personal development, with consent from the client if appropriate.
A willingness to provide short group workshops to UHsussex targeted wards and team-based areas teams to support the prevention of sickness.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in ourWellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
To liaise with members of the Staff Psychological Support Service Team and management in order to ensure that the service runs effectively, safely and efficiently. Will take an active role in liaison with multi-agencies regarding bereavement issues, traumatic and clinical events (e.g. Police, child protection teams, coroner’s officers and paramedic services.) This will be on behalf of staff considering any issues of confidentially, dignity and respect, maintaining an anti-discriminatory practice. Developing, supporting and maintaining effective working relationships with other disciplines within the service areas, including attending Team meetings. Attending multidisciplinary meetings with other therapeutic and psychological practitioners across the Trust in accordance with best practice, knowledge growth and information sharing.
Person specification
* Registered/ member with an approved Psychological professional Governing Body (BACP/UKCP)
* Has a minimum of 200 supervised client hours working with clients with a range of mild to moderate mental health difficulties
* Skills in the assessment and evaluation of risk associated with mental health.
* Maximise the use of clinical supervision with planning and preparation.
* Competency in working within a recognised framework.
* Further training in a recognised model of psychological therapy.
* Experience of working in an NHS setting.
* Skills in training
* Experience of mental health problems and the capacity to use that experience to the benefit of client care.
* General clinical and theoretical knowledge of more than one model of counselling.
Short Listing
* Has a minimum of 200 supervised client hours working with clients with a range of mild to moderate mental health difficulties.
* Experience of working in an NHS setting.
Equality Diversity & Inclusion
* Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
* Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria.For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications
Further Information
For help with the application process for Nursing vacancies, please email uhsussex.nursingteam@nhs.net.
For help with the application process for Non-Nursing vacancies, please email uhsussex.nonnursingteam@nhs.net.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Name Kelly Newell Job title Counsellor & Clinical Supervisor Email address kelly.newell1@nhs.net Telephone number 07766774130 Additional information
In the first instance, for an informal discussion please contact Kelly Newell on 07766774130 if you have any questions about the role.
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