Counsellor - REACH Service at Sunderland Counselling Service

Contract Type: Fixed term

Role Type: Employment

Hours: Part time

Application deadline:

Based: Sunderland

Salary: £36,282 Pro Rata

Salary Type: Fixed Salary

Location: Tyne and Wear

Role description: Project Support

Counsellor - REACH Service

 Hours: 15 hours per week which are to be worked on a Thursday and Friday

Salary: £36,282 p/a pro rata

Contract type: Fixed term for twelve months

Location: Sunderland Counselling Service, 51 John Street, Sunderland, SR1 1QN.

Sunderland Counselling Service (SCS) is seeking to appoint an effective counsellor to work as part of our Specialist REACH Sexual Violence Counselling Service.

SCS is a unique independent mental health charity and company limited by guarantee, acknowledged for our contribution to the community by mental health professionals, health practitioners and local and regional voluntary and statutory agencies.

The REACH service is well established, and the successful post holder will be responsible for delivering effective counselling to male and female survivors of rape and sexual violence for those aged 16 years and over who are living, working or studying within the Northumbria Police Force Area. Offences will have taken place within the previous twelve months.

This service will work effectively in partnership with the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), Northumbria Police, and a range of providers to provide a coordinated approach to treatment and to ensure clients’ needs are met.

The post holder will be based in Newcastle City Centre, SCS premises in Sunderland and from other venues across the Northumbria Police Force area as necessary to meet client needs. The post holder may be called upon to use a personal means of transport while engaged in the work of the service for which travel expenses will be available. The role may also occasionally require the post holder to work confidentially from home depending upon client need, in these instances appointments will be offered over the telephone or online.

Interventions will focus on dealing with the emotional impact and effects of sexual violence and rape to reduce the mental and emotional distress for the client. Additional sessions may also be provided at the time of related court cases where appropriate.

The therapist will be expected to complete a comprehensive assessment of needs with their clients and counselling will be offered as part of a six-session model. Counsellors will be supported with clincial supervision, case management and line management and work as part of a wider team specialising in therapy for survivors of sexual violence. Role based training may also be provided alongside appropriate continually professional development opportunities.

If you would like further information about this role, please contact Jill Best, Services Manager or Marianne Guthzeit, Clinical Lead on 0191 514 7007.