Volunteer Bereavement Counsellor

Volunteer Bereavement Counsellor

Department: Counselling Services

Location: Teesside Hospice, 1 Northgate Road, Middlesbrough, TS5 5NW

Time Requirement: Flexible to suit you; volunteering hours fall within the Bereavement Counselling Service’s opening times: Mondays 9.00am to 5.00pm, Tuesdays – Thursdays 09.00am to 7.00pm, Fridays 9.00am to 5.00pm.

DBS Check needed?: Yes

Age Requirements: 18 years old plus

Please note: We are currently unable to offer placements at this moment in time.

Role Description: We are seeking a suitably qualified counsellor with experience in bereavement services, either as a volunteer or a qualified professional, to join our bereavement services and counselling team. The post holder will work as part of the team and will hold a caseload of bereaved individuals.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Work as a key member of the Bereavement Service to ensure high-quality, ethical, and professional service delivery, aligned with the Standard Operating Policy.
2. Be a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) or an equivalent professional body and be accredited with that body.
3. Be an experienced counsellor capable of working both short-term and long-term with clients, including experience with bereavement and loss.
4. Manage a caseload as agreed with the Head of Bereavement Counselling and based on service needs.
5. Assess clients for risk and suitability, and seek support from the Head of Bereavement Counselling and/or Supervisor when dealing with complex situations.
6. Collaborate with other team members, volunteers, and the wider Hospice to provide the best support for patients and families.
7. Liaise professionally with external agencies and referrers, maintaining confidentiality guidelines.
8. Maintain accurate records in line with professional and Hospice standards, including those set by statutory bodies such as the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
9. Participate in regular supervision as required by professional standards.
10. Maintain professional competence through ongoing education, current research, and development.
11. Engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
12. Perform duties in accordance with legal, Hospice, and professional policies and guidelines.

Training Requirements:

• Teesside Hospice Mandatory Training, including Safeguarding.
• Volunteer Induction Training.

Communications:

The Head of Bereavement Services or Counselling Co-Ordinator will provide updates, training opportunities, and information about upcoming events. You will receive a Teesside Hospice volunteer badge.

Benefits:

• 20% discount on shop purchases.
• Opportunities for training and personal development.
• Reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses.
• Provided lunch for volunteers working more than 5 hours per day.
• Access to discounts with other retailers and companies.
• 10% discount at Northgate Tea Rooms.

If you\’re friendly, reliable, and eager to contribute, we\’d love to have you join our team!

To discuss this role further, please contact Tara Evans, Head of Bereavement Counselling, at 01642 811063, or see the Person Specification.

To apply, click on \’Apply Today\’ and complete our online application form.

Teesside Hospice is committed to eliminating discrimination and values diversity in the workplace.

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