Overview of the role
Jacinta’s Smile offers counselling to children and young adults who have experienced sibling bereavement. The organisation is currently putting together a panel of suitable therapists who are qualified to work with bereaved children (ages 7 – 17) and young adults (ages 18 – 25). It is envisioned that once families engage the services of Jacinta’s Smile, they will be assigned a key counsellor within their area with whom they can work. Counselling fees will be shared equally between Jacinta’s Smile and the family receiving support.

Location
Qualified counsellors across Ireland are being sought to be part of Jacinta’s Smile Counsellor database. Once a client with bereavement needs presents in a locality, Jacinta’s Smile will link the counsellor in the closest physical proximity to that family for support.

Duties and responsibilities
Jacinta’s Smile counsellors will offer 6 – 8 sessions to clients, but this number may vary according to need. The counsellor will need the appropriate knowledge and background to make further referrals to additional services or agencies to support the wider family unit as required.
Counsellors have a duty to keep adequate client records and to share pertinent session information with Jacinta’s Smile. Counsellors will also be required to link in with Jacinta’s Smile Clinical Manager as required and to attend clinical supervision.

Essential Requirements
Have the requisite knowledge, skills and competencies to carry out the role to a high standard;
Be a fully qualified counsellor holding the appropriate honours degrees from professional bodies;
Possess a minimum of one-year post registration work experience in supporting bereaved children and young adults experiencing bereavement;
Have experience of using innovative therapeutic practices to support children and young adults affected by trauma and grief;
Have experience of drafting, implementing, and amending a care plan to support bereaved children and young adults;
Deal with highly confidential information in a very discreet manner;
Operate in a therapeutic environment that can securely store confidential documents;
Possess a high degree of emotional intelligence including an ability to display empathy and compassion;
Possess comprehensive professional indemnity insurance;
Have access to professional supervision.

Desirable
Ability to work face-to-face with clients or be available to counsel on virtual platforms;
Knowledge using talk therapy and a high level of competency in using a range of relevant and up-to-date counselling techniques appropriate for working with children and young adults;
Possess three years counselling experience post qualification;
Demonstrate a strong ability to work with an organisation or in a team;
Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Application Process
Applicants should email their current Curriculum Vitae along with a cover letter and the names and contact details of two referees to info@jacintassmile.ie. Once your application has been received, a shortlisting process will take place.

Closing date for receipt of completed applications is Tuesday, 30th June at 5.00p.m.