Clinical Director – Vacancy
Catalyst Counselling is based in Lowestoft and began life as charity, an accredited affiliate of the WPF network in 1990.
Since that time, we have fulfilled dual roles in providing accredited training to qualification level and a counselling service to the local community in East Suffolk and East Norfolk. In 2014 we became a social enterprise (community interest company – CIC) and moved to town centre premises in order to, more effectively, continue this work.
We are currently in process of applying for accredited membership of the British Psychoanalytic Council, who have approved our training.
Our aim is to provide high quality, low cost, counselling to those who would otherwise not be able to access such support.
We also work on a contractual basis with local organisations and companies to provide time limited counselling for their staff and clients. This work with full fee-paying clients, and additional grant funding, helps to subsidise the low-cost places.
We are happy to say that we have gained a positive reputation for the service that we provide.
Our commitment is to continue this provision and to support the maintenance and development of the psychodynamic model of counselling in Suffolk and Norfolk.
The Role: we are looking for an experienced psychoanalytic/psychodynamic therapist, who can share our values, to join us and take professional responsibility for the clinical aspects of the service and as a member of the senior management team.
The role is based at our office in Lowestoft, but with some potential to work from home.
Catalyst Counselling is committed to supporting diversity and equality.
Overview of Role Description and Person Specification
POST: Clinical Director
HOURS: minimum 8 per week (which could be across the week)
REPORTS TO: the Management Team
PAY & CONDITIONS: To be negotiated.
MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB:
- To lead in the development and maintenance of the counselling services for Catalyst Counselling.
- In liaison with the Management Team, to ensure that the counselling work of the Centre meets the financial, clinical, and ethical standards of Catalyst Counselling CIC.
- Responsibilities and Duties:
To keep up to date all aspects of counselling policies and procedures within Catalyst Counselling.
The maintenance of high standards of clinical practice in line with the defined purpose and policies of Catalyst Counselling and in accordance with the BPC and BACP Ethical Frameworks
In conjunction with the Director of Training, agree the content of the training provided for new counsellors, so that it meets the future needs of the service.
To take overall responsibility for the provision of appropriate supervision for trainees and counsellors who work within the Centre.
Act as a member of the Management Team engaged in setting standards and managing the day to day running of the service.
In conjunction with the Management Team, agree the direction of the service, develop new services, and ensure the capacity to deliver them.
The review, maintenance and creation of policies, structures and procedures for the control of counselling activities, to ensure they reflect the best interests of clients whilst also serving the appropriate interests of those working within the service. This should reflect clear understanding of changes in legislation, the marketplace and research.
Work with the Management Team in assisting with the development of new business.
The management and development of trainee counsellors, qualified counselling staff and supervisors, and the monitoring and appraisal of their work shared with the Director of Training.
Providing clinical advice and support to practitioners, and resolving problems and difficulties as they arise.
The allocation of clients to counsellors and trainees.
To support effective audit of clinical outcomes and performance.
To liaise with the Centre Honorary Psychiatrist as appropriate to the needs of individual clients and the service.
Along with other Directors, to liaise with other service providers, purchasers and community links, as appropriate to the needs of the service.
- Person Specification
- A recognized Qualification as psychoanalytic/psychodynamic psychotherapist or psychodynamic Counsellor
- Minimum 5 years post qualification
- Membership of the British Psychoanalytic Council, or Accredited status with the UK Council for Psychotherapy or British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
- Up to date knowledge of developments within the psychotherapy field and of evolving psychodynamic thinking.
- Have a good understanding of governance, quality management and risk assessment/management
- Have a good understanding of issues around clinical supervision
Preferred qualities would also include
To:
- Be able to work as a member of a team and lead meetings where appropriate
- have an understanding and/or experience of working within a counselling agency or similar organizational setting
- have and understanding of the dynamics of organisations and groups.
- have experience of management within an organization or demonstrable potential to take on such a role
- able and willing for occasional flexible working
- Computer literate in word and email
Catalyst Counselling is committed to supporting diversity and equality.
Catalyst Counselling CIC, 44 Alexandra Road, Lowestoft NR32 1PJ
Telephone: 01502 516957 / Email:
