Volunteer Counsellor (Harrow)

How you can help

As a Volunteer Counsellor, you’ll:

• See a minimum of three clients and a maximum of six clients per week.
• Keep accurate records of your work in line with Via policy.
• Feedback any issues to your line manager/supervisor.
• Attend training in agreement with your clinical supervisor.
• Follow all Via policies and procedures.

You’ll also be invited to participate in meetings and carry out other tasks where necessary to support the needs of the counselling service.

The role would be ideal if you’re looking to develop your therapeutic experience in the drug and alcohol field and accrue counselling hours towards your future accreditation with BPS, BACP or UKCP.

What skills do you need?

The role would be ideal for someone looking to develop their therapeutic experience in the drug and alcohol field and accrue some counselling hours towards your future accreditation with BPS, BACK, UKCP. While some knowledge of the sector is desirable, we are specifically looking for people who have a passion for the work that we do. A positive attitude and the desire to learn are essential, as is a non-judgemental and supportive approach to people who are facing problems with drugs and alcohol.

To ensure good practice standards and to maximise the safety of both the therapists and the clients at Via we require all students to confirm and adhere to the following:

• Trainees are in their final year of an undergraduate degree or equivalent, or are at a postgraduate level. Alternatively, students should be in their third year of a Diploma, BSC,or MSC in counselling or psychotherapy training.
• If students are not in the third year of their Diploma, Bsc, or Msc in counselling or psychotherapy training, trainees need to be in their second year (at least) but have undertaken (or be prepared to undertake prior to seeing clients) significant and appropriate training.
• Trainees are expected to be a member of one of the counselling governing bodies BACP or UKCP.
• Trainees may need to have conducted a minimum number of counselling hours
• Trainees are working or intend to work towards counselling or psychotherapy accreditation
• Previous details of supervisor and present college tutor information should be sent to Via and agreed that Via can ask supervisor and tutor for references.
• In some cases, at the discretion of the service, students may need to provide their own clinical supervision

Location: Harrow
Days: 1 day per week