Volunteer counsellors
Recruitment process for Volunteer Counsellors
Counsellors in training will need:
To have completed a certificate or foundation year in counselling
To complete our application form and return to us, together with copies of any certificates or diplomas they have already completed which relate to their counselling work
We aim to process all applications as soon as possible and successful applicants will be asked to
Attend a recruitment day, followed by an interview
Provide satisfactory references
Benefits for Volunteers
- Fortnightly supervision in groups of no more than four with very experienced supervisors in line with BACP recommendations. We can arrange the client workload to suit students who are required to have supervision at college.
- Bi-annual CPD training Days.
- The opportunity to work in small teams ensuring safety and providing support.
- Counsellors’ meetings held quarterly providing support as well as an opportunity to feedback issues or queries to the service.
- Additional support and back-up from The Counselling Partnership.
- The experience of working for an established, highly professional charity.
- The opportunity to accrue counselling, supervision and training hours that will count towards course requirements as well as BACP accreditation.
In addition to these specifications our counsellors pay £20 a month by Standing Order to subsidise supervision and administrative costs.
The Counselling Partnership has two methods of recruitment; one for qualified Counsellors and another for those in training.
Qualified Counsellors can apply by using the Qualified Application Form please contact the office . Qualified Counsellors must have completed a minimum of a two-year Diploma in Counselling and can apply to us all year round. For further information if you e-mail us or contact the office we will send out a more detailed information and answer any queries you may have.
Counsellors in training can also apply by using the Volunteer Application Form on-line this needs to be returned by post or email
Volunteer Counsellors specification
Counsellors are required to:
- Offer one three-hour session per week comprising a maximum of three fifty-minute counselling slots. Counsellors work in outreach, generally in teams of three; more experienced volunteers may be offered the opportunity to work alone.
- Commit themselves to the service for a minimum period of one year, giving two months’ notice of the intention to resign. Initially, all volunteers are offered a three-month probationary contract which will be extended after a successful probationary review. After this, placements will be reviewed annually.
- Operate according to the policies and procedures of the NSCCP. This includes a commitment to working respectfully with individual difference in line with the agency’s policy on Equal Opportunities.
- Fulfil the administrative responsibilities delegated to them as regards procedures for note keeping, communication and the handling of funds.
- Participate in regular supervision sessions provided by the NSCCP in addition to any other supervision arrangements they may have set up.
- Pay attention to their own personal development, including personal therapy, as detailed in the Person Specification.
- Participate in regular counsellor meetings which take place every two-three months.
Here are some comments made by former counsellors:
‘My journey started with the NSCCP and I believe that what I have become today is to a great extent thanks to the training and opportunities given to me by the Counselling Partnership’. (SK)
I felt very safe as a counsellor in training when I started with the NSCCP.
I was able, alongside my clients, to grow and develop with them.
I was supported in so many ways by the organisation.
I valued group supervision and training days where I was able to share and learn with my fellow counsellors.
There was fun, laughter and tears. A special combination.
I shall never forget how much the NSCCP has given me.
(KN)