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- Tasks: Support children and young people through counselling and therapeutic activities.
- Company: Sunflower Garden, a leading social care provider in Scotland.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, access specialist training, and make a real difference.
- Other info: Flexible volunteering hours with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help transform lives in your community.
- Qualifications: Diploma level in Counselling or related field; experience with children preferred.
Sunflower Garden works with Edinburgh based children and young people aged 5 to 18 who are affected by drug and/or alcohol use within their family. The staff group is multi-disciplinary, with backgrounds in social work, education, health and counselling. At Sunflower Garden, children and young people benefit from having a safe and confidential space where they can explore their emotions, thoughts and feelings whilst developing positive coping strategies. We are also able to offer parents and carers their own counselling too.
We understand that the support we provide needs to be specific to the needs of each child/young person and family and so we offer a range of tailored therapeutic support such as:
- Counselling (including art and play therapy)
- 1-to-1 Therapeutic Support
- Group work
We now have the opportunity for counselling volunteers to join our team. We are looking for counsellors, art and play therapists (and those in training) who want to be part of an expert therapeutic team, working in a supportive environment and proactively responding to the mental well-being challenges faced by children and their families in Edinburgh.
As part of the team you will be able to access in-house specialist therapeutic training and be the first to hear about CrossReach Counselling career opportunities. You will need to be qualified (or working towards qualification) to Diploma level in Counselling or other therapeutic discipline and able to contribute volunteer hours for a minimum of 12 months to ensure we are able to provide continuous support to our children/parents. We are recruiting volunteers to work with both children and adults.
However, please note that to work with children and young people in the service you must be able to demonstrate that you meet the COSCA Competencies for working with Children and Young People.
We welcome applications from students completing a Counselling diploma, Play or Art Therapy course and who have completed their first placement and completed a minimum of 50 placement hours. Please note that whilst we cannot guarantee the specific age of clients that you will work with, we will do our best to accommodate your interests where possible. Please clearly state your qualifications, number of clinical hours and your experience relating to the above criteria in your application.
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.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES
- Application Process: Please apply for this post by completing the application process on Jobtrain.
- CV Upload: DO NOT upload a CV as this will not be used for shortlisting purposes.
- Deadline: Posts close at midnight on the indicated date.
- Application Assistance: For help completing an application on Jobtrain, please click here.
- Communication: Please note that most of our communication is via email; therefore, please ensure you enter your email address accurately and ensure that “Jobtrain” and “CrossReach” are marked as safe email addresses.
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- Amendments: Once you have submitted your application form, you will be unable to make any amendments.
Volunteer Counsellor in Edinburgh employer: Crossreach
Contact Detail:
Crossreach Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Counsellor in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Sunflower Garden and understand their mission and values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former volunteers and staff on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up about upcoming opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions related to counselling and working with children. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the role, so you can share relevant stories that highlight your skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, keep an eye on your email for updates and be ready to respond quickly if they reach out!
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Counsellor in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. We want to see how your skills and experiences align with what we're looking for, so make sure you understand the role and its requirements.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! We love it when candidates personalise their responses. Highlight your relevant qualifications and experiences that match the needs of the role, especially your counselling background.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your experience and how it relates to the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our website as instructed. This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Crossreach
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the specific needs of children and young people affected by substance use. Familiarise yourself with the COSCA Competencies for working with Children and Young People, as this will show your commitment and readiness to engage with the role.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, express your genuine passion for helping children and families. Share personal experiences or motivations that led you to pursue counselling, especially in a challenging environment like Sunflower Garden.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and emotional intelligence. Think about how you would handle various situations involving children or parents, and be ready to discuss your approach to providing tailored support.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask insightful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and the types of therapeutic approaches used. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values and goals.