Job Title:Accredited CounsellorLocation:Base locations in Sidcup and Lambeth, however further travel within London is required on a need must basis.Salary:£40,000 per annum, pro‑rata if part time.Contract Type:PermanentHours:Full Time or Part Time. Monday – Friday. Minimum of 3 days per week. 9am-5pm.Right to live & work within the UK is required for this role. (This role requires high level security clearance)About Us Optima Health is the UK's largest provider of Occupational Health and wellbeing services, supporting organisations across both the public and private sectors. With a heritage dating back to 1947, we have been helping employers create healthier, high-performing workplaces for generations, and we continue to evolve with creative, practical solutions that make a real difference.At the heart of our story are our people. We bring together like-minded professionals who are passionate about improving workplace health and wellbeing and delivering meaningful support to the organisations we work with across the UK.When you join Optima Health, you become part of something bigger. We invest in our people through structured induction, ongoing training and tailored career development, helping you build the skills and experience to grow your career.Our ValuesOne Team – There are no barriers in our business. We trust each other and work together as one team to deliver what our clients need. We all have a part to play in our future, and everyone's contribution is important and valued.Doing the Right Thing – We operate to the highest standards. Success is underpinned by honesty and integrity, and by doing what we say we will do. We care about the impact of our work on our people, our clients, their employees, society, and the world we live in.Shaping Tomorrow – We are always looking for ways to improve and innovate. We train,



support and empower future leaders, invest in market‑leading propositions and use technology to advance service and clinical outcomes. We evolve how we work – embracing smarter, more flexible approaches that help our people thrive both professionally and personally.Never Too Big to Care – We always retain a client‑first approach. Every client, and every one of their employees that we support, matters. We work in partnership to optimise workplace health and wellbeing, sharing in the benefits of growing together.Role Summary As part of our ongoing recruitment drive, we are currently recruiting for Accredited Counsellors to join our team working with the MET Police. You will provide a confidential counselling and related proactive functions to staff and officers within the context of a multi‑specialist occupational health team. You will adhere to the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Framework of Ethical Practice and MPS policies and processes.Main Duties And ResponsibilitiesTo conduct weekly psychological screening appointments with clients in vulnerable roles.Facilitating support groups with officers and staff, focused on various mental health topics, such as bereavement, substance misuse, etc.Provide crisis counselling based on case‑by‑case need as specified by the Clinical Lead.To deliver trauma interventions, including major and critical incidents as reported within Optima and MPS policy.Manage own caseload,



delivering short‑term (up to 6 sessions) counselling for clients with personal or work‑related issues, who are off sick or at work, with a goal of returning staff to recuperative/full duties.Intermittent, longer‑term, ongoing support to suspended officers.Advice/support to managers about counselling services and managing a duty mailbox for urgent assessment of clients.Psychological risk assessment for referrals received from managers and other wider occupational health departments and act according to MPS risk management protocol.Offer practical problem‑solving guidance and signpost to other external agencies or internal multi‑specialist occupational health team, which may include delivering presentations.To assess officers' needs, plan effectively, monitor and evaluate interventions using evidence‑based practice applied to individual needs.Any additional duties to support the duty team.Experience, Skills, And Knowledge Required For The RoleBACP Accreditation is essential (or equivalent). Equivalent accreditations can be BABCP, BPS, COSCA, IACP, NCPS, UKCP.Experience in substance misuse would be advantageous.Evidence of completion of psychological risk assessment and the ability to work autonomously.Experience delivering a brief counselling model.Understanding of the use of IAPT measurement forms.Knowledge and understanding of clinical governance and risk management.At least 3 years’ experience working in a counselling service, occupational health or related service offering short‑term solution‑focused therapy.CBT training desirable but not essential.Experience delivering trauma focused counselling.What Can We Offer You?Excellent leadership training scheme available if you would like to progress to leadership.25 days annual leave, plus

📌 Accredited Counsellor - £40,000 A Year - Part Time (London)
🏢 Optima Health
📍 London