Mental Health Counsellor

Principal Duties and AccountabilityCounselling and other related forms of assistance to students Advising and consulting staff of the University, parents and other external agencies regarding student mental health matters Providing training, guidance and support to staff of the University on matters concerning student mental and emotional wellbeing Getting actively involved in service development and in improving policies and practices within the University To devise and deliver psycho-educational group programmes Establish effective working relationships with faculties, academic departments, services and other Middlesex University teams to ensure there is effective support for students with emotional and mental health difficulties. Be responsible for providing an informed opinion and/or verifying students’ extenuating/mitigating circumstances to colleagues and external bodies in accordance with the University regulations and service Code of Confidentiality and Management of Personal Information. Work in liaison with other colleagues involved in the pastoral care support at the University. Conduct risk assessments and formulate safety plans with and for students experiencing mental health crisis, including suicidal thoughts and feelings, and action the appropriate referrals to external agencies. Contribute to the University’s implementation of its Care and Concern framework, including Fitness to Study, Safeguarding and Student Code of Conduct and Discipline regulations and to comply with professional standards. Take responsibility for deciding when to invoke peer or management supervision in order to address difficult ethical dilemmas or exceptionally complex cases. Organise and prioritise caseload, taking into account students’ needs and any urgent action required. Organise and prioritise availability for student appointments, same-day mini-appointments sessions, and workshops, ensuring an appropriate service level is maintained at all times. Understand the University’s obligations and responsibilities under the UAE’s legal framework for supporting persons with disclosed mental health concerns. Offer advice and guidance to our Admissions teams and to prospective students and potential applicants at University open days, or similar University events to ensure that student concerns regarding mental health and wellbeing are appropriately addressed Pursue continued professional development opportunities and actively participate in professional associations in order to maintain accreditation and also ensure increased knowledge base, self-awareness and enhanced skills. Maintain appropriate electronic and written records on cases, including session notes and records of contact with other relevant parties. Keep and collate accurate and confidential records on all students in accordance with the U.A.E. legal requirements and guidance from professional bodies, and current University policies and external regulatory protocols. Prepare accurate and relevant information for internal and external reporting (regular and ad hoc) General ResponsibilitiesDeliver training in the areas of mental health and wellbeing for University staff and students and to create and deliver presentations and workshops to a range of audiences across the University to raise awareness of the service and appropriate referral mechanisms In collaboration with the Head of the Centre for Academic Success and other colleagues, contribute to the development of university strategies, policies and practices, which ensure a healthier learning and working environment for students and staff Communicating effectively and regularly with faculty members, students, central services and the Student Office Promoting and maintaining safety in the work place Participate in and contribute to the work of various project groups and quality improvement teams, as required Undertake any other duties that commensurate with the grade of the post as requested by University management RequirementsQualifications RequiredA degree or equivalent qualification A recognised qualification in a profession relating to mental health support or psychological professions. Evidence of continuing professional development Membership of an appropriate professional body An awareness of policies and procedures related to mental health support in the U.A.E. DispositionExperience of work in a Further or Higher Education setting with young people/young adults. Knowledge of risk and protective factors in relation to a range of emotional, psychological and interpersonal difficulties. Experience of risk assessment and safety planning processes in relation to a range of mental health conditions and interpersonal difficulties Demonstrable ability to respond effectively in situations of the mental health crisis, both in terms of interpersonal response and process Knowledge, Skills, And ExperienceExperience of working with young adults with mental health difficulties (preferably in the U.A.E.). Experience of multi-disciplinary and cross-team working. Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of the wide range of mental health presentations including ‘personality disorder’ diagnoses, self-harm and suicidal ideation and intent. Knowledge of evidence-based practice and interventions to facilitate best outcomes for service-users within the field of mental health in the U.A.E. Ability to develop positive working relationships and maintain professional boundaries Effective verbal, listening and written communication skills Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well within a team Demonstrable suitable IT skills Knowledge and application of information sharing protocols in relation to data protection, equality and freedom of information Understanding of safeguarding and its application in practice This job description intends to provide a representation of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.