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- Tasks: Provide 1:1 counselling and co-facilitate bereavement support groups for families.
- Company: St Columba’s Hospice, a compassionate care provider in Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, receive training, and make a real difference in people's lives.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and help families navigate their grief journey.
- Qualifications: Diploma in counselling/psychotherapy/CBT and registration with a recognised professional body.
- Other info: Flexible part-time role with ongoing supervision and development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 £ per month.
The purpose of this role is to provide 1:1 counselling or CBT to the family members of patients at the Hospice, to assist with the facilitation of bereavement support groups and offer initial assessment to clients referred to the Family Support Team as part of the holistic care offered by St Columba’s Hospice Care.
Hospice staff and volunteers are expected to reflect our Hospice Values in the way they carry out their roles, and in their interactions with each other and with patients, family members and any other visitors. Our Values are: Care and Compassion, Respect, Trust and Partnership.
- Provide time-limited 1:1 counselling/CBT to the family members and loved ones of people accessing palliative care
- Co-facilitate support groups for bereaved relatives, working alongside an experienced co-facilitator
- Conduct initial assessments for clients referred to the Family Support Team
- Attend regular and ongoing supervision and CPD opportunities
- Maintain accurate and appropriate records, in line with organisational policies and procedures
Requirements:
- Educated to Diploma level in counselling / psychotherapy / CBT
- Have an in-depth knowledge of at least one psychological therapy
- Registered with BACP, COSCA, UKCP, BABCP or equivalent professional body recognised by HealthCare Profession Council
- Proven empathic listening skills
- Advanced communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work as part of the Family Support Team – without close supervision, but within Hospice processes
- A strong understanding of the need for and importance of patient and client confidentiality and boundaries, at all times
- Confidence and sensitivity when responding to distressed and anxious family members
- Willingness to work as part of the wider Hospice team, and with staff and volunteers as required
- Willingness to attend individual and group supervision, induction training, and continuing professional development
- Experience of working with bereaved people is helpful but not essential
- Willingness to follow Infection Control guidelines
Time commitment and duration:
- Approximately ½ day a week, morning or afternoon, as agreed (no fewer than 3 and no more than 4 clients per week) plus attendance at monthly in-house supervision (one hour duration)
- The role will be reviewed on a yearly basis.
- Commitment of at least 12 months to the volunteering role
Recruitment checks:
- Interview with Manager of Family Support Team and Counsellor from Family Support Team
- Application Form
- Two references
- PVG – Vulnerable adults
Training:
- Hospice orientation
- Hospice Volunteer Induction
- Family Support Team Induction Programme, including training on identification of grief reactions appropriate for psychological intervention (e.g. depression, PTSD, prolonged grief disorder)
- Mentoring programme for group facilitation
We will provide ongoing supervision and continuing professional development opportunities.
Volunteers may claim reasonable travelling expenses for transport to and from the Hospice, or the place you volunteer, e.g. one of our retail shops. Please speak to your manager about this.
The Hospice provides complimentary tea and coffee to all volunteers, staff, patients and families as part of the hospitality strategy.
Volunteer Counsellor / CBT Therapist employer: St Columba's Hospice
Contact Detail:
St Columba's Hospice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Counsellor / CBT Therapist
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Before your interview, do a bit of research on St Columba’s Hospice. Understand their values and mission, and think about how your skills align with their goals. This will help you show them that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your listening skills! As a Volunteer Counsellor, empathic listening is key. Try role-playing with a friend or family member to get comfortable with responding to emotional situations. This will help you feel more confident when interacting with bereaved families.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to share your experiences! During the interview, be prepared to discuss any relevant experiences you've had, especially those related to bereavement support or counselling. This will help the interviewers see how you can contribute to their Family Support Team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly through the StudySmarter platform. It’s a straightforward process, and it ensures your application gets to the right people quickly. Plus, it shows you're tech-savvy!
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Counsellor / CBT Therapist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and motivations for wanting to volunteer with us.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to align your skills and experiences with the role of Volunteer Counsellor / CBT Therapist. Highlight any relevant qualifications or experiences that show how you embody our values of Care, Compassion, Respect, Trust, and Partnership.
Show Your Passion: Express why you’re passionate about supporting bereaved families and how you can contribute to our Family Support Team. A genuine interest in helping others will definitely catch our attention!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Columba's Hospice
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of counselling and CBT techniques. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of bereaved individuals, as well as the values of St Columba’s Hospice. This will show that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Show Empathy
During the interview, demonstrate your empathic listening skills. Share examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully supported someone in distress. This will highlight your ability to connect with clients and their families, which is crucial for this role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the Family Support Team and their approach to bereavement support. This shows that you’re engaged and eager to understand how you can contribute to their work. Plus, it gives you a chance to assess if the role aligns with your values.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity goes a long way in interviews, especially in a caring environment like a hospice. Be open about your motivations for applying and how you align with their values of care, compassion, and respect. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a personal level.
