Child and Youth Counsellor - Two Positions

Key Responsibilities:

As a Child and Youth Counsellor, the key responsibilities associated with the job role include:

• To assess the counselling suitability needs of young people, aged between 4 and 18, who have been referred to PIPS.
• To select appropriate therapeutic intervention and make decisions regarding referrals.
• Provide appropriate therapeutic intervention for the same, to include:
  • Short term one-to-one counselling (via face to face, telephone or webcam.)
  • Crisis intervention.
  • Co-facilitation of group work programmes for young people in conjunction with youth staff in a variety of settings.
• To assess risk of harm to clients and take appropriate action.
• To inform referrers, and other appropriate health care professionals involved, of outcome of assessments and service(s) for which the client is referred.
• To administer CORE Outcome Measures.
• To regularly attend clinical supervision in accordance with policy and procedures.
• To work in line with current safeguarding requirements and policies, in accordance with current NI legislation.
• To work in line with BACP good practice guidelines.
• To assist in the development of a referral process for young people, to other appropriate support systems, within the voluntary, statutory and community sectors.
• To liaise with other organisations in the voluntary, statutory and community sector, in the promotion of the service, and to ensure that the services we offer are targeting those most in need.
• To participate in events, meetings, conferences and training, as required by the organisation or line manager.
• To keep abreast and informed of new research, developments in practice, emerging programmes and changes in social policy, affecting children and young people.
• Work flexible hours to meet the needs of the organisation, which will include evening, weekend and residential events.
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with all adults responsible for the young people for whom PIPS provides a service.
• Facilitate the creation of a relaxed and friendly environment which will maintain and enhance the quality care to each client and maximise their opportunities for choice.
• Develop and maintain effective communication links with statutory, community and other voluntary organisations.
• Be responsible for both personal and professional attitude and behaviour when interacting with fellow colleagues and service users.
• Communicate effectively with other professionals who also provide services to young people.
• Observe and carry out health and safety procedures in respect of oneself, colleagues and the public.
• Participate in staff, team and project meetings on a regular basis.
• Provide monthly progress reports on all activities undertaken.
• To keep accurate statistics of all young people to whom PIPS provide a service.
• To publicise and promote the aims and objectives of the organisation.
• To adhere to all PIPS policies and procedures.
• To work alongside management implementing and individual and group programme of care involving the clients social, emotional and physical welfare.
• To evaluate the impact of all work undertaken and to contribute to the overall evaluation of the organisation.
• Be familiar with and comply with Health and Safety procedures and policy. In the event of a serious risk, take immediate action to reduce this risk, informing safeguarding officer.
• Comply with legislative frameworks relevant to the work.
• Ensure adherence to the Ethical Framework for good practice in counselling.
• Achieve the highest standards of safeguarding for families, children, young people and vulnerable adults who come into contact with our services.
• Maintain and ensure storage of records in accordance with PIPS’ professional and confidential procedures.
• Promote equal opportunities in all areas of work.
• Implement monitoring and evaluation systems and procedures to ascertain user/stakeholder satisfaction and service impacts.
• To continue to participate in ongoing professional/personal development opportunities.
• To attend a personal review and appraisal meeting.
• Any other reasonable management request.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

Qualifications

• Professional qualification in counselling (minimum Level 4)
• Have a minimum of 100 hours post qualification experience of working with adults
• A high level of computer literacy and IT skills regarding common Microsoft platforms and applications.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to work flexibly.
• Self‐motivated, adaptable, enthusiastic and positive approach.
• Ability to work to a high level of accuracy.
• Confidential, diplomatic and approachable with a high standard of service.
• Ability to prioritise, work to strict deadlines and have excellent time management.

Professional Accreditation

• Must be an active participant in a professional body such as, BACP, BABCP, IACO or NCPS.

To apply for this role, you must have a full driving licence and access to a motor vehicle, or have means to transportation.