Senior Lecturer in Counselling and Psychotherapy

About the role

The University of Derby
At the University of Derby, innovation and change is in our DNA. That is why 34,000 students (including 1,700 from overseas), whose futures we are transforming through industry-relevant, expert teaching, have opted to study with us. It’s also why we’ have redefined the way we approach Counselling and Psychotherapy which sits within our School of Psychology,  at the heart of our College of Health, Psychology and Social Care. Striving to meet our goal of diversity, inclusivity, and equality, our staff are recognised as going above and beyond for our students, our partners, our local community, and the field of Counselling and Psychotherapy overall.. 

The Role 
Sitting within the Discipline of Professional Psychological Practice, we are looking for an individual who will redefine learning and teaching for our exciting and innovative postgraduate Counselling and Psychotherapy NHSE commissioned programmes. Specifically, this role will include the teaching of core aspects of counselling and psychotherapy in the context of children and young people with mental health difficulties. Through research and practice informed teaching that embraces a range of theoretical approaches and working with many organisations and agencies across the region, we are committed to providing an excellent student experience at every level. Simply, we put students at the heart of everything we do. In addition, the successful candidate will experience close involvement in the future direction and development of the department, as well as benefit from extensive support to pursue their own research ideas and contribute to our high-quality research profile. 

You 
We are looking for an individual with excellent interpersonal and organisational skills. You will be able to communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences. You will be a passionate advocate for Cognitive Behavioural Therapies (CBT) within a Counselling and Psychotherapy environment, sharing our determination to operate at the forefront of this exciting and evolving discipline. Most importantly, you will be a true innovator, whose fresh and inspiring approaches will help us take our place as one of the leading global universities in this field. Ideally educated to masters level in CBT, applicants must have practice experience of working with children and young people with mental health difficulties. In addition, applications from individuals who have a PhD (or are nearing submission) would be welcomed, or equivalent practice achievement. Accreditation with the BABCP is essential. You will also be able to demonstrate a commitment to your own CPD. Experience of teaching and assessing, module leadership, and developing curricula in HE is desirable and ideally you will have Fellowship of the HEA (or you will be willingness to work towards this with 18 months of joining us). Engagement with scholarship and/or research and evidence of income generation would be welcomed although it not essential as support in this area will be given to the successful candidate. 

Principal accountabilities

Learning / Teaching

1. Lead on, or contribute to the leadership within, the subject area on undergraduate, postgraduate, professional and post-experience programmes.
2. Teach and facilitate learning on core and optional modules relating to the academic discipline.
3. Ensure that module / programme design and delivery comply with the quality standards and regulations of the University.
4. Contribute to the development of learning and teaching strategies and ensure that knowledge from research and scholarly activities informs and enhances learning and teaching, as well as extending it to appropriate external activities such as knowledge transfer activities.
5. Undertake relevant module leadership responsibilities and take on other programme-related work that may include marketing, recruitment, and learning and teaching development.
6. Supervise student projects at undergraduate / postgraduate levels.
7. Develop innovative approaches to learning and teaching, such as blended or online, to encourage student centred learning.
8. Ensure effective monitoring of student progress and provide advice and guidance to staff and students as appropriate.

Research / Scholarship

1. Contribute to, take the lead on, plan, develop and conduct research objectives, projects and proposals within the broader programme. Deliver research outcomes that will contribute to the REF.
2. Acquire, analyse, interpret and evaluate research findings / data using approaches, techniques, models and methods selected or developed for the purpose.
3. Contribute to income generation by supporting innovative research proposals and funding bids, working where appropriate within Research Centres and Colleges.
4. Disseminate and explain research findings through leading peer-reviewed national publications (and international where appropriate), conferences and other appropriate media.
5. Ensure adherence to ethical standards in the projects for which the role holder are responsible.
6. Take a leading role in the development and delivery of business engagement activities, developing entrepreneurial links with external organisations.
7. Identify own professional needs and undertake appropriate training and staff development.

Other

1. Act as a personal tutor, supporting and mentoring students as appropriate
2. Provide pastoral care to students, referring when necessary to services that provide further support.
3. Liaise with international partners as required on existing and future collaborations.
4. Contribute to new initiatives at appropriate levels.
5. Build on existing research networks, furthering contacts with external organisations such as funding bodies.
6. Actively seek out and develop opportunities for interdisciplinary research both across the University and externally.

Observe and implement University policies and procedures.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

• MSc in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or related subject
• Accredited with BABCP
• Senior Fellowship of the Advanced HE (HEA) or willingness to work towards (within 18 months)
• PhD or equivalence accepted in a relevant subject area, for example by publication or through appropriate professional achievement
• Subject specific qualifications / knowledge

Experience

Learning / Teaching

• Demonstrable experience of delivering effective learning, teaching and assessment in Higher Education to undergraduate and postgraduate students
• Demonstrable experience of successful curriculum development or within a professional environment.
• Demonstrable experience of effectively designing and implementing a range of formative and summative assessments for undergraduate and postgraduate (include professional where appropriate) programmes
• Significant experience of excellent teaching identified by peer review
• Proven experience of module and programme leadership

Research / Scholarship

• Experience and achievement in Counselling and Psychotherapy, reflected in growing and consistent national reputation
• Evidence of publishing in high quality (“REF able”) journals or other outputs in research or practice
• Experience and/or knowledge / expertise in research methodologies appropriate to Counselling and Psychotherapy

Skills, knowledge & abilities

• An appropriate level of digital capability and aptitude with practical experience of applications which enhance student learning
• Ability to communicate with clarity on complex and conceptual ideas to those with limited knowledge and understanding as well as to peers, using high level skills and a range of media
• Excellent ability to build relationships and collaborate with others, internally and externally
• A high level ability to think critically and promote innovation and creativity
• Demonstrable practice experience of working with children and young people with mental health difficulties.
• Demonstrates competences, core behaviours and supplementary behaviours that support and promote the University’s core values
• Demonstrates professionalism in learning / teaching and the values of the UK Professional Standards Framework for HE
• Committed to continual enhancement and a high quality student experience
• Promotes a high performance culture, fostering continuous improvement and driving quality
• A sound knowledge of the employability agenda and its relevance to learners and the curriculum

Business requirements

• Able to take a flexible approach to work
  • Travel between sites and occasionally overseas for research or teaching
  • Some evening and occasional weekend teaching
  • Attendance at Open Days, Graduation events etc.
  • A commitment to own professional development

Desirable Criteria

Qualifications

• Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education or equivalent qualification

Experience

Learning / Teaching

• Experience of quality assurance and validation of HE modules/ programmes
• Experience of supervising undergraduate projects and postgraduate research students, providing training and some teaching as appropriate

Research / Scholarship

• Track record in gaining support for significant externally funded research and consultancy projects, e.g. with industry, commerce, public bodies
• A growing international reputation in the academic discipline

Skills, knowledge and abilities

• Ability to devise, advise on and manage research programmes
• Developing skills in providing leadership to small research teams
• A sound knowledge of the QAA Quality Code and HEFCE’s Operating Model for Quality Assurance
• A sound knowledge of the current higher education environment and its implications for the student learning experience

As well as competitive pay scales, we offer generous holiday entitlement. We also offer opportunities for further salary progression based on performance, and the opportunity to join a contributory pension scheme.

Find out more about pay and benefits

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect everyone who works for us to also share this commitment and to treat people with courtesy and respect.