Head of Support Services – Fighting Blindness – Dublin 2

Posted under Clerical / Assistants on April 11th, 2023

This position
is unique in providing a platform to manage and develop a growing suite of counselling and support services nationally that are intentionally designed to serve a client base of people who are living with sight loss. Fighting Blindness is a charity that is actively researching causes and potential therapies for degenerative sight loss and in parallel working to deliver practical and emotional support to those who are affected through its Insight Counselling Service.
The primary purpose of this role is to work alongside the senior executive to manage and further develop the Insight Counselling Service, driving and maintaining the highest standards of clinical practice and ensuring promotion of the support services available.
There are two distinct aspects to the role: the provision of therapy to clients and the ongoing and strategic management of the service.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Provide counselling and psychotherapy to adult clients of the Insight Counselling Service.
Assist with recruitment and management of a panel of counsellors.
Oversee provision of range of charity’s support services (including group work, peer support).
Responsible for providing clinical governance to team of counsellors and volunteers.
Work with the CEO to manage department budget, funding, and exploring funding opportunities.
Reporting on activity to Board and funders as required.
Ensure excellence in clinical delivery, service management and processes using best practice and latest research
Liaise with management to develop and promote our existing services nationwide
Work with the CEO and management team to further develop an integrated counselling and support service strategy that underpins the organisational and departmental objectives.
Act in accordance with the objectives and ethos of the charity and its regulators
Act in accordance with the code of ethics and practice set out by their counselling governing body.
Essential Experience & Skills
Third level qualification in a relevant discipline (to Masters level would be desirable)
Clinical accreditation (PSI, IAHIP, IACP or comparable bodies)
A minimum of three years post accreditation clinical practice experience
Proven skills managing a clinical team with direct employees and / or contracted counsellors
Knowledge and/or experience of working with people with visual impairment a distinct advantage
Clear ability to act as a senior manager in a progressive environment
Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills
Good working knowledge of relevant legislation (e.g. Children First)
Line management: Reporting to CEO