Overview
Teesside Mind are seeking applications for a Trainee (CFD) Counsellor. The Postholder will provide a range of evidence-based psychological interventions within the framework of the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Programme as part of Impacts Primary Care Psychological Wellbeing Therapies (PWT) Service across the Tees area. They will contribute to patient assessment and treatment within the Core IAPT and Counselling & Wellbeing pathways of the service.
Job Details
This position may require flexible hours between 8am and 8pm on weekdays. Successful candidates will be expected to attend York St John University for Counsellor training on either Cohort 1 on 27th and 29th October and 6th and 7th November 2025 (Deadline for receiving applications: 10 October 2025) or Cohort 2 on 9th and 11th and 19th & 20th March 2026 (Deadline for receiving applications: 20 February 2025). The successful applicant will be employed by Teesside Mind and will work within the Impact on Teesside service, a partnership between Alliance Psychological Services and Teesside Mind.
Closing date for applications: 1 October 2025. Interview dates: 8 October 2025 in person. You must be able to attend the interview in person (no Teams interviews).
Due to the duties of these roles, an enhanced criminal records disclosure will be sought for successful applicants. UK Registration: applicants must have current UK professional registration. See NHS Careers for details.
Main duties and responsibilities
* To work as a member of the Impact PWT Service Team and to develop and maintain effective working relationships within the PWT Team and with others.
* To offer advice and support to the wider Primary Care Team (including GPs and other Health Professionals) on mental health issues and referral pathways for patients with mental health needs.
* To liaise effectively with Secondary Care and voluntary sector organisations and services.
* To attend meetings and provide reports as required.
* To assist in the development and promotion of the service.
Therapeutic interventions
* To provide assessment, including risk assessment, of clients referred for psychological therapy within the Primary Care setting.
* To select and deliver a range of appropriate therapeutic interventions, including IAPT-appropriate modalities, in collaboration with the client.
* To work within an appropriate time framework and make onward referrals following assessment for clients requiring other services (statutory and voluntary).
* To maintain client confidentiality within agreed guidelines.
Training and professional development
* To attend and fulfil all the requirements of the training element of the post. Satisfactory completion of the training programme is a condition of continued employment.
* To apply learning from the training programme in practice.
* To attend university-based supervision related to course work to meet required standards.
* To work with an appropriate range and number of cases as determined with the Clinical Supervisor.
Safeguarding
* Responsible for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults by promoting welfare and operating within local policies and procedures.
* Under guidance and support, to take appropriate safeguarding action to protect those at risk of significant harm.
* To identify and support families in accessing Early Help Services under supervision.
* To share appropriate information with other agencies within confidentiality and information-sharing protocols.
Professional service
* Maintain records including required assessment and evaluation tools.
* Engage in Continuing Professional Development to support professional accreditation/registration and as identified through Impacts PD and Appraisal System.
* Undertake clinical supervision from a qualified Clinical Supervisor within Impacts Supervision Programme.
* Operate within NHS, Impact and professional guidelines and Codes of Practice.
* Ensure a safe and secure working environment and comply with Health and Safety and other guidelines.
* Adhere to all service Policies, Procedures and Guidelines and promote equality and diversity.
Note: This job description describes principal responsibilities and the post holder may be asked to contribute flexibly as Impacts objectives and priorities evolve.
Person Specification
Essential
* Skills in assessment, formulation and treatment of a range of psychological presentations.
* Skills in developing and implementing focused, time-limited treatment plans.
* Computer literate; excellent verbal and written communication skills.
* Able to develop good therapeutic relationships with clients; good understanding of clinical risk.
* Ability to work within a team and foster good working relationships; self-reflection in supervision and development.
* Understanding of issues surrounding work, benefits and employment and their impact on mental health; commitment to evidence-based therapies.
Desirable
* Experience in group work; experience in Primary Care Services; experience with agreed targets and clinical outcomes.
Experience
* Experience of working in a mental healthcare setting and ongoing clinical supervision.
* Up-to-date knowledge of therapeutic approaches and ability to apply them; ability to meet targets; strong written communication skills.
* Experience in writing clear reports and correspondence to referrers; understanding mild to moderate mental health problems.
Qualifications
* Two years post-qualified diploma or higher award in counselling or recognised training in a major psychological therapy approach; registration with an appropriate professional body; evidence of training in mental health and experience in stepped care for anxiety and depression; commitment to continuing professional development.
* Desirable: accreditation/registration with BACP, BABCP, UKCP, BPS or other recognised professional organisation.
Personal qualities
* Motivated, excellent communicator, team player, able to use supervision for development, able to work under pressure, respect for autonomy and confidentiality, self-reflection, advocacy for a new service, and commitment to equality and diversity.
* Desirable: access to transport for travel to locations and fluency in other languages.
This post is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks and UK professional registration requirements.
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