Course Lead – Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

Purpose of the Role

To ensure that the WCP Diploma in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (PDP) is delivered to the highest quality standards.

To work within the ethos and requirements of WCP, respecting the fact that WCP is committed to working towards Equal Opportunities as outlined in the centre / training manual Equal Opportunities Policy.

Responsibilities

• To inform the Pastoral Lead, the PDP Course Committee and the Chair of TEC of any serious concerns about individual students.

• To notify the Chair of TEC if there are any professional complaints against you.

• In the event of an internal complaint, the WCP grievance procedure will apply.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities:
General

With the combined support of the PDP Course Committee:

1. To support and liaise with training staff in all aspects of the curriculum to ensure the delivery of high-quality training programmes.

2. To manage any performance issues which arise.

3. To ensure suitably qualified and experienced trainers and group conductors are employed, and that cover is available in times of absence.

Course Administration and Management

With the combined support of the PDP Course Committee:

4. To ensure that administrative requirements are carried out in advance of the course in conjunction with the Training Coordinator and the PDP Course Committee.

5. In conjunction with the Training Coordinator, ensure that records and statistics are up to date in relation to the course.

6. To attend the Training Executive Committee, monthly meetings of the PDP Course Committee, as well as fortnightly 1:2:1 meetings with the Chair of the TEC, and any other relevant meetings as requested. An attendance allowance is paid for the TEC.

7. To lead on PDP matters at the TEC.

Trainee intake

8. In conjunction with the Training Coordinator, act as the contact for enquiries from prospective trainees regarding the PDP.

9. Lead on the Open Day in respect of the PDP course, as well as other intake events.

10. To participate in the annual trainee selection panel.

11. To agree with the PDP Course Committee the outcome of each candidate’s application.

12. To consult the PDP Course Committee in relation to all matters of APEL.

Staff appointment and management

With the support of the PDP Course Committee:
13. Consultation and liaison with individual staff as appropriate.

14. The recruitment and induction of new staff (seminar leaders, tutors and group conductors) onto the course.

15. Ensure that the induction arrangements for all new course trainees/trainees are carried out.

Academic matters

16. In consultation with the PDP Course Committee, ensure that suitable seminar plans, course materials and reading lists are drawn up according to the agreed curriculum outline and learning outcomes of the course.

17. As appropriate to delegate matters of detailed course design and syllabus development to the Academic Consultant.

18. In conjunction with the Training Coordinator, to ensure that Course Handbooks, policies, procedures and other documents relating to the PDP are updated on an annual basis.

19. With the PDP Course Committee to organise the assessment of academic essays and case studies.

20. To liaise with the Training Coordinator to ensure the regular assessment of trainee progress according to the agreed criteria for each course.

Course accreditation, development and evaluation

21. Working with the PDP Course Committee, to ensure that the PDP course is at all times kept within the accreditation requirements of the BPC.

22. To ensure that the course reflects professional developments in the field.

23. In conjunction with the Training Coordinator, to evaluate the course via feedback, questionnaire and post-course review.

Additional matters

24. To be bound by the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions that came into force in July 2016, revised 2018, and the BPC Code of Ethics and Ethical Guidelines To consult with the TEC, the Clinical Services Leads, and the Office Manager as required.

25. All staff appointments and course documentation are to be approved by the TE.

26. All issues concerning staff and trainee welfare and/or performance are to be reviewed with PDP Course Committee. This does not include clinical issues which are the responsibility of the Clinical Services Leads.

27. To maintain continuous professional development and professional registration.

28. At all times to promote respect for difference and non-discriminatory practice and attitudes in compliance with the Equalities Act (2012) and good professional practice.

29. Other tasks as reasonably requested by WCP.

PERSON SPECIFICATION
1. Qualification:

1.1. A qualification in psychoanalytic or psychodynamic psychotherapy, or, with appropriate experience, psychodynamic counselling.
1.2. Current registration with the BPC or UKCP.

2. Experience:

2.1 Significant experience of working clinically as a psychodynamic practitioner.
2.2 Experience of administration and/or team leadership.
2.3 Experience of teaching adults is desirable.

3. Skills and abilities:

3.1. Ability to manage the administrative requirements of the course, including meeting deadlines.
3.2. Ability to manage trainees with a range of abilities and previous knowledge of psychodynamic theory and clinical practice.
3.3 Ability to be self-administering in terms of IT, including Microsoft Word and email systems.
3.4 Strong written and inter-personal communication skills
3.4.1 Ability to manage training staff to meet required processes and deadlines to comply with business processes and the requirements of accreditation.
3.4.2 Interviewing skills and the ability to arrive at fair decisions which meet the selection criteria.

4. Attitudes:

4.1. To support and empower trainees’ understanding of individuals’ internal worlds, interactions and group dynamics.
4.2. To address issues of prejudice and discrimination as and when they arise.
4.3. To adhere to and actively support the WCP Equal Opportunities Policy.
4.4. To be committed to team working at all levels of the organization and to leading teams as required.
4.5. To work within the ethos of WCP, demonstrating sympathy to the philosophy, aims and objectives.
4.6. To demonstrate commitment to the jointly held basic philosophy of making psychodynamic counselling and psychotherapy widely accessible.
4.7. To have a commitment to ongoing personal and professional development.