Psychotherapist/Counsellor

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Psychotherapist/Counsellor

The closing date is 15 April 2026

The post holder will join the Occupational Health Therapy Team within BTH and provide Counselling and Psychotherapy Services for BTH employees.

Main duties of the job

Provide humanistic, person centred or integrative counselling to staff members with common mental health problems across BTH. Where required they will be expected to undertake appropriate audit, research, and service development activities pertinent to the evaluation and development of the service. The post holder will work with people with different cultural backgrounds and ages, using interpreters when necessary, and should be committed to equal opportunities. The post holder is expected to work only within their range of competency, seek regular supervision as deemed necessary, and elevate any concerns to the Nurse Manager or Head of Occupational Health.

About us

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is situated on the west coast of Lancashire, and offers a full range of district hospital services and community health services to a population of 1.6 million in Lancashire and South Cumbria.

The Trust provides services to the 440,000 residents of Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre and North Lancashire, as well as specialist tertiary care for Cardiac and Haematology services across the wider region.

We employ more than 6,500 staff, with a turnover in excess of £370m in 2014/2015 and have approximately 900 beds.

Job responsibilities

To carry an independent caseload of clients and deliver humanistic, person‑centred or integrative counselling to staff members who are experiencing emotional distress as a result of life events and experiences, through the application of knowledge and skills in counselling assessment and intervention acquired through at least Advanced diploma level training, ongoing CPD activities and clinical supervision.

Provide Counselling advice and consultation to other professionals / individuals / groups across the Trust.

Utilise various modalities of therapy, adapting treatment plans to meet patient needs.

Exercise an appropriate degree of autonomous professional responsibility for the assessment and treatment of staff members in line with service standards and best practice guidance.

Co‑ordination of counselling provision with outside agencies/long‑term planning for the establishment of new areas of activity within the counselling service.

Person Specification

Education and Qualification

• Relevant professional qualification in [specific field] (e.g., nursing, social work, psychology).
• Registration with the appropriate professional body (e.g., NMC, HCPC).
• Additional qualifications or training in [specific area] (e.g., cognitive behavioural therapy, advanced nursing practice).

Experience

• At least 1000 hours experience in providing supervised counselling or Psychotherapy to adults, with common mental health problems, within a primary mental health service.
• Experience in [specific area relevant to the job] (e.g., mental health, community care).
• Experience in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Experience in research or quality improvement projects.

Knowledge & Skills

• Able to explain theoretical core principles underpinning counselling / Psychotherapy modality the postholder is trained in.
• Ability to facilitate change by creating a therapeutic relationship with an emphasis on empathy and collaboration.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to manage a caseload and prioritise tasks effectively.
• Proficiency in using healthcare‑related software and technology.
• Knowledge of the role of an Occupational Health Department.
• Demonstrable/willingness to undertake specific skills and training needs appropriate to working in Occupational Health.
• Advanced skills in [specific area] (e.g., clinical assessment, therapeutic interventions).
• Ability to develop and deliver training or educational sessions.

Personal Attributes

• Compassionate and empathetic approach to patient care.
• Commitment to continuous professional development.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Innovative and proactive approach to problem‑solving.
• Strong commitment to patient‑centred care and service improvement.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

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