VOLUNTEER COUNSELLOR

ROLE AND RESONSIBILITIES

Time Commitment: Up to 4 x 50-minute counselling sessions per week (negotiable in consultation with Operations Manager)

1 x 2-hour Group Supervision per month

1 x 1-hour Individual Supervision per month

Base: Bath / Midsomer Norton

Responsibilities

To provide a time-sensitive counselling for young people aged 10-25 underpinned with a value base including respect, empowerment, choice and equality of access. The Counsellor is asked to

1.  Commit to offering weekly counselling sessions in a regular timeslot.

2.  Commit to volunteer for a minimum of 1 year.

3.  Commit to attend monthly individual and group supervision.

4.  Abide by the ethical guidelines set out in the BACP Ethical Framework.

5.  Maintain and reflect upon professional boundaries.

6.  Keep appropriate records in line with Off the Record’s protocols and procedures.

7.  Ensure that any Safeguarding concerns are referred to the Off the Record Safeguarding Officer in line with the organisation’s Safeguarding Policy.

8.  Be sensitive to the need for consistency for clients when arranging holidays or breaks.

9.  Consider and reflect upon one’s own fitness to practice and to seek out appropriate professional support and services as the need arises.

10.  Participate constructively in training and skills-sharing opportunities wherever possible.

11.  Contribute to co-operative working across the services within Off the Record, ensuring effective and accessible communication with staff and other volunteers.

12.  Promote equal opportunities practices and take positive steps to counter discrimination

General

·  The post holder will be expected to be responsible for his/her own personal health, safety and welfare in the workplace.

·  There is an expectation that all staff and volunteers have a commitment to safeguarding young people / keeping them safe.

Appointments will be subject to satisfactory references and DBS.

VOLUNTEER COUNSELLOR

PROFILE

Essential / Evidence
Qualifications / A / I / E / D
·  Diploma/degree in Counselling/Psychotherapy, or to be undertaking a diploma/degree in Counselling/Psychotherapy, having completed a minimum of 50 counselling hours in another setting. / X / X
Experience/ Knowledge
·  Good understanding of issues affecting children and young people. / X / X / X
·  Commitment and ability to use counselling supervision constructively. / X
·  Good understanding of humanistic & integrative approaches to counselling. / X / X
·  Awareness of the developmental stages associated with childhood and adolescence. / X / X
·  Good verbal communication skills and an ability to express oneself clearly in writing. / X / X / X
·  Able to understand and promote equal opportunities and diversity. / X / X
·  Good administrative skills. / X
Skills/ Competencies
·  Ability to understand and work within professional and ethical boundaries (BACP). / X / X
·  Ability to maintain confidentiality and to deal with situations which could be upsetting or challenging. / X / X
·  Ability to understand the diverse skills required to work with children and young people, including creativity, adaptability and flexibility. / X / X / X
·  Ability to demonstrate and maintain the personal moral qualities as set out in the BACP Ethical Framework, including integrity, respect and fairness. / X / X
·  Ability to demonstrate reflective and reflexive practice and a commitment to CPD (Continuing Professional Development). / X / X
·  Understanding and commitment to Equal Opportunities. / X / X
DESIRABLE
Experience / X / X
·  Experience of working in a young people’s setting or counselling service.
·  Experience of working effectively within a team of volunteers. / X / X