Specialist Maternity Counsellor

Specialist Maternity Counsellor

The closing date is 27 January 2026

An Exciting opportunity has risen for an individual who would like to work as part of the specialist maternity counselling services at Saint Mary's managed clinical service as part of the specialist hospital clinical group. The post holder will be working within a team to develop and co ordinate the counselling service across the MCS, for parents who have suffered major complications of pregnancy and delivery. In addition to the clinical service, they will also be responsible for balancing, liaison, and administrative aspects of the counselling service. The post holder must demonstrate a commitment to providing psychological and therapeutic interventions for mothers/fathers and couples on a range of complex and sensitive issues specific to pregnancy, for example (not exclusive to) traumatic birth, tokophobia (fear of labour), pregnancy loss (including termination of pregnancy for foetal/maternal conditions and stillbirth, miscarriage and neonatal loss), issues surrounding surviving twins/triplets, and support with next pregnancy.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will offer face to face or virtual psychological and emotional support to identified families in line with MFT Values and behaviours.

Undertake assessments of all patients referred at any stage of pregnancy or postpartum, many of whom present with multiple and complex issues (e.g. mental health concerns, psychiatric histories and/or safeguarding concerns) in order to establish appropriateness of treatment including emotional support as and when this is required and risk assessment.

Carry a caseload of individual (in patient and out patient) and couple counselling, providing short, medium and longer term counselling and support as required.

Deliver specialist therapeutic counselling to patients including bereavement and pregnancy loss, next pregnancy support.

The post holder is responsible and accountable for matters of professional clinical judgement. They may seek advice and guidance as required and appropriate from liaison psychiatry or other accredited psychotherapy/clinical psychology colleagues and other healthcare specialists.

Maintain professional standards of competence, confidentiality and conduct consistent with those set out in the professional code of conduct as drawn up by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) or other recognised professional counselling/psychotherapy bodies and appropriate ethical frameworks.

About us

Join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and become part of a 30,000 plus strong team, delivering exceptional care to over 1 million people every year. As the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe, we are forward thinking, committed to clinical excellence and driven to deliver innovation and continuous improvement. Whether you're beginning your career or taking the next step, MFT offers a stimulating and supportive environment where your contribution truly matters. Our Hive Electronic Patient Record system enables safer, smarter, and more efficient ways of working - empowering you to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients. You'll be part of a collaborative, multi disciplinary community, working alongside professionals from a wide range of clinical backgrounds. Together, we push boundaries, share knowledge, and deliver care that transforms lives. At MFT, you'll find a workplace where everyone is respected, supported, and encouraged to thrive. We offer clear clinical pathways for professional development, helping you grow your skills and achieve your ambitions.

Diversity Matters

MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.

Person Specification Qualifications

• Diploma or above in counselling or psychotherapy.
• BACP accreditation or accreditation with another recognised professional counselling/psychotherapy body.
• Qualification in counselling supervision.

Training & Experience

• Significant perinatal experience in NHS, public or voluntary sector including short, medium and longer term work.
• Experience in counselling on a wide range of problems to individuals, couples and families such as anxiety, depression, bereavement, psychosexual issues, trauma, PTSD.
• Experience in managing crisis oriented and trauma situations.
• Proven ability to work in a multidisciplinary setting.
• Experience in Obstetrics and Neonatology.
• Training and development of doctors, midwives and nurses in psychological care of patients in Obstetrics and Neonatology and couple counselling.

Skills & Abilities

• Experience in video and telephone counselling.
• Understanding of the complex and sensitive psychological needs of bereaved parents.
• Knowledge of the specialist psychological issues linked to pregnancy loss (stillbirth, miscarriage and neonatal death), termination of pregnancy, surviving twin/triplet.
• Group facilitation and teaching skills with staff.
• Understanding of audit process and ability to present findings at senior management meetings.

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.

Salary

£47,810 to £54,710 a year per annum, pro rata.