Volunteer Counsellor Role Description
Role Description
We are seeking Volunteer Counsellors to join our team that provides a free Counselling Service to young people aged 12-24. It is understood that student Counsellors may have to see young people over the age of 18. Referrals come direct from young people, and from referring agencies. Sessions usually take place weekly for up to 18 weeks.
Volunteer Responsibilities:
- Counsellors hold a small case load and provide 1-1 counselling sessions to young people.
- Volunteers manage the scheduling of appointments, encourage and monitor attendance.
- They evaluate their own performance and produce monthly statistical information
- Working within best practice guidance, BACP ethical framework, JDI policies and legislation.
- Maintaining confidential records, liaising where necessary with referring agencies
- Developing best practice and adherence to BACP ethical framework for good practice. Improving professional practice through regular, ongoing supervision at a level appropriate to the Counsellor’s experience.
- Counsellors should prioritise vigilance and action regarding safeguarding and work closely with colleagues and partners to ensure children and young people are safe
Volunteering commitment
You should be able to commit to at least 4 hours a week, offering the same time slot each week. Consistency and reliability are of real importance.
Person Specification
- The Volunteer Counsellor is likely to be Diploma Qualified, seeking accreditation and wanting to develop skills in counselling young people or a student counsellor with hours accrued.
- Volunteer Counsellors should have a commitment to developing their practice and approaches specifically with young people. There should be a commitment to the ethos and values of Just Drop-In.
- Counsellors who already have experience of engaging with young people will have an advantage.
Just Drop-in Commitment to Counselling Volunteers
In exchange for your time and enthusiasm we will aim to provide the following:
- A friendly and supportive environment in which to practice, including a team that meets every 6 weeks to share information, encouragement and extra vision. Relevant training and opportunities to develop
- Expenses including a contribution of up to £75 a month towards Supervision costs for qualified Counsellors
- Opportunities to celebrate and be rewarded for your help. Access to a comprehensive library and resources.
- 1-1 support with a named staff member at JDI – Lisa Goodchild Counselling Co-ordinator
To Apply
You can apply to be a Volunteer Counsellor at any point during the year; however we do not always have vacancies. In such instances we will retain your details and contact you when a position arises. If you are interested in volunteering get in touch with Lisa Goodchild using the contact details below.