At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide creative counselling and therapy to children and families using innovative approaches.
- Company: Cocoon Kids, a community-focused organisation dedicated to mental health support.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, meaningful work, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity to develop outreach initiatives and enhance your professional skills.
- Why this job: Join a friendly team and help under-resourced communities thrive through creative therapy.
- Qualifications: Relevant qualifications in counselling or therapy and experience with children and families.
Overview
Volunteer Creative Counsellor and Play Therapist (or similar) for Cocoon Kids – Creative Counselling and Play Therapy CIC. You will support priority, under-resourced children and young people and their families to access fully-funded, longer-term counselling/therapy sessions as appropriate.
Responsibilities
- Provide face-to-face and/or remote counselling/therapy with children and young people aged 3-19 and their families using a holistic, person-centred or humanistic approach.
- Develop outreach provision at nurseries, schools, colleges, and organisations to meet increased demand.
- Build strong therapeutic relationships with families and support long-term mental health equity.
- Apply Trauma-Informed approaches and understanding of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), including any lived experience if applicable.
- Utilise creative interventions (play, art, drama, movement, dance, music, sand, etc.) alongside talk-based approaches.
- Work with priority and socio-economically under-resourced communities; understand barriers they may face.
- Keep children and families central in counselling and therapy; ensure accessibility and inclusivity; contribute ideas to service improvement.
- Adhere to safeguarding and child-protection requirements and maintain up-to-date practice.
Qualifications
- Skills/registrations: BACP, BAPT, PTUK, BAAT or other membership/registration; or equivalent.
- Up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding and child protection; ability to work independently and communicate clearly.
- Experience with mental health and wellbeing challenges, socio-economic deprivation, and marginalised communities; understanding housing insecurity impact.
- Experience of face-to-face and remote working with children, young people and families.
Why apply?
Join a small, friendly team, organise your time around your schedule, and contribute to a community-focused service that supports priority groups during challenging times.
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Volunteer Creative Counsellor and Play Therapist (or similar) | Cocoon Kids - Creative Counsell[...] employer: Cocoon Kids - Creative Counselling and Play Therapy CIC
Contact Detail:
Cocoon Kids - Creative Counselling and Play Therapy CIC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Creative Counsellor and Play Therapist (or similar) | Cocoon Kids - Creative Counsell[...]
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the mental health and creative therapy fields. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet people who might know about opportunities at Cocoon Kids or similar organisations.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your creative interventions and therapeutic approaches. This could include examples of play therapy, art projects, or any innovative methods you've used. It’ll help you stand out when you chat with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to Cocoon Kids or other organisations you’re interested in. Express your passion for supporting under-resourced communities and ask if they have any upcoming volunteer opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning! Stay updated on the latest trends in creative counselling and play therapy. Consider taking online courses or attending webinars. This not only boosts your knowledge but also shows your commitment to professional development when you land that interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Creative Counsellor and Play Therapist (or similar) | Cocoon Kids - Creative Counsell[...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your passion for supporting children and families shine through. We want to see why you care about mental health and how you can make a difference in the lives of under-resourced communities.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have with creative counselling or play therapy. We love seeing how your background aligns with our mission, so don’t hold back on sharing those stories that showcase your skills!
Be Person-Centred: Remember to emphasise your person-centred approach in your application. We’re looking for someone who understands the importance of building strong therapeutic relationships, so share examples of how you've done this in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: Finally, don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity to join our friendly team at Cocoon Kids.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cocoon Kids - Creative Counselling and Play Therapy CIC
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the principles of creative counselling and play therapy. Brush up on trauma-informed approaches and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Since the role involves using creative interventions, think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve used art, drama, or other creative methods in your work. Be ready to share how these approaches have positively impacted children and families.
✨Understand the Community
Research the specific challenges faced by under-resourced communities. Be prepared to discuss how you can help overcome barriers to access for these families. This shows that you’re not just interested in the role, but also in making a real difference.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about their outreach strategies or how they measure the success of their programmes. It demonstrates your genuine interest in the organisation and its mission.