Job Title

Job Title: Counselling & Therapies Groups Project Lead- FTCSalary: 37,899.42 per annumTeam: Care Events Hours: 37.5 hours per weekLocation: Shooting Star House About Shooting Star Childrens HospicesWe have an exciting opportunity for a Counsellor or Therapist to join our Family Support Team at Shooting Star Childrens Hospices, leading a new, two-stranded project focused on support groups for families and community-based counselling and therapy interventions.Shooting Star Childrens Hospices (SSCH) is a leading childrens hospice charity caring for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions, and their families. We support families across North West, Surrey and South West London from diagnosis to end of life and throughout bereavement with a range of nursing, practical, emotional and medical care.Our Care Events team provide an extensive programme of groups and events for the 750+ life-limited children, their families and bereaved families. There are themed family events, support groups for siblings of different ages, pamper days for mums, counselling groups, memorial days and many festive events such as ice-skating at Hampton Court. There are 3-4 events each week, making many opportunities for families to make memories together, and to build a peer network of support.About the roleDesign and co-ordinate the implementation of new therapy groups for SSCH families over the next 12 months.The demand for psychosocial care for SSCH families has increased significantly over the last 5 years, with specific need for mental health and wellbeing care. The introduction of therapy groups will ensure the sustainability of our services and provide families with access to other families who have lived understanding of their experience. In this role you will co-ordinate and support the production of new support groups, being the lead counsellor/therapist on three of these.Design and implement a community counselling and therapies service in local settings in NWL ICB.SSCH serves four ICBs, with hospice buildings in Surrey and South West London. SSCH do not have a physical base in North West London ICB (NWL), and it is evident that engagement in our psychosocial care is lower in NWL. A pilot of community-based interventions in local hubs is planned to increase access, whilst also providing opportunities to learn the shape of service that families in NWL need.Key performance indicators:Successful launch of new groups and events.Family member engagement in therapy groups, reducing demand on individual interventions.Improvement in wait times for counselling and therapies.Attendance at family events in NWL with increased accessibilitySafe delivery and take-up of therapies/counselling in NWL community hubs.Improved understanding of the culturally appropriate care in NWLAbout youWe are looking for a counsellor/therapist passionate aboutFacilitating therapeutic groups for children and adults that are enriching and empowering.Removing the disadvantage for families in NWL through bringing counselling and therapies to local hubs.Understanding the unique needs and experiences of families in NWL, so that we can create a service that is meaningful and accessible.The counsellor/therapist should:Be registered with a professional bodyHave significant experience of working with families who have experienced traumatic grief, loss, crisis and hardshipHave a flexible and responsive approach that brings counselling/therapy skills to less formal therapy settings.Shooting Star is a fast-paced environment, and the role will benefit from an individual who is self-directed and organised. This role is intended to have an equal balance of project work and client-facing work. The processes required for professionalism, governance and record keeping of these therapy groups will involve data entry, writing of content for invites and report writing. Alongside this is the opportunity to engage and support families firsthand through leading new and much-needed therapy groups. An opportunity to provide families with truly holistic, specialist and outstanding care.What we offerIn return you will receive a competitive salary along with a range of benefits, which include:Pension schemeNHS Pension Scheme (for eligible employees) or our stakeholder pension scheme, with up to 7% employer contributionsAnnual leave27 days plus Bank Holidays rising with length of service2 weeks paid sabbatical leave after 5, 10 and 15 years serviceContractual benefits Generous sick pay schemeEnhanced maternity, adoption, and paternity leave payFlexible working arrangementsDeath in service benefitsReimbursed professional membership feesEye careEmployee referral schemeBlue Light discount cardHealth and wellbeing Employee Assistance ProgrammeOccupational HealthMindfulness sessionsCycle to work schemeMental Health First AidersNutritionally balanced meals at Christophers (free for employees) and free fruit at our Hampton siteSafeguardingWe are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff to share this commitment. Also, we are committed to equal opportunities and consider all applicants to be in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Employment is subject to receipt of satisfactory references and a DBS check.In addition, an enhanced disclosure will be required for this role. Our recruitment checks, induction and ongoing support and supervision reflect our commitment to safeguarding the families we support and consider all applicants in line with the Rehabilitation of Offender Act 1974.Equality, diversity and inclusionShooting Star Childrens Hospice is committed to inclusion and diversity in everything we do. We know that getting things right is critical for us to live our organisations values: Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Diversity and Excellence.We are always trying to improve our way of working to be more inclusive and equal. Our vision is for Shooting Star Childrens Hospice to be a place where people of all backgrounds, groups and communities feel welcomed to work and volunteer.Please contact Caroline Brett-Field [caroline.brett-field@shootingstar.org.uk ] if you have any questions about this role.To apply please complete our online application and send a statement outlining how your skills and experience meets the criteria set out in the person specification.Closing Date: 09/05/2025Interview Date: tbcDownload the full Job DescriptionFor more information, you can visit our website: https://www.shootingstar.org.uk/