At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide confidential counselling to students and support their personal development.
- Company: Queen Mary's College, a vibrant sixth form in Basingstoke.
- Benefits: Free parking, complimentary refreshments, and sports centre membership.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Level 4 counselling training or qualification and BACP membership required.
We never stand still and our best keeps getting better thanks to the dedication and enthusiasm of our team.
The College provides a comprehensive and confidential counselling service to students, which complements the wider student support team. The service is widely advertised and very well attended. Students approach the Counselling Service directly in order to arrange an appointment and can be seen for up to twelve weeks. Enquiries are welcome from qualified counsellors and students in the latter stages of their training at Level 4 onwards, looking for a placement.
You will join an established counselling team, supported by a Counselling Coordinator based in the Student Counselling Team where we provide counselling to students aged 16 to 19 years of age. You will need to be available one day a week, ideally on a Monday, Tuesday or Friday, term time only and be a member of the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP). Clinical supervision will be provided in accordance with BACP guidelines. For successful applicants, a clear DBS check and two references will be required prior to commencing counselling.
Queen Mary’s College is a large and thriving sixth form College situated near the centre of Basingstoke set in acres of beautiful parkland. We cater for students of all abilities and backgrounds; seeking to achieve excellence and build better futures for individuals. It is a lively College with excellent facilities including a theatre, sports centre and state of the art buildings which house a variety of teaching departments. The benefits of those working on site include free parking and the provision of complimentary tea and coffee. Free membership of the sports centre is also available.
The College is committed to and values equalities, diversity and inclusion for everyone. Safeguarding and Child Protection are embedded into every day College life. We believe that an organisation that values these principles should be staffed by individuals who also value them.
JOB PURPOSEThe purpose of the role is to work together with the Counsellor Coordinator and members of the counselling team to provide an efficient and supportive counselling service for individual students, which is easily accessible and endeavours to assist clients in improving their lives.
PERSON SPECIFICATIONThe ideal person for this role is someone wishing to experience counselling young people in an educational environment. We are looking for someone who can demonstrate a keen interest and understanding of issues facing this age group and you must be committed to continuing professional development and learning. You will provide individual, face to face or remote counselling and attend regular, in house supervision and team meetings. You also need to be able to apply the principles of equality and diversity in your work and adhere to the standards of the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions at all times.
Accountable to: Director of Foundation Learning, SEND & WellbeingKey Responsibilities:- counsel clients for up to 5 hours per day (beginning with fewer clients as per course requirements for trainees)
- liaise with the Counsellor Coordinator, members of the Counselling team, Student Support Advisors, the Director of Foundation Learning, SEND & Wellbeing and other college staff as appropriate
- undertake any necessary administrative duties, including collection of statistics, and recording of basic details on college systems
- contact clients in a confidential manner
- attend supervision on a regular basis
- undertake regular and ongoing continuing professional development
- undertaking or qualified in therapeutic counselling to Level 4 onwards
- certificate of competence to practice for trainees
- prepared to work with young people with a wide variety of needs
- possess good communication and interpersonal skills
- adaptable and friendly
- a member of the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy
To provide a free and confidential counselling service for all students during their time at Queen Mary’s College. To support clients and enable them to explore their experiences in a confidential and safe environment.
Queen Mary's College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.
Volunteer Counsellor in Basingstoke employer: Queen Mary’s College of Basingstoke
Contact Detail:
Queen Mary’s College of Basingstoke Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Counsellor in Basingstoke
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the counselling field, whether it's through LinkedIn or local meetups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities at Queen Mary’s College or similar places.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that interview! Research common questions for counselling roles and think about how your experiences align with the needs of students aged 16 to 19. Show them you’re not just qualified but also passionate about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your commitment to professional development! Be ready to discuss any workshops, courses, or training you've undertaken. This shows you're serious about your growth and the well-being of your future clients.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re keen and proactive, which is exactly what they’re looking for in a Volunteer Counsellor.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Counsellor in Basingstoke
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for counselling shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in supporting young people and how you can contribute to our vibrant community.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. Mention any specific training or qualifications that align with the role, especially your understanding of the issues faced by students aged 16 to 19.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, so we can easily understand your qualifications and motivations. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us quickly and securely. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Queen Mary’s College of Basingstoke
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the principles of counselling, especially those relevant to young people. Brush up on the BACP Ethical Framework and be ready to discuss how you would apply these in your practice.
✨Show Your Passion
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for working with students aged 16 to 19. Share any experiences or insights you have about the challenges they face and how you can support them through counselling.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific situations. Think about potential scenarios you might encounter in a school setting and prepare thoughtful responses that showcase your problem-solving skills and empathy.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that show your interest in the role and the college. Inquire about the support available for counsellors, the team dynamics, or how the college promotes equality and diversity within its services.