Overview
To provide evidence-based counselling modalities in line with NICE guidance and the Talking Therapies manual to adults experiencing depression that meet suitability criteria to benefit from Talking Therapies.
To work collaboratively with Talking Therapies colleagues who 'Step' people assessed as requiring Counselling for depression.
To meet the National Talking Therapies standards (currently including an individual minimum 52% recovery rate, 48% reliable recovery rate and 67% reliable improvement).
To ensure productivity expectations are met in line with the National Talking Therapies manual, currently delivering 20 clinical contact hours (pro-rata) per week. These standards are reviewed nationally, and it is expected that staff will continue to meet any updated standards.
To meet patient needs by working across Sheffield according to demand. Working a minimum of 22.5 hours per week with Thursday afternoons in the role; Thursday afternoons are service-wide non-clinical time involving meetings, forums and CPD opportunities.
Main duties
* Offer one early and one late appointment per week and Saturday working on occasion if required.
* Deliver face-to-face and virtual treatment sessions with patients based on patient demand and service need. You may be expected to be in work for your full working week if there is a service need.
* Manage all aspects of the appointments and waiting list system, recognizing that different systems may operate in different GP practices; work collaboratively with Talking Therapies colleagues.
* Provide an initial Counselling assessment once stepped by a Talking Therapies colleague (as there are no direct referrals to Counselling) including a risk assessment and offer an appropriate Counselling contract; or signpost or refer onto a more appropriate service or intervention.
* Offer professional advice and support to referrers and Talking Therapies colleagues in Primary Care on all aspects of Counselling.
* Work autonomously within professional guidelines and Talking Therapies guidelines. Liaise with Talking Therapies colleagues and GPs regarding concerns and treatment outcome.
* Use data to reflect, guide and improve practice and performance in conjunction with supervision.
* Contribute to counselling forums and CPD events.
About us
We are passionate about providing the very best care to the people we support and are looking for amazing people who share this passion to join us.
Our Trust values diverse staff, service users, carers and families, and we aim to create a supportive environment where health and wellbeing are priorities.
We offer access to training and education opportunities, apprenticeships, work experience and placements, and opportunities to participate in research.
Details
DSB and professional registration requirements apply as standard. The post is subject to a DBS check and UK professional registration. The post location is Citywide, 9 Williamson Road, Sheffield, S11 9AR.
Job specifics
Job locations: Citywide; Salary: £38,682 to £46,580 per annum; Band 6; Contract: Permanent; Working pattern: Full-time; Date posted: 09 September 2025; Reference number: 457-25-7448486.
Responsibilities (expanded)
To assess and treat people stepped to Counselling as appropriate. To complete all mandated session-by-session outcome measures. To have autonomous professional responsibility for clients referred. To formulate and implement a counselling contract based on an appropriate conceptual framework, aligned with Talking Therapies protocols, NICE guidance and suitability for a Talking Therapies service. To recognise and assess risk (including child and vulnerable adult protection) and raise matters in line with Talking Therapies/SHSC policy. To manage interpreters when necessary for the Counselling contract. To communicate complex information to clients to encourage engagement. To maintain records in line with Sheffield Talking Therapies Standard Operating Procedures, including contemporaneous notes within 24 hours and discharge summaries to GP practices upon completion of treatment. To maintain a high level of clinical practice by attending supervision (individual and group) and by contributing to counsellor forums and Talking Therapies Team Meetings. To participate in performance reviews and strive to meet the three National Talking Therapies standards on access, waiting times and recovery rates. To pursue ongoing professional development and respond to NHS England training requests related to evidence-based interventions. To ensure all mandatory training is up to date in line with service protocol.
Knowledge & Skills
* Knowledge of the role of Talking Therapies counsellor and skills to deliver evidence-based modalities in the treatment of depression in line with the National Talking Therapies manual.
* To meet the National Talking Therapies standards (52% recovery, 48% reliable recovery, 67% reliable improvement).
* To deliver 20 clinical contact hours (pro-rata) per week and meet updated standards as required.
* Ability to use session-by-session outcome measures to monitor practice.
* Knowledge and skills in contracting, assessment, appropriate interventions for depression, and caseload management.
* Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, including presenting complex information to clients and professionals.
* Ability to establish therapeutic relationships and work within the Talking Therapies model with clear boundaries.
* Ability to advise on suitability of evidence-based counselling interventions to other professionals and stakeholders.
* Ability to work within diverse teams.
Training & Qualifications
* Essential: Qualified in a BACP-approved Diploma in Counselling.
* Essential: Registered and accredited with UKCP or BACP (or equivalent); ongoing accreditation maintained.
* Essential: Trained in Counselling for Depression (CfD-PCET).
* Desirable: Additional Talking Therapies modality training (e.g., CTfD, IPT, DIT) and supervision training in evidence-based modalities.
* Desirable: Further post-accreditation training relevant to the Talking Therapies counsellor role.
Experience
* Essential: Experience of delivering counselling for depression within a Talking Therapies service and in Primary Care settings.
* Experience delivering brief focused counselling interventions with good outcomes.
* Experience working with adults with mild to severe depression; professional conduct in challenging emotional situations; clinical leadership as required.
* Desirable: Experience of applying evidence-based modalities across diverse cultural contexts and delivering modality supervision.
Other
* Essential: Ability to work across Sheffield and commit to a minimum of 22.5 hours per week, with Thursday afternoon non-clinical time for meetings and CPD.
* Flexibility to adjust appointment times, including early/late slots and occasional Saturdays.
* Maintain accreditation through evidence of professional development and supervision.
Disclosures
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check applies. British subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. Applicants must have current UK professional registration.
Employer
Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust, Citywide, 9 Williamson Road, Sheffield, S11 9AR. Website: https://www.shsc.nhs.uk/working-us
#J-18808-Ljbffr