At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide counselling and support for individuals facing substance misuse issues.
- Company: Murray’s Initiative, a charity dedicated to reducing alcohol and drug-related harm.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, competitive salary, and opportunities for continuous learning.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Diploma in counselling or equivalent, with experience in addiction services preferred.
Based within GCA’s Head Office in North Claremont Street with some travel throughout Glasgow for service delivery. Part-time – 15-16 hours per week (2 posts). Mainly business hours but to include Monday evening or Saturday.
Murray’s Initiative (formally known as Glasgow Council on Alcohol) is an independent Scottish charity that works to reduce alcohol and drug-related harm at both individual and community levels. Established in 1965, Murray’s Initiative adopts a long-term, trauma-informed and asset-based approach to changing the culture around substance use. Its services are built on a person-centred, harm-reduction model, supporting people whether their goal is to reduce consumption or achieve abstinence.
Murray’s Initiative offers free, confidential counselling services for people concerned about their own or someone else's drinking. Murray’s Initiative delivers a range of interventions including groupwork and employability support as well as a number of holistic and inclusive services, such as a women’s service for survivors of gender-based violence, young person’s peer education service, LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing support and tailored wellbeing programmes.
The role of the counsellor is to provide a counselling, advice and information service for individuals aged 16 and over with their own problematic alcohol or drugs use. The service is delivered from our offices in Glasgow and within community settings throughout Glasgow and surrounding areas. The Counsellor will report to the Counselling Practice Manager.
This post requires a Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme membership - successful applicants will be required to join the PVG Scheme for both adults and children.
Key Responsibilities of the Counsellor:- Provide a counselling service to adults presenting with issues relating to their alcohol and/or drug use.
- Contribute to Murray’s Initiative meeting the national waiting times target for addiction services of referral to treatment in three weeks or less.
- Conduct high quality, person-centred assessments and deliver a counselling service to individuals impacted by alcohol and/or drugs, adopting Murray’s Initiative’s integrative counselling approach.
- Ensure all paperwork is completed accurately and professionally and work with the admin team to ensure that the counselling database and reports are kept accurate and up to date.
- Attend regular practice supervision, line management and team meetings, and participate in appropriate meetings and training opportunities.
- Adhere to the ethical frameworks of the appropriate governing body (COSCA) and follow all organisational policies and procedures, including health and safety.
- Produce high-quality, accurate case studies of counselling clients for use in reports and training.
- Contribute to service promotion by attending partner meetings in a professional manner.
- Undertake any other duties as required by the Counselling Practice Manager.
A diploma qualification in counselling, or equivalent, ideally with post-qualification counselling experience. Training in Addiction field or experience working in alcohol, drugs or addiction fields. Evidence knowledge of issues faced by adults with problematic alcohol and/or drugs use, with a harm-reduction approach to alcohol and/or drugs issues. Demonstrate experience of inter-agency working and working in community settings to be able to provide a high standard of support to clients alongside different services. Demonstratable alignment with the Core Conditions for a counsellor.
Competitive salary and benefits package: Very generous annual leave entitlement: full time employees start with an annual leave entitlement of 37 days (inclusive of 12 bank holidays) which increases with length of service. Death in service policy. Cycle to work scheme where employees can save money on a new bike and spread the cost. Opportunities for continuous learning and career development.
Interested candidates are invited to apply by completing the online application form which can be by clicking the Apply button now. We are committed to treating all workers and job applicants fairly and equally, regardless of their sex, pregnancy and maternity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marital/civil partnership status, age, race, disability or gender identity and expression or any other personal characteristic.
Substance Misuse Counsellor in Glasgow employer: Murray's Initiative
Murray’s Initiative is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals affected by substance use and gender-based violence. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we offer a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and flexible working arrangements to accommodate personal commitments. Our inclusive culture fosters continuous learning and professional development, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to our mission.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Substance Misuse Counsellor in Glasgow
✨Get Involved in Local Mental Health Initiatives
Join local mental health organisations and initiatives to immerse yourself in the community. Volunteering at workshops or support groups can not only boost your experience but also help you make valuable connections that might lead to part-time roles. It’s all about getting your name out there!
✨Attend Networking Events and Workshops
Keep an eye on workshops and networking events specifically for therapy and counselling professionals. These gatherings are prime opportunities to meet potential employers, hear about job openings, and engage in meaningful conversations with industry peers. Who knows who you might bump into!
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a professional online presence highlighting your counselling approach and experiences. Consider starting a blog or sharing insights on social media about therapy methods. This can attract attention from local companies like Murray's Initiative who are looking for someone like you for their part-time needs.
✨Directly Approach Local Clinics
Don't be shy about reaching out directly to clinics or counselling practices in your area. Many part-time roles are filled without ever being advertised. A friendly email introducing yourself and expressing interest in potential opportunities at Murray's Initiative can sometimes lead to the job you’ve been dreaming of!
We think you need these skills to ace Substance Misuse Counsellor in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Compassionate Side:In the therapy and counselling professions, it's crucial to convey your empathy and understanding in your application. Your CV should highlight any relevant volunteer work or experience in helping roles. Let’s face it, potential employers want to see that you can connect with clients, so showcase those soft skills front and centre!
Include Your Credentials:For a part-time role in therapy or counselling, it’s essential to demonstrate your qualifications. Make sure to include any degrees, certifications, or workshops that are relevant to the position. If you’ve completed specific training in mental health or counselling techniques, don’t skip those; they can set you apart from others.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Your cover letter is the perfect place to express your interest in working part-time and highlight your passion for helping others. Talk about why you’re drawn to Murray's Initiative and how the part-time role fits into your career path. We're looking for a genuine connection, so let your personality shine through!
Availability Matters:Since this is a part-time role, clearly outline your availability in your application. Be honest about the hours you can commit, and consider mentioning if you have any flexibility. This helps Murray's Initiative see how you can fit into their schedule and be a valuable addition to the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Murray's Initiative
✨Know Your Theoretical Frameworks
It's crucial for us to brush up on the therapy techniques and theoretical frameworks relevant to this field. Be prepared to discuss how you apply them in practice—think about specific case studies from your training that highlight your approach. This not only shows your understanding but also helps you connect with your potential clients at Murray's Initiative.
✨Practice Your Active Listening Skills
Since we're diving into therapy and counselling, active listening is our bread and butter. You might face role-play scenarios during the interview, so make sure to showcase your ability to listen and respond empathetically. Demonstrating this skill can make all the difference in how we're perceived as future therapists.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility With Clients
In a part-time role, we often deal with a diverse client base, so it’s important to showcase our adaptability. Be ready to discuss how you can tailor your therapeutic approach to fit different client needs. Sharing any past experiences—whether from internships or coursework—will provide great insights to Murray's Initiative about your versatility.
✨Prepare Your Questions on Working with Diverse Populations
Part-time roles can sometimes mean working with a variety of clients from different backgrounds. Think of specific questions to ask about how Murray's Initiative supports inclusivity and handles diverse cases. This not only highlights your interest but also shows that you’ve thought ahead about client dynamics and your role within them.
