Talking Therapies Service Coordinator, MAPS Project (Maundy Advice and Psychological Services)
Improving the Mental Health of Hard to Reach Groups
Job Title Talking Therapies Service Coordinator
Base Accrington
Duration Fixed term for three years subject to successful annual review by the Big Lottery fund.
Hours of work 17.5, Monday to Friday
Holidays 14 days per annum
Salary £11,250 per annum
Closing date Saturday 18th June 2016
Interview and
assessment date Week beginning 27thth June
Application Please complete the attached application form and return by email to with ‘Talking Therapies Coordinator Application’ in the subject line. Alternatively return by post to: The Maundy Relief Trust 29/31 Abbey St, Accrington BB5 1EN. Please mark your envelope ‘MAPS recruitment’.
Background.
Maundy Relief Trust is a well-established charity that offers an ‘immediate response to people in need’. Led by a committed Trustees Board and professional and experienced manager, we are based in Accrington and support one of the most disadvantaged communities within the UK. Open to all, our beneficiaries experience the combined effects of mental health problems, addiction, homelessness and poverty. We are seen as the ‘first port of call and last resort’ and increasingly are called upon to offer services when none other are available. Although we are flexible and informal we also understand the importance of tight and effective governance.
Our reputation and track record of success have led to us being awarded funding for three years from the Big Lottery Fund (Reaching Communities) to develop and expand our services through a coordinated and case managed project. This new project is based on the view that mental health can best be facilitated by case management and a comprehensive and combined set of services. We will deliver coordinated talking therapy, nursing, community outreach and advice and advocacy services. Central to this will be evaluation and measurement of outcome.
This project’s focus is on a multi modal approach to addressing mental health problems. We see a professional and responsive talking therapies services as being central to this. It will receive both internal and external referrals and either offer stand alone services or be part of a client pathway alongside other aspects of this project. This post is one of several that we will recruit to and will be key to the success of the project.
The successful applicant will be a good fit with our small existing team and we encourage anyone interested in applying to find out as much as they can about us. We will also encourage informal visits by short listed applicants.
The role
To co-ordinate Maundy Relief Trust’s Talking Therapies Service within our MAPS (Big Lottery Fund) project.
Principal responsibilities
l contribute to establishing the newly created, coordinated service described above as directed by the Project Board
l ensure efficient and effective talking therapies service delivery
l market the service and ensure optimum uptake across East Lancashire especially among hard to reach groups
l ensure the provision and dissemination of all necessary procedures and policies
l ensure that the service complies with all necessary legislation and that all safeguarding procedures are in place
l receive referrals and arrange assessment appointments
l ensure a smooth running appointment system
l provide internal informal supervision for therapists
l ensure that all therapists (including trainees) meet our required standards
l ensure that all information governance and outcome measurement data are collected, collated and monitored
l be proactive in reporting activity (and other) data variance from expected
l provide the first point of contact for clients and therapists and ensure that those using the service are treated with respect and courtesy at all times
l seek out appropriate training and personal development opportunities for volunteer therapists
l produce activity and progress reports for Trustees and Big Lottery Fund as required.
l ensure own supervision and seek out opportunities for relevant learning and development opportunities
l liaise with training organisations and colleges to ensure the smooth running of volunteer counsellor placements
l work corporately and ensure that talking therapies operate in close partnership with other MAPS services
l be flexible in their willingness to contribute to the work of Maundy relief Trust and contribute their talents to its overall purpose which is an ‘immediate response to need’
Person Specification
Short listing and assessment will be based upon the following criteria:
Essential
l qualified counsellor and BACP registered
l understanding of working in a small charity and the need for flexibility
l evidence of commitment to service development and improvement
l experience of working in a therapeutic service
l knowledge of the issues facing those experiencing mental ill health and an ability to deal with clients in an empathic and non-judgmental manner
l knowledge of statutory and voluntary sector support structures and services
l awareness of relevant legislation including issues relating to safeguarding
l excellent presentation and inter-personal skills
l IT literate
l basic financial literacy
l evidence of commitment to success and a high energy level
l a flexible, tenacious, good humoured and robust approach to unpredictable challenge
l strategic awareness and ability to see the bigger picture
Desirable
l knowledge of local agencies
l access to own transport
The post holder will require DBS clearance at enhanced level