We have an exciting opportunity for a qualified Counsellor to join NHS West Sussex Talking Therapies for Long Term Conditions as an Accredited Counsellor.
The Long Term Conditions service covers the whole of West Sussex. We support adults with coping with diagnosed long term health conditions that are affecting their mental wellbeing.
You will provide Step 3 short-term counselling interventions through Person-Centred Experiential Counselling for Depression (PCE-CfD), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy (DIT) or Couples Therapy for Depression (CTfD) within the service.
Our preference is for an IPT trained Counsellor to help fulfil our patient obligations, or the willingness to train towards an IPT qualification.
The Counsellor role is offered at NHS Band 7 for those registered and accredited with the relevant professional body and holding Talking Therapies compliant modality training.
If not yet Talking Therapies compliant modality training, this can be offered as an Talking Therapies Development Counsellor role (NHS Band 6). You will work within the service whilst being sponsored to undertake training in a Talking Therapies approved modality within a year of joining.
You will be fully supported by our management and clinical leads and surrounded by a friendly, highly competent supportive workforce. We have taken time to create a model and culture in our service which ensures that you are happy in your work.
Applicants must be either BACP Accredited, or UKCP Registered as a Psychotherapist or Psychotherapeutic Counsellor, ACC Accredited, NCS Accredited Professional Registrant, or British Psychoanalytic Council Registered. Applicants must also have appropriate qualifications as detailed in the person specification.
Applicants holding an additional NHS Talking Therapies qualification, such as IPT, DIT, PCE-CfD or CTfD are appointed at Agenda for Change Band 7. Applicants who do not hold an additional NHS Talking Therapies qualification will be recruited at Band 6 and must be willing to undertake training and achieve certification in an NHS Talking Therapies approved module within 12 months. Once achieved, you will move up to Band 7 (please note that this training is funded by the service).
You will also need to demonstrate extensive experience of treating patients within a time limited counselling model, as well as experience of providing triage assessments.
Please note: Due to recent changes in UK immigration and visa rules, this role may not be eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants who do not currently have the right to work in the UK may not be considered. Candidates requiring sponsorship should review the eligibility criteria on the gov.uk website before applying to assess their eligibility for a Certificate of Sponsorship for this role.
Skilled Worker visa: going rates for eligible occupation codes - GOV.UK
We are the main provider of NHS community services across East and West Sussex, with 6,000 staff serving 1.3 million people. We deliver essential care to adults and children, helping them manage their health, avoid hospital admissions, and reduce hospital stays.
Our Trust vision is to provide excellent care at the heart of the community. We offer opportunities across medical, clinical, support, and corporate services.
Why work for us?
- Positive 2024 NHS Staff Survey results, highlighting compassionate leadership and wellbeing
- Varied environments: community hospitals, patients’ homes, and bases across Sussex
- Flexible working options: part-time, flexi-time, annualised hours, and flexi-retirement
- Excellent training, development, and research opportunities
- Cost-effective workplace nurseries in Crawley, Hove, and Brighton
- Active EMBRACE, Disability & Wellbeing, LGBTQIA+, and Religion & Belief networks
- Level 3 Disability Confident Leader and Veteran Aware Trust
- Beautiful Sussex location near the South Downs and coast
Our values — Compassionate Care, Working Together, Achieving Ambitions, Delivering Excellence —guide everything we do.
We embrace diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds, particularly from ethnically diverse, disabled, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. We aim to create an inclusive environment and support reasonable adjustments during recruitment.
This post may close early if sufficient applications are received.
As one of the country’s leading Talking Therapies services, we lead the way in the provision of NICE recommended psychological therapies, are focused on clinical excellence, innovation.
Excellent CPD and career development opportunities
Regular support, supervision and training
Opportunity to engage in a number of interesting and social activities led by a Wellbeing lead in each locality
The required registration and accreditation is one of the below:
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Accredited ( BACP)
United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) Registered as Psychotherapist or psychotherapeutic Counsellor
Association of Christian counsellors Accreditation
National Counselling Society( NCS) Accredited Professional registrants ( PNCPS Accr)
British Psychanalytic Council Registrant
Our Team covers the whole of West Sussex, however we are particularly in need of Counsellors in the Chichester/Littlehampton/Bognor Regis area.
We provide services Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm with plenty of opportunities to work flexible hours and staff have laptops and mobiles allowing for office and home working flexibility.
