About this role
Job summary
Working within the legislative framework of part one of the Mental Health (Wales) Measure, to improve access to mental health support and intervention at a primary care level, for anyone experiencing mild to moderate or stable severe mental health needs, within the context of a multi-disciplinary multi-agency Primary Care Mental Health Support Service (PCMHSS).
The service is delivered to working age adults, older adults and people with a learning disability.
This is a fixed term/secondment for 12 months to cover the needs of the service.
If you are interested in applying for the secondment position, you must obtain permission from your current line manager prior to applying for this post.
Main duties of the job
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Counsellor to join the Blaenau Gwent Primary Care Mental Health Support Service (PCMHSS).
The team is seeking to appoint a Counsellor/psychological therapist to specialise in supporting adults. This is an opportunity to work within a psychologically minded service with a strong commitment to the recovery agenda and evolving services. There will be access to training and continued professional development to support you in the role.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.
About us
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) is a multi-award-winning NHS organisation serving the communities of Gwent. With more than 14,000 staff and volunteers, we provide safe, high-quality, and compassionate care across hospitals, GP practices, community services, and mental health settings. As a University Health Board, research, education, and innovation are central to our work, supporting evidence-based practice and continuous improvement.
Our work is guided by the Gwent Strategy 2025-2035, which sets out our long-term ambition to create a fairer and healthier future for our population. We focus on prevention, reducing health inequalities, and working in partnership with local authorities, voluntary organisations, and communities to improve health and wellbeing.
We are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive workplace where people feel valued, respected, and able to develop. Our values of Kindness, Integrity, and Respect shape how we care for patients and how we treat one another.
We offer a wide range of learning and development opportunities, flexible working where possible, and a comprehensive NHS benefits package. Working for ABUHB means being part of an organisation that values its people and offers the chance to build a meaningful and rewarding career while making a real difference to the lives of others.
Job description Job responsibilities
You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac
Person Specification
Skills Essential
The capacity to apply psychological approaches in a way that is congruent with the primary care culture, incorporating a range of skills to meet a broad spectrum of presenting issues Ability to adapt approach according to individuals' needs, values, capacities, social context and resources in order to practice in an inclusive way. Ability to carry out review of need and clinical risk assessment.
Experience Essential
Quantified experience of delivering brief, focussed counselling/evidence based psychological interventions (1:1, group) Experience of managing own caseload / working independently and supporting others (staff) Experience of working in mental health, primary care and/or learning disabilities services
Qualifications Essential
Post grad degree/degree in psychological therapy/counselling Accredited member of relevant professional body Additional Training as per person spec (e.g., supervision)
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).
Employer details Employer name Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
Address Ysbyty'r Tri Chwm
College Road
Ebbw Vale
NP23 6GT
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://abuhb.nhs.wales/ (Opens in a new tab)