Young Persons Volunteer Counsellor (West Berkshire)

Location: West Berkshire
Days: 1 day per week

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?

We are seeking Volunteer Counsellors to work with young people aged under 18. We are specifically looking for people who have a passion for working with young people, have experience of working with young people, and have an understanding of the characteristics of a therapeutic relationship with young people.

A positive attitude and the desire to learn are essential. You also need to have a non-judgmental and supportive approach towards people who are facing problems with drugs and alcohol.

To ensure good practice standards and the safety of our therapists and the people who come to our services, we require all students to confirm the following:

• You should be in your final year of an undergraduate degree or equivalent or are at a postgraduate level. Alternatively, you should be in your third year of a Diploma, BSC, or MSC in counselling or psychotherapy training.
• If you’re not in the third year of their Diploma, Bsc, or Msc in counselling or psychotherapy training, you need to be in your second year (at least) but have undertaken (or be prepared to undertake before starting) significant and appropriate training.
• You’re expected to be a member of one of the counselling governing bodies BACP, UKCP or BPS.
• You may need to have conducted a minimum number of counselling hours.
• You’re working or intend to work towards counselling or psychotherapy accreditation.

We’ll also need you to send us the details of your previous supervisor and present college tutor information and agree that we can contact them for references.