At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide emotional support and guidance via a 24/7 helpline.
- Company: Join a leading health and wellbeing network making a positive impact on millions.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holiday, and perks like free breakfast and social events.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive culture in a Sunday Times 'Best Places to Work' organisation.
- Qualifications: Must have a diploma in Counselling and at least 150 counselling hours.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and BACP accreditation support.
Are you a qualified counsellor looking for a company that will invest in your development and career progression?
Portfolio are proud to be exclusively representing our Client who are a trusted health and wellbeing network who have been making a positive difference in over 15 million lives, in their search to add an Helpline Counsellor to their team. Our client offers the most comprehensive employee assistance programme on the market, giving 24/7 caring and compassionate support services to employers from organisations of all sizes, across the private, public and non-profit sector.
This is a great opportunity to join the industry leading EAP and OH provider as an EAP Counsellor.
Job Overview
Providing immediate emotional support and guidance to callers on the 24/7 helpline - completing clinical assessments and signposting appropriately. The role also includes structured telephone/video counselling clients - hours can be counted towards BACP accreditation.
Day to Day Responsibilities:
- Providing an efficient and effective telephone counselling service to all callers
- Demonstrating an ability to work with a variety of individuals and presenting issues, including those who are distressed and/or at risk
- Providing 'In the moment support' to callers, adopting a Solution Focused approach and achieving a one call resolution
Essential Skills and Competencies:
- Minimum diploma level 4 in Counselling & minimum of 150 counselling hours
- 12 months post qualification experience
- Registered member of the BACP or equivalent (or COP booked)
- Relevant telephone experience
- High level of computer literacy (MS Office, Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
- High level of organisational ability; ability to work to tight deadlines and targets
- Good communication and customer service skills
Desirable Skills and Competencies:
- Accredited with the BACP or eligible for the accreditation process
- EAP experience
- Experience of working within a target driven environment
Employee Benefits:
- BACP (or equivalent) membership and accreditation paid for
- BACP CBD Hub
- Up to £70 per month for supervision
- Monthly incentives such as weekends away!
- 25 days' holiday, plus bank holidays, holidays increase after 2- and 5-years' service
- Day off on your birthday
- Cash plan for you (and your children, if any)
- Contractual sick pay
- Private medical insurance after 5 years' service
- Pension Plan and Life Insurance
- Pension plan contributions increase after 5- and 7-years' service
- Holiday season bonus after 3 years' service
- Profit share scheme
- Season ticket loan scheme after 6 months and successful completion of probationary period
- Cycle to work scheme after 6 months and successful completion of probationary period
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme
- Free breakfast every Monday and social sessions on the last Friday of the month with free food and drink - we call this Fab Friday!
- Company incentives, access to discount schemes
- Discounted glasses/contact lenses prescription
EAP Counsellor employer: The Portfolio Group
Contact Detail:
The Portfolio Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land EAP Counsellor
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of the EAP Counsellor role. Make sure you understand the importance of providing immediate emotional support and how to effectively conduct clinical assessments over the phone or via video. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your suitability during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the counselling field, especially those who have experience in Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP). Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals or recommendations that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential interview scenarios by practising your responses to common counselling situations. Think about how you would handle distressed callers and what solution-focused techniques you would employ. This preparation will help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s values and their approach to employee wellbeing. Being able to align your personal values with theirs during conversations can make a strong impression and show that you are genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace EAP Counsellor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your counselling qualifications, relevant experience, and skills that align with the job description. Emphasise your diploma level 4 in Counselling and any post-qualification experience.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for helping others and your understanding of the role. Mention your experience with telephone counselling and your ability to provide immediate emotional support.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on essential skills such as communication, customer service, and organisational abilities. Provide examples of how you've successfully worked under pressure or met tight deadlines.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial in a counselling role.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Portfolio Group
✨Showcase Your Counselling Skills
Be prepared to discuss your counselling techniques and experiences. Highlight specific instances where you've successfully supported clients, especially in high-pressure situations. This will demonstrate your ability to provide immediate emotional support.
✨Understand the EAP Framework
Familiarise yourself with the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) model. Understand its purpose and how it operates within various organisations. This knowledge will show your commitment to the role and your understanding of the services provided.
✨Demonstrate Solution-Focused Approach
Prepare to explain how you adopt a solution-focused approach in your counselling sessions. Be ready to discuss how you achieve one-call resolutions and provide 'in the moment support' to distressed callers.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Skills
Since the role requires working to tight deadlines and targets, be sure to share examples of how you manage your time effectively. Discuss any tools or methods you use to stay organised and ensure efficient service delivery.