On-site Counsellor

Job Introduction

Sodexo was built on family values, and for 54 years we have stood by those values, ensuring our people and their quality of life remain at the forefront of the decisions we make and actions we take.

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and as part of our absolute commitment to the health, safety and wellbeing of our employees, we are expanding our resources within our Healthcare segment, to support a number of our frontline teams affected by loss, grief and the pressures of operating continuously in this current environment, as part of their role. We are looking for qualified Counsellors to support this service, as well as offering specialist support to our people that are facing other difficulties in this current situation.

This is a challenging, but rewarding role. You’ll have your own caseload and will visit two days per week to each of our Hospitals within your region, supporting our frontline teams in their work environment over the next four weeks. You will be expected to travel to multiple sites.

Working hours and patterns can be flexible and will be discussed at interview.

Role Responsibility

We take a completely person-centred approach to our support which means each relationship will be different; however, activities commonly include:

• Supporting pre and post bereavement and loss. Talking through what they see daily and how they are coping
• Undertake group sessions to educate on emotional loss
• Listening carefully and responding sensitively, giving them the time and company they need
• Ensuring that confidentiality is maintained at all times
• Referring employees to our Employee Assistance Programme for ongoing support

The Ideal Candidate

The skills and experience you’ll need for this role:

• Degree or equivalent within Counselling
• BACP registered
• Recent experience as a Counsellor Contact
• Have excellent listening skills
• Be open-minded and tolerant of different lifestyle and values
• Be self-motivated and well organised for record keeping and appointments
• Understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality
• Have a warm, friendly, adaptable, caring approach
• Experience of working in a medical, clinical or health environment (full induction will be provided, as well as other appropriate precautions to protect the safety of our staff counsellors and other colleagues) 

You must not be classified, or live with anyone classified, as belonging to any of the Covid-19 high risk groups (more detail can be found on the government website):

• Must not have a long-term health condition
• Must not be pregnant
• Must not have immune deficiencies through medical conditions or therapy
• Must not be aged over 70

Package Description

Competitive hourly rate

North West (full time between Central Manchester and Wythenshawe Hospitals)

About the Company

In the UK and Ireland, Sodexo employs some 36,000 employees to deliver integrated facilities management services to clients at over 2,000 locations in the energy, corporate, healthcare, education, leisure, defence and justice sectors. With an annual turnover of over £1bn, we provide everything from catering, cleaning and reception to security, laboratory and grounds maintenance services, enabling our clients to focus on their core business.

At Sodexo we are committed to a leading role in promoting equality opportunities and valuing diversity and inclusion. We seek to create a work environment based on mutual respect for all individuals, building a culture that appreciates and values the experiences and skills brought by each person to benefit our organisation and work hard to ensure that all people, whatever their race, colour, sex, gender identity  disability, nationality, national or ethnic origin, religion or belief, marital/partnership or family status, sexual orientation, age, social class, educational background, employment status, working pattern, are welcome to and included within our organisation. 

We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations.

We are building on our support to the Armed Forces community through the development of specific pathways within our recruitment process to  support ex-forces personnel and reservists, those applying for jobs with us who meet the ideal candidate criteria for the role advertised are guaranteed to progress to the selection process.