Adult Counsellor (Band 5)

Job Summary

We have an exciting opportunity for a part time qualified Adult Counsellor to join our team.

At The Shakespeare Hospice, we consider it a privilege to be able to offer professional counselling support to our patients, their carers and families, at a time when they may be experiencing significant stress and difficulties.  We offer a safe, calm and impartial space for individuals to talk in confidence, building a therapeutic relationship with a regular and consistent member of our team.

The successful candidate will possess a Counselling degree or equivalent, such as a Level 5 in Diploma in Counselling (recognised by BACP/UKCP).

You will have a minimum of 1-year post-qualification professional experience in counselling adults and at least 100 supervised hours.  You will also be able to demonstrate proficient IT skills in order to maintain and develop data collection.

You will need to have had some experience working with those directly affected by a life-limiting or terminal illness, their carers and loved ones and will possess excellent communication skills. 

You will need to possess excellent communication skills and be a dynamic team player who is enthusiastic and passionate about palliative and end of life care. You should be driven and keen to continuously improve practice and advocate on behalf of patients. You should also be eager to both learn and develop whilst supporting other team members, including our Volunteer Counsellors, in their day to day practice. This will include organising training for the counselling team. You will need to be flexible and adaptable to the changing nature of the support that we provide.

Palliative and end of life care is very rewarding, but we know that at times it can also be challenging and staff welfare is of paramount importance to us. You will receive monthly external clinical supervision in accordance with BACP, alongside regular monthly 1:1’s with your line manager, annual appraisal and access to the Hospice’s Employment Assistance Programme.

A full job description is available here.

If you would like to be part of our dedicated team; making a real difference to those in need, then we would love to hear from you.

For additional information about the Adult Counsellor role, please contact Hannah McKelvie (Clinical Operations and Quality Lead) on hmckelvie@theshakespearehospice.org.uk or Cristina Hands (Adult Counselling and Bereavement Service Coordinator) on chands@theshakespearehospice.org.uk .