Closing date: 14th Sept 2026
Responsible To:
Head of Therapeutic Services
Location:
Erskine Mains House
Hours:
40 hours, Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm
Salary:
£36,920 (overtime opportunity for additional private therapy sessions available)
Main Function
As therapist you will be responsible for the day-to-day delivery of a high-quality therapeutic recovery programme.
The rehabilitation of clients with substance use and related addictive behaviours is our primary purpose. To this end we deliver structured psychosocial interventions in a safe professional environment.
The therapist’s role within Abbeycare Scotland is to delivering a structured therapeutic programme through group-work and one to one intervention that facilitates exploration of self, self as an addict and self as a person who chooses to cease substance use and recover from the impact that substance use has had on all areas of their lives.
Ultimately our goal is to effects change and support maintenance of the changes achieved whilst resident within our service, our aim is to provide tools that enhance maintenance and guide new behaviours.
When required you will be responsible for written contributing to reviews of the client with both statutory and voluntary community-based services, as well as producing discharge reports again when required.
You will maintain records of attendance and participation in the group programmes. A daily handover is produced to offer the wider team a perspective on individual and group engagement/participation.
Abbeycare is an abstinence-based service, our practice is informed by a number of therapeutic models as well as the 12 Step programme of recovery.
Our service employs four fully qualified psychotherapists who deliver therapeutic interventions to residents in both group and individual basis.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is the primary therapeutic model practiced, however, several other therapeutic models are utilised within the group setting to offer an integrative approach that is inclusive and respectful of resident’s individual needs and distinctive characteristics.
Offering evidenced- based treatment and approaches enables our therapists to tailor inputs based on their knowledge and skill set whilst engaging all residents at a level that is encouraging and inclusive.
You will operate as part of a 4/5-person team of therapists who will collaborate and support you to deliver a professional standard of therapeutic interventions.
Among other responsibilities, you are also expected to bring a positive, compassionate, and proactive approach to the treatment programme through recognised methodologies and practices.
Essential Skills
1. Knowledge of the principles of recovery and challenges faced by those seeking recovery.
3. Knowledge of the Abbeycare approach to recovery promoting abstinence utilising the 12-step approach and CBT model.
4. Knowledge of basic physical, emotional, mental and spiritual difficulties common to assisting those through recovery from addiction.
5. Knowledge, understanding and practice in line with national and recovery care standards and counselling best practice.
6. Knowledge of, and skills in the use of a range of methods of psychological assessment, intervention, and management for the full range of problems of severity and complexity presented in adult mental health.
Abilities:
1. The ability to express self verbally and in writing.
2. The ability to give and receive constructive feedback.
3. The ability to effectively encourage the recovery community rules and always maintain professional boundaries within the context of understanding client sensitivities.
4. The ability to maintain structure and routine, security, health, and safety in a residential setting.
5. The ability to exercise good judgement in handling a variety of behaviours and situations.
6. The ability to deliver management and leadership skills.
7. Proven ability to make decisions and develop others in this area.
8. Ability to manage work in a fast-paced environment.
Requirements:
1. Experience of direct work with substance using clients or those with addictive behaviours
2. Two years’ experience of direct client work with an interest in addiction.
3. Skilled at building and maintaining effective therapeutic relationships
4. Experience of developing and delivering therapeutic support programmes
5. Understanding and experience of the main therapeutic interventions utilised within the Abbeycare programme.
6. Experience of providing direct client services particularly assessment, group-work and one to one counselling.
7. An understanding and experience of underlying issues associated with substance use such as past trauma, loss, grief, co-dependency, anxiety, and depression
8. Proven skills in planning and administration.
9 Ability and willingness to develop the treatment programme to suit client need and to develop Abbeycare services.
11. Confidence to work on own initiative as well as part of a multi-disciplinary team
12. Understanding of the importance of upholding quality standards, performance monitoring and collating appropriate statistical information for purchasers.
13. Knowledge of health and safety, including assessing high-risk situations for clients, safeguarding – adult and child protection.
14. Demonstrate the ability to effectively work with people regardless of their ethnic, cultural, social backgrounds, their gender, age, religious belief, disability, and sexual orientation
15. Commitment to support Abbeycare values and mission statement
16. Participate in supervision and appraisal
17. Ability to respond flexibly to the demands of the post
18. Ability to make a personal investment in the development and success of Abbeycare Scotland
20. A professional qualification in counselling.
21. Professional membership of BACP / BABCP or equivalent
Training & Professional Development:
1. In liaison with the therapeutic lead identify areas of knowledge and skill development in your existing practice and contribute to your own personal development
2. Demonstrate an interest in addiction/recovery and maintain an up-to-date knowledge of research and development in addiction research, approaches, and interventions.
3. Contribute to and participate in training programmes for the recovery practitioner team, including training delivery and assessment for vocational qualifications.
4. Participate in training and educational activities provided to ensure your professional practice is maintained at the highest level.
5. Ensure that your professional knowledge and skills are appropriate to your work and satisfy the requirements of relevant professional registration bodies.
6. Regularly review new sources of information and knowledge which contribute to the quality of individual and collective service delivery.
7. Prepare and contribute constructively to supervision support.
Person Specification:
1. Excellent organisational and time management skills
2. A calm and empathic approach.
3. A non-judgemental and positive approach to recovery.
4. Respect and maintain client confidentiality.
5. Ability to build supportive relationships with colleagues to ensure our multi-disciplinary team provide the best service possible.
6. Ability to follow the guidance of the therapeutic lead.
7. Ability to work on your own initiative on occasions.
8. Ability to reflect on one’s practice utilising supervision support.
9. An ability to develop therapeutic relationships with clients.
10. Professional/team presentation - follow the Abbeycare dress code.
Preferred Qualifications:
1. A specialist qualification in counselling
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £36,920.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- On-site parking
Flexible language requirement:
Work Location: In person
