At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide supportive counselling to students, both face-to-face and remotely.
- Company: Join Queen Mary's College, a vibrant sixth form college committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy free parking, complimentary drinks, and sports centre membership.
- Other info: Availability one day a week during term time is essential; clear DBS check needed.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young people's lives while developing your counselling skills.
- Qualifications: Must be undertaking or qualified in therapeutic counselling to Level 4; good communication skills required.
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 PURPOSE
The 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 SPECIFICATION
The 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 & Wellbeing
Key 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
Essential:
- 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
Key Outcomes
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.
Volunteer Counsellor in Basingstoke employer: Queen Mary's College
Queen Mary's College is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work environment where staff are valued for their commitment to diversity and student wellbeing. With excellent facilities and a strong focus on professional development, employees benefit from ongoing training, clinical supervision, and a supportive counselling team, making it an ideal place for those passionate about helping young people thrive. Additionally, the college provides perks such as free on-site parking and sports centre membership, enhancing the overall employee experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Counsellor in Basingstoke
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. Understanding these principles will not only help you in your role but also demonstrate your commitment to ethical practice during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former volunteer counsellors, especially those who have worked in educational settings. They can provide valuable insights into the role and may even offer tips on how to stand out in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest issues facing young people today. Being knowledgeable about current trends and challenges will help you connect better with clients and show your genuine interest in their well-being.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your adaptability and interpersonal skills in detail. Think of specific examples from your past experiences that highlight how you've successfully worked with diverse groups or handled challenging situations.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Counsellor in Basingstoke
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Volunteer Counsellor position. Highlight key skills and experiences that align with what the college is looking for.
Tailor Your CV:Customise your CV to reflect your relevant experience in counselling, particularly with young people. Emphasise any qualifications, such as Level 4 therapeutic counselling, and your membership with the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for counselling and your understanding of the challenges faced by young people. Mention your commitment to professional development and how you plan to contribute to the college's counselling service.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in a counselling role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Queen Mary's College
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Volunteer Counsellor. Familiarise yourself with the counselling process, the importance of confidentiality, and the specific needs of young people in an educational environment.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
During the interview, demonstrate your strong communication and interpersonal skills. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach counselling sessions and how you would build rapport with students from diverse backgrounds.
✨Discuss Professional Development
Express your commitment to ongoing professional development. Share any relevant training or workshops you've attended, and be ready to discuss how you plan to continue learning in the field of counselling.
✨Prepare for Ethical Scenarios
Be ready to discuss ethical dilemmas you might face as a counsellor. Familiarise yourself with the BACP Ethical Framework and think about how you would apply these principles in real-life situations during your counselling practice.
