Children's Counsellor

 

Hours: 25-30hrs/week

Location: South Hykeham, Lincoln

Pay: Pro rata £30,000

​

To apply, please email a CV and cover letter to emily@hopemeadows.co.uk

​

Our Ethos

Hope Meadows Equine Assisted Recovery CIC offers people the opportunity to access affordable, professional mental health support that incorporates horses as part of the therapeutic journey. We offer equine assisted counselling/psychotherapy, therapeutic riding, and a variety of horse-based skills groups for people of all ages. We passionately believe everyone should be able to afford a therapy that is right for them and is delivered to a high standard.

Hope Meadows is a young organisation experiencing a high level of growth year on year. Our team is innovate, forward thinking, and creative in our approach to supporting mental health. Potential applicants should share this ethos and should feel excited by the opportunity for "thinking outside the box" that this role offers.

​

Team Wellbeing

We pride ourselves on prioritising the wellbeing of our team and promote compassion throughout our organisation. We offer a package that includes regular reviews, group clinical supervision, internal CPD, unlimited paid holiday (including 3 weeks off over Christmas), flexible hours, team building days, and a supportive culture.

Our therapy horses are part of the team and are kept in a way that fulfils their physical and psychological needs. They are given 'annual leave', regular physiotherapy/dentistry/farriery, and are kept on a track system 24/7. We treat them with an awareness of the needs of a therapeutic herd and this is brought into our work with clients.

​

The Role

The role is part time at 25-30 hours a week, pro rata of £30,000. Working hours are split over 3 or 4 days including a full day on a Saturday.

The role involves delivering ground-based Equine Assisted Counselling/Psychotherapy with children and young people on a 1:1 basis.A high proportion of clients on this caseload are neurodivergent and some specialism in this area is required.

Our predominant orientations within the team are relational, including interpersonal and humanistic styles, however we would also welcome professionals with different backgrounds who can bring new perspectives. We offer support and training for our staff to incorporate our horses into their existing therapeutic style.

As a not-for-profit organisation Hope Meadows is driven by values of affordability and accessibility. We are looking for an individual who shares this ethos. Therefore, this role may suit someone looking to complement their private practice with non-profit work.

We are an outdoors service and this role includes working in adverse weather all year round. A level of physical fitness is essential. Full induction and training will be given, but a level of equine knowledge is required.

​

Responsibilities:

• To work as an accountable and autonomous practitioner in an equine assisted service, working with children who are struggling with their mental health, in a manner which demonstrates compassion and clinical competence.

• Work creatively and flexibly to plan, implement, monitor, and review therapeutic interventions.

• Hold a caseload of 1:1 sessions in addition to facilitating groups and workshops.

• Establish effective working relationships with clients and their families.

• Work alongside other services, such as public mental and physical healthcare, third sector services, social prescribing, and education providers.

• Exhibit high levels of reflection, organisation, and efficient diary management.

• Participate in team meetings and development, contributing to our culture and upholding our ethos.

• Offer informal peer supervision and support to the team on a day to day basis.

• To work within ethical guidelines, legislation, and organisational policies including safeguarding.

​

Skills and Experience:

• Profession qualification in delivering psychological therapy/counselling, and associated registration with professional body (e.g. BACP). If counselling, minimum level 5 is required.

• Experience of delivering therapeutic interventions with children and young people who have complex mental health needs including supporting those who are neurodivergent (minimum 2 years).

• Experience with horses.

• Evidence of continuous professional development.

• Sound knowledge of clinical risk assessment and understanding of confidentiality.

• Sound knowledge of community care issues, local health and social structures, functions and boundaries.

​

​