Job summary
This is a 24 month Fixed Term Contract, open to internal candidates only.
To provide counselling to people living with and beyond cancer who are inpatients and outpatients at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT).
To support patients, with their carers and families in coping with and adjusting to challenges and changing circumstances as a result of cancer.
To work autonomously within professional guidelines and the overall framework of the service policies and procedure.
Main duties of the job
Accept referrals via agreed service protocols and refer on to appropriate services if required.
Assess the emotional needs of people affected by cancer who may present with multiple issues. Negotiate a therapy contract with a rationale and plan for sessions, or refer on to appropriate services as appropriate.
Deliver counselling based on current needs for people affected by cancer using appropriate models of level 3 psychological interventions (NICE, 2004). This will usually be one-to-one, but may include couple, family or group work and seeing patients on the ward.
Communicate with a high degree of skill and sensitivity, complex information while working with people to understand their individual difficulties in adjusting to a cancer diagnosis, treatment, survivorship and sometimes a life-limiting illness.
Make and keep appropriate notes of clinical sessions and accurately record and analyze screening and outcome measures.
Undertake risk assessment and management to include suicide risk and safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults and make referrals as necessary.
Exercise autonomous professional responsibility and accountability for clinical work undertaken and organize and manage own clinical caseload, supported day to day by The Cove Centre Manager and professionally by the Macmillan Lead Clinical Psychologist.
About us
The Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) is the main provider of acute and specialist care services in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We serve a population of around 500,000 people - a figure that can increase significantly with
visitors during the busiest times of the year. We employ approximately 6,700 staff and have a budget of approximately £580 million.
We are a teaching hospital in partnership with the University of Exeter Medical School, University of Plymouth School of Nursing and Midwifery, and Peninsula Dental School.
The Knowledge Spa on the Royal Cornwall Hospital site is the base for medical and nursing as well as ongoing education for health professions in clinical and non-clinical roles.
Keeping at the forefront of medical advances, we are continually developing our clinical services as well as our facilities and are committed to maximising the range of specialist care that can be offered locally. Allied to this is a growing reputation for research and innovation.
Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust is a research active organisation.
It's established South West Clinical School in Cornwall exists to promote clinical academic career opportunities for nurses, midwives and allied health professionals interested in research and evidence-based activities. Read their research paper to find out more.
Website: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/clinical-schools/royal-cornwall-hos…
https://doi.org/10.1177/17449871231209037
Details
Date posted
30 October 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 5
Salary
£31,049 to £37,796 a year Pa pro rata
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
24 months
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
156-7502806
Job locations
The Cove Macmillan Centre
Royal Cornwall Hospital
Truro
TR1 3LJ
Job description
Job responsibilities
PLEASE NOTE: To view the full Job Description and Person Specification, please click the supporting document on the right-hand side.
To be an employee of the NHS you need to successfully complete the following:
- Identity Checks
- Professional registration and qualification checks
- Employment history and reference checks
- Occupational Health clearance
- Satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check
- Right to work in the UK
For further information please visit:
https://www.nhsemployers.org/topics-networks/employment-standards-and-r…
We reserve the right to close this advert early.
We may be able to offer flexible working. Please discuss at interview.
We may be able to offer sponsorship but this is not guaranteed.
Job descriptionJob responsibilities
PLEASE NOTE: To view the full Job Description and Person Specification, please click the supporting document on the right-hand side.
To be an employee of the NHS you need to successfully complete the following:
- Identity Checks
- Professional registration and qualification checks
- Employment history and reference checks
- Occupational Health clearance
- Satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check
- Right to work in the UK
For further information please visit:
https://www.nhsemployers.org/topics-networks/employment-standards-and-r…
We reserve the right to close this advert early.
We may be able to offer flexible working. Please discuss at interview.
We may be able to offer sponsorship but this is not guaranteed.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Professional counselling qualification to Level 4 Diploma as recognised by the BACP
- Accreditation with the BACP/UKCP (or accreditation applied for)
Desirable
- Qualifications and experience in a variety of psychotherapeutic modalities
Experience
Essential
- Ability to assess the appropriateness of counselling for patients
- Experience of providing time limited therapy using a range of therapeutic approaches
- Experience of working as a member of a team as a counsellor
Desirable
- Experience of working in an oncology &/or physical health setting
- Participation in audit and research
- Experience of delivering teaching/training
Practical and intellectual skills (including any special knowledge)
Essential
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Understanding of common psychological difficulties
Desirable
- Good teaching and presentation skills
Qualifications
Essential
- Professional counselling qualification to Level 4 Diploma as recognised by the BACP
- Accreditation with the BACP/UKCP (or accreditation applied for)
Desirable
- Qualifications and experience in a variety of psychotherapeutic modalities
Experience
Essential
- Ability to assess the appropriateness of counselling for patients
- Experience of providing time limited therapy using a range of therapeutic approaches
- Experience of working as a member of a team as a counsellor
Desirable
- Experience of working in an oncology &/or physical health setting
- Participation in audit and research
- Experience of delivering teaching/training
Practical and intellectual skills (including any special knowledge)
Essential
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Understanding of common psychological difficulties
Desirable
- Good teaching and presentation skills
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional informationDisclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name
Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust
Address
The Cove Macmillan Centre
Royal Cornwall Hospital
Truro
TR1 3LJ
Employer's website
https://www.royalcornwall.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust
Address
The Cove Macmillan Centre
Royal Cornwall Hospital
Truro
TR1 3LJ
Employer's website
Salary range
- £31,049 - £37,796 per year