Introduction to the Department
At West Midlands Police (WMP), we are committed to creating an environment that invests in, values, and improves the health and wellbeing of our people. The role of the occupational health unit is pivotal in delivering this commitment to achieve and attain a workplace culture where the wellbeing of our people is reflected in all that we do. With that in mind, the in-house Occupational Health and Wellbeing department at West Midlands Police is going through a period of change. The department welcomed a new Head of Occupational Health and Wellbeing in December 2024 which has led to some changes, as a result we have some roles to offer which will enable us to improve the multi-disciplinary services we provide for a Force which is the second largest in the country with over 7,500 officers and 3,500 police staff.
About the Role
We are seeking two Occupational Health Wellbeing Counsellors to join our great in-house Occupational Health and Wellbeing team. As a full time but fixed term role, it is a great opportunity for someone looking to pursue/continue a career in Psychological Services to join the team and support the service we provide to both the officers and staff of West Midlands Police. You will hold a formal qualification in Psychology or relevant subject and will be enthusiastic, organised, a good communicator, with a positive and flexible approach to work
The successful candidates will work as part of a multi-disciplinary clinical team including Force Medical Advisors, Occupational Health Nurse Advisors, Trauma Therapists, Occupational Health Practice Nurses, and Occupational Health Technicians. Assessment of an individual’s Psychological safety is a key aspect of this role, following the standards, policies, and guidance to reach a safe, effective and efficient decision.
A robust induction plan will provide the successful candidate with all the necessary support and advice in the early stages of employment with West Midlands Police, and following on from that induction there will be plenty of opportunity to learn and grow as an Psychological Services professional, whether that is through contribution to/participation in the development of wider service provision, and/or policy and standards.
Key Responsibilities
As Occupational Health Wellbeing Counsellor you'll:
- Support the Occupational Health activities, including providing support to those in the workplace, assist with improving absence rates, support return-to-work plans.
- Support Line Managers to appropriately promote their team members wellbeing (where appropriate) i.e., wellbeing discussions when a team member has taken a challenging / traumatic call.
- Provide appropriate support to assist with improving the retention of officers and staff, promoting, maintaining and improving the physical and mental wellbeing of all West Midlands Police colleagues.
- Support initiatives to promote safety, wellbeing, sickness absence reduction and/or reduction of restrictions (as appropriate).
- Support the collection of data to identify health trends, inform proactive/strategic wellbeing interventions, and opportunity for continuous improvement of the service delivery.
- Support with Occupational Health activities, to ensure the delivery of a holistic, preventative Occupational Health provision. Ensuring that safe, effective, high quality, efficient, and consistent services are always delivered against agreed performance targets, Force policy and statutory legislation.
- Support business contingency plans effectively and efficiently to ensure service is maintained during periods of transition and disruption.
Full Role Details
Click here to view the full details of the role including the Essential, Desirable and any educational requirements for the role.
Salary and Shifts
Salary: £32,163.00 - £37,020.00
Shift patterns: Primarily Monday to Friday, 08:00-16:00, Onsite. The post will require individuals to work outside traditional hours during evenings and weekends to support colleagues who work 24/7.
Selection Process
Online Application and Sift - You will complete an online application form, which will be reviewed against the skills, experience and behaviours required for the role.
Closing Date: 17/09/2026, 23:59 (Subject to change due to volume of applications)
Assessment and/or Interview - Candidates who successfully pass the application stage will be invited to attend an interview and/or assessment. This will provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Proposed date(s): From 05/10/2026 onwards.
Pre-Employment Checks - If you are selected as the preferred candidate, you will be required to successfully complete relevant pre-employment checks before receiving a formal offer. For internal candidates, some checks may not be required. Checks may include:
Vetting Checks - You must successfully complete the required level of Management Vetting and Security Clearance before starting the role. This may include providing information relating to your background and financial history as part of the vetting process. Click here for more information.
Medical Checks - Appointment to this role is subject to successfully completing medical checks. This may include a drugs test and, where required, a fitness assessment.
Reference Checks - You will need to provide details covering at least five years of employment, education or other relevant activity history.
We are committed to supporting candidates throughout the recruitment process and reasonable adjustments are available for those who need them.
