Psycho-oncology counsellor/psychotherapist: Basingstoke, Hampshire

To deliver inpatient and outpatient counselling/ psychotherapy to patients referred to the psycho-oncology service.

To provide therapy to those experiencing mild to moderate distress (Level 3 NICE 2004 guidelines) related to their cancer diagnosis in order to improve patients’ coping strategies and quality of life. This includes dealing with issues such as shock of diagnosis, adjustment to treatment, facing advanced disease and long-term effects.

To exercise professional responsibility and coordination of caseload including assessment, therapeutic and discharge of patients following therapeutic sessions, communicating with the referrer and others involved in the patient care as required.

To undertake risk assessment and risk management for individual patients, recognising your own skill set and when to escalate/ refer back to the psycho-oncology team if appropriate.

To work as part of a 4-tier model working within a MDT psycho-oncology service supporting the provision of training to non-mental health staff (at Level 1 and Level 2  NICE 2004) and providing supervision support following training.

Maintain patient records that adhere to the department, Trust and professional guidelines specifically protecting the patient’s confidentiality unless negotiated otherwise for the patient’s best interest.

To maintain a high degree of professionalism and work at all times guided by the relevant professional organisation.