Bibliotherapist

Job Vacancy Bibliotherapy is a programme which aims to support those suffering from mild to moderate mental health issues through the use of reading. As Bibliotherapist you will engage with those suffering from mild to moderate mental health issues through a programme of group activities based around reading and the written word in its many formats. Your major tasks will include developing and implementing the Bibliotherapy service to the citizens of Midlothian, supporting and empowering participants to improve confidence, self esteem and interpersonal skills by reading, discussing and debating in small informal groups, promoting the use and enjoyment of reading to those with mild to moderate mental health issues, stress, anxiety and social isolation. You will be based within the Library Service but will work in partnership with a number of health service, care agencies and other Council departments. Educational/vocational qualifications required Essential Educated to Degree level or equivalent with previous experience in research and report writing with an understanding of how people learn and to be able to demonstrate knowledge of literature, authors and reading. Desirable degree/post graduate qualification in relevant subject Counselling or mental health qualification Experience required Essential relevant demonstrable experience in a reader/community development or mental health environment experience of facilitating group activities working autonomously with a wide range of professionals. Desirable experience of working with people with mild to moderate mental health issues partnership working Knowledge required Essential awareness of common mild to moderate mental health issues Experience in post to be competent knowledge of literature, authors and reading; Bibliotherapy Service; CLOSING DATE; Friday 26th October 2018 INTERVIEW DATE; Monday 12th November 2018 Job Advert Position Title: Bibliotherapist Position Number: DCF2001 Directorate: Health and Social care Location: Various / Flexible Contract Status: Fixed term 8 months from start date Hours of Work: 18 Working Pattern: To be agreed with Successful applicant Weeks per year: 52 Please note that it is Midlothian Councils policy that successful applicants will be appointed to the first point on the salary scale. Based on you working 18 hours over 52 weeks per year the minimum actual salary for this position is £12,388.58 per annum. Requirements This post is considered Regulated Work with Adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act, 2007. Therefore, it is an offence to apply if you are barred from working with protected adults. Successful candidates will require PVG Scheme membership for Regulated Work with protected adults. You will be required to join the Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check prior to commencing employment with Midlothian Council, the cost of which will be met by you.For further information on the PVG Scheme please visit Additional Information If you have difficulty applying for this post or accessing attached documents, or if you have a disability and reasonable adjustment is required, please callto speak to a member of the Recruitment Team stating the post reference number. Midlothian Council is currently undergoing a period of transformation, changing and improving the way it delivers services in Midlothian. As a consequence, there are a number of existing employees for whom we are committed to seeking suitable alternative employment within the Council in accordance with our legal obligations. Candidates are advised that, for some vacancies, internal candidates in this situation will be interviewed before the wider selection pool and a slightly longer delay may be experienced before application outcomes can be advised to you. Thank you for your patience in this matter.