At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide weekly counselling sessions and support clients facing mental health challenges.
- Company: Join Waythrough, a leading mental health charity making a real difference.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, training, and reimbursement for travel expenses.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in your community while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Must be registered with BACP or working towards it, with counselling training.
- Other info: Flexible hours available; ongoing recruitment for passionate volunteers.
The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 £ per month.
Location: 590 Seven Sisters Road, London, N15 6HR
Working Hours: 3 Hours per week
Contract Type: Volunteer
About Waythrough
Waythrough was formed in **** following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Together, we’ve created one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England. Every year, we support around 125,000 people through nearly 200 services – and it’s all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.
Make a real difference in your community
Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change.
Volunteer Counsellor - We are asking that applicants commit X3 client hours weekly for a minimum of a 12 month period, flexible working hours available with an option to choose working patterns. This position is for those who are registered with BACP or working towards.
Located at 590 Seven Sisters Road, London N15 6HR, Haringey Recovery and Treatment Services (HARTS) delivers psychosocial and activity-based interventions for adults in recovery from drug and alcohol use. The service works in partnership with other local services such as drug and alcohol treatment services, family and young people’s services, social services, criminal justice, mental health teams and other community projects. The Counselling and Psychotherapy Service is a team that provides time bound counselling and psychological therapies to adults in recovery from addictions and work is offered both face to face and remotely.
What will I be doing?
We welcome applications from volunteers wishing to see clients during evenings and Saturdays, as well as normal weekday hours. Sessions will be located across the Borough and can be conducted at the service, as well as at our many partner sites.
- Provide once weekly sessions
- Maintain a minimum caseload of three clients
- Attend a monthly case management meeting
- Attend fortnightly internal/external supervision (external supervision is sourced by the Volunteer/Student Counsellor)
- Attend team meetings when required
- Take part in training relevant to the role
- Liaise with other professionals involved in clients' care
- Clinical recording on the case management system in compliance with the service's clinical governance and risk management protocol
Volunteers will have completed counselling/psychotherapy/psychologist training and professional registration with a relevant governing body such as BPC, UKCP, BACP, BPS, AD (FDAP). To have completed at least 100 clinical hours. If not intending to access the internally provided clinical supervision, to have the means to access external clinical supervision for their clinical work, be engaging in personal therapy, have at least one year experience of personal therapy.
Ability to work with people who may have offending behaviour, substance use and/or mental health difficulties with sensitivity and respect. Capacity to reflect on their therapeutic work, consider the impact on them of working with challenging and complex clients and ability to discuss this in supervision. To have good communication skills when dealing with staff, volunteers, clients, and other professionals. To be committed, patient and reliable to support the aims of the service. To have adequate IT skills.
What Support Will I Receive?
- Induction and ongoing training relevant to your role
- Fortnightly individual or group supervision
- Monthly individual Case Management meeting
- Access to our online training platform
- For Volunteer Counsellors: reasonable travel expenses reimbursed with proof of expenses
Please note this will be ongoing recruitment - we reserve the right to close this role early if the correct calibre of candidates have applied.
What We Offer
We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy:
- Discounts from various schemes
- Training and personal development
- A chance to make a real difference in people’s lives
- Free induction and role-specific training
- Support from experienced staff and regular supervision
- Opportunities to meet new people and develop your confidence
- Reimbursement for travel and agreed expenses
- Valuable experience that can support your personal or career development
Inclusion and accessibility
Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support. We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation. If you need adjustments or support to apply, please email our recruitment team.
How to apply
If you’re viewing this advert on an external platform such as Indeed, please click 'Apply via company website' to view the full job description and submit your application. Please note that while this role has a stated closing date, we reserve the right to close the advert early should we receive a high number of applications.
Volunteer Counsellor in England employer: Recovery Focus
Contact Detail:
Recovery Focus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Counsellor in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the mental health field, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have a lead on a volunteer counselling opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for roles to be advertised. Contact organisations like Waythrough directly and express your interest in volunteering. A personal touch can make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to counselling. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the role. We want to see your passion and commitment shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your application or interview. A simple thank you email can keep you on their radar and show that you’re genuinely interested in the position. Plus, it’s a great way to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Counsellor in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for helping others shine through. Share personal experiences or motivations that drive you to support those facing mental health challenges.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Volunteer Counsellor role. Highlight your relevant qualifications, training, and any experience that aligns with the job description.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. This helps us understand your qualifications and enthusiasm without getting lost in unnecessary details.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application is received properly and allows you to access all the necessary information about the role and our organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Recovery Focus
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the core tasks of a Volunteer Counsellor. Brush up on your counselling techniques and be ready to discuss your experience with clients facing mental health challenges, substance use, or domestic abuse.
✨Show Your Passion
This role is all about making a difference in people's lives. Be prepared to share why you’re passionate about helping others and how your values align with those of Waythrough. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨Prepare for Scenarios
Think about potential scenarios you might encounter in this role. Prepare to discuss how you would handle challenging situations with clients, especially those with complex needs. This shows your ability to reflect and adapt.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the support and training you'll receive, or how the team collaborates with other services. This demonstrates your interest and commitment to the role.