Adult Counsellor

Main area: Wellbeing

Grade: NHS AfC: Band 5

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Part time - 12.5 hours per week (Flexible hours between 8am - 8pm, availability to work evenings required)

Site: Across sites - Based at Fair Havens Hospice

Town: Southend-on-Sea

Salary: £9,469.00 to £11,529.87 per annum

Closing: 11/09/2024 23:59

Job overview

We have an vacancy for a part-time Adult Counsellor to join our Wellbeing Team, providing counselling and emotional support to the patients and families using the Havens Hospices Care Services.

This role requires candidates to be available for flexible working hours, between 0800 to 2000, and may include a requirement to work some Saturdays.

Main duties of the job

• To provide emotional and counselling support (up to Level 3), to an agreed caseload.


• To undertake holistic assessments to include safeguarding risk assessment.


• To manage referrals in a timely and appropriate way.


• To provide an opportunity for patients and families to explore their emotions safely and creatively regarding life-limiting illness and bereavement issues.


• To facilitate groups and develop activities in accordance with the needs of the service.


• To keep records which facilitate communication within the charity following Havens Hospices policy and being mindful of good work practice.

Working for our organisation

At Havens Hospices, we care for children, young people and adults with complex or incurable conditions. Our specialist Care Teams can support them and their family living throughout illness, death and bereavement in the comfort of their own home and through our hospice services, Fair Havens and Little Havens.

Working at Havens Hospices allows you to give the gift of time to patients and families, creating memories. Although you may not be giving direct care to our patients, your contribution will have an immediate effect on our care services.

In return for your expertise and passion, you will receive a competitive salary package, and most of all, by making the most of every day you work at Havens Hospices you’ll be helping us continue ‘Making every day count’ for those who need us most.

At Havens Hospices we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and patients and expect all colleagues to share this commitment.

We value diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

As part of Havens Hospices' multidisciplinary team to provide counselling and emotional support to the patients and families using Havens Hospices care services.

• To provide emotional and counselling support (up to Level 3), to an agreed caseload.


• To undertake holistic assessments to include safeguarding risk assessment.


• To manage referrals in a timely and appropriate way.


• To provide an opportunity for patients and families to explore their emotions safely and creatively regarding life-limiting illness and bereavement issues.


• To facilitate groups and develop activities in accordance with the needs of the service.


• To keep records which facilitate communication within the charity following Havens Hospices policy and being mindful of good work practice.

Person specification

Education and Qualifications

• Recognised professional counselling or psychotherapy qualification (Level 4 diploma as a minimum)


• Be a registered member of a recognised professional body (BACP, NCPS)


• Palliative care / bereavement support experience

Knowledge and Experience

• Experience of facilitating therapeutic groups

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Documents to download

• Adult Counsellor JD (PDF, 91.4KB)


• Candidate Information Pack (PDF, 808.5KB)