Remote Sessional Counsellor/Psychotherapist

This review offers a professional insight into the Remote Sessional Counsellor/Psychotherapist position at Bupa, aiming to guide potential candidates in their career journey.

Remote Sessional Counsellor/Psychotherapist at Bupa: An Opportunity for Impactful Care

Bupa presents a compelling opportunity for experienced Counsellors and Psychotherapists seeking a fulfilling remote role. This position offers a chance to make a significant difference in the lives of Bupa customers by providing high-quality mental health support. With a focus on patient-centric care and reinvestment into the business, Bupa fosters an environment where professionals can thrive and dedicate their efforts to impactful work.

Advantages for Aspiring Candidates:

• Flexible Working & Work-Life Balance: Bupa understands the importance of flexibility. This role offers both full-time and part-time hours, with a minimum commitment of three days per week. The service operates seven days a week, with various shift patterns available, allowing for a degree of control over your schedule. The remote nature of the role further enhances this flexibility, enabling you to work from home across the UK.
• Professional Development & Support: While requiring autonomy, the role emphasizes collaboration within a multi-disciplinary clinical team. You'll have opportunities to liaise with various services, receive regular clinical supervision, and contribute to the improvement of client and employee experiences. The company's commitment to reinvesting profits suggests a dedication to providing the necessary technology and resources for effective practice.
• Diverse Clinical Experience: The responsibilities outlined include providing short, medium, and longer-term counselling, conducting assessments and formulations, offering telephone and video consultations, and delivering psychoeducation. This breadth of work allows for the development and application of a diverse range of clinical skills, catering to varied client needs.
• Rewarding Benefits Package: Beyond the competitive salary of £36,500 per annum, Bupa offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your overall wellbeing. This includes generous holiday entitlement (increasing with service), enhanced pension and life insurance, travel cost support, discounted gym access, an annual performance bonus, Bupa health insurance, and access to a Digital GP. The inclusion of emotional and family mental health support further highlights Bupa's commitment to employee welfare.
• Purpose-Driven Organisation: Bupa's mission to help people live longer, healthier, happier lives, coupled with their "no shareholders" model, creates a unique environment. This focus on customer well-being and reinvestment fosters a culture where professionals can feel genuinely aligned with the company's purpose.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Rigorous Qualification Requirements: The essential qualifications are specific, requiring BACP Accredited Counsellors/Psychotherapists, NCPS Professional Accredited Registrants, or UKCP Registered Psychotherapeutic Counsellors/Psychotherapists. A minimum of 3 years of full-time post-qualification counselling experience is mandatory.
• Autonomy and Self-Management: While supported by a team, the role demands a high degree of autonomy. Candidates must be comfortable working independently, managing their own caseload, and demonstrating strong self-motivation, self-sufficiency, and efficient diary management.
• Shift Pattern Flexibility: Although flexible hours are available, candidates should be prepared to work one late shift or a Saturday/Sunday shift, with paid enhancements for weekend work. The shift pattern is subject to service demands, requiring adaptability.
• Adaptability to Remote Service Delivery: The role is entirely remote, requiring proficiency in digital communication tools and the ability to deliver effective counselling via telephone and video. Experience with electronic medical record systems is essential.
• Commitment to Clinical Excellence: Bupa emphasizes "excellent clinical outcomes" and adherence to specific case management processes. Candidates must demonstrate a strong application of clinical knowledge, a commitment to evidence-based interventions, and the ability to evaluate, plan, and prioritise workload within demanding time scales.

This Remote Sessional Counsellor/Psychotherapist position at Bupa offers a significant opportunity for experienced mental health professionals to contribute to a purpose-driven organisation while benefiting from a flexible and supportive work environment. Candidates who meet the stringent qualification and experience requirements, and who thrive in autonomous, client-focused roles, will find this a rewarding step in their career path.