At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide compassionate counselling support to individuals and families in need.
- Company: Join CrossReach Counselling, a leading social care provider in Scotland.
- Benefits: Receive training, supervision, and valuable experience in a supportive environment.
- Other info: Be part of a team that has changed thousands of lives for the better.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your counselling skills.
- Qualifications: Diploma in Counselling or currently studying, with a commitment to ethical practice.
CrossReach Counselling provides professional, compassionate support to individuals and families across Scotland. Our volunteer counsellors work within supportive, holistic teams, delivering high-quality counselling services to people when they need them most. We are currently recruiting Volunteer Counsellors to support our Moray service, providing:
- Adult Counselling
- Children and Young People Counselling
- Perinatal Counselling
The Role
As a Volunteer Counsellor, you will provide a professional counselling service to clients while working within CrossReach policies, procedures and ethical guidelines. You will be supported by experienced colleagues and receive the training necessary to carry out your role effectively.
You will:
- Deliver counselling sessions to allocated clients.
- Maintain professional records and associated casework.
- Work in line with professional and ethical standards.
- Attend group supervision sessions.
- Engage with training and development opportunities.
- Contribute to a safe, supportive and client-focused service.
What We're Looking For
To volunteer with us, you should:
- Have completed a Diploma in Counselling, or currently be undertaking a counselling diploma and have successfully completed your readiness to practice.
- Be committed to working within professional and ethical counselling frameworks.
- Demonstrate empathy, professionalism and a client-centred approach.
- Be willing to provide the name and contact details of your external supervisor.
For Perinatal Counselling roles, applicants must also have:
- A minimum of 50 clinical hours completed.
For those wishing to provide online counselling, applicants must have:
- Completed an ACTO-approved online counselling training course.
Training and Support
At CrossReach, we are committed to supporting our volunteers. We provide:
- Induction and role-specific training.
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities.
- Group supervision.
- A supportive and experienced team environment.
- Opportunities to gain valuable practical experience.
Professional Standards
CrossReach Counselling is an organisational member of COSCA and adheres to COSCA's Statement of Ethics and Code of Practice.
Our practitioners are either qualified and registered with a Professional Standards Authority (PSA) recognised professional body, such as:
- BACP, COSCA, BAAT or UKCP
- or are actively working towards qualification.
Additional Information
Successful applicants will be required to undertake a PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) Scheme check. CrossReach will arrange either a new PVG membership or an update to an existing membership.
We welcome applicants who demonstrate openness and respect towards CrossReach's Christian ethos.
Join Us
If you are passionate about helping others and want to use your counselling skills to make a meaningful difference within your local community, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today to join CrossReach Counselling in Moray and support adults, children, young people and families through life's challenges.
CrossReach has been at the forefront of high quality social care for over 150 years, providing loving care to people of all ages and supporting them to live life to the full whatever their circumstances. During that time, we have worked hard to understand the needs of the people who turn to us for help and with them have been at the forefront of pioneering services which have literally changed thousands of lives for the better.
Today we are one of the largest social care providers in Scotland, with experience across a broad range of services. We are still growing, learning, and improving, thanks to the incredible people we have the privilege to support, and all those who support us. We are part of the Church of Scotland and aim to provide social care services and specialist resources in Christ’s name to further the caring work of the Church to people in challenging circumstances.
As we do our work in Christ’s name you must be respectful of our Christian Ethos and be able to work within it. This post requires you to be a member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme and undertake the necessary vetting checks.
If you have any queries regarding this role or our recruitment process, please contact the Recruitment team on recruitment.team@crossreach.org.uk
Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert prior to the closing date. Therefore, please make sure you complete and submit your application at an early stage.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Counsellor in Buckie
✨Get Involved in Local Mental Health Initiatives
Dive into your community by volunteering with local mental health organisations or support groups. It’s a fantastic way to build connections, gain hands-on experience, and show your dedication to the field.
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you're a student, tap into your university career services to find volunteering opportunities in therapy and counselling. Many universities have partnerships with local clinics and organisations looking for volunteers who are passionate about helping others.
✨Join Online Therapy Communities
Hop onto platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn to find groups dedicated to therapy and counselling. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can make you more visible to those looking for volunteers, plus you’ll learn a ton along the way.
✨Keep an Eye on Local Events
Watch out for mental health awareness days or workshops happening in your area. These events can be goldmines for meeting professionals in the field, plus you might find out about volunteering openings directly from the organisers. Don’t hesitate to put yourself out there!
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Counsellor in Buckie
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:In the therapy and counselling fields, it’s super important to showcase any volunteer work or practical experience you've had. Whether it's work at a helpline, internship at a clinic, or even informal support roles, make sure to detail the skills you've gained that are relevant to the role at Crossreach.
Show Your Passion for Helping Others:In your application, let your genuine motivation for wanting to help others come through. Share personal stories or anecdotes that illustrate why you’re interested in volunteering in therapy and counselling—this helps us see your heart for it and connects your experiences to what Crossreach does.
Include Relevant Qualifications or Coursework:If you've completed any relevant courses, certifications, or even workshops related to counselling or therapy, don’t forget to mention them! Listing these in your CV can set you apart and shows that you're committed to developing your skills further, which is crucial in a volunteering role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Organisation:When crafting your cover letter for the volunteer position at Crossreach, make sure to address why you specifically want to volunteer with us. Research our values, mission, and any current initiatives we’re involved in to create a personalised letter that demonstrates your fit and enthusiasm for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Crossreach
✨Know Your Techniques
Brush up on the specific therapy techniques or approaches you've studied. Whether it's CBT, person-centred therapy, or another method, being able to discuss these in the interview will show your understanding and preparation for the role at Crossreach.
✨Show Your Empathy
Since we’re aiming for a volunteer role in therapy or counselling, be prepared to showcase your interpersonal skills and empathy. Consider having examples ready that demonstrate how you've supported others in past situations, even in non-professional contexts. This can really resonate with the interviewers.
✨Discuss Your Motivation
With volunteer roles, employers at Crossreach will be keen to hear about your motivation. Be honest about why you want to volunteer in therapy and how this experience fits into your personal or career goals. This openness can make a strong impression!
✨Reflect on Ethical Dilemmas
Be ready to tackle questions about ethical dilemmas in therapy. The interview might involve scenario-based questions where they want to see how you prioritize client welfare and confidentiality. Think through a few examples so you can respond confidently during the chat!
