At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide one-to-one counselling to women affected by domestic abuse in a supportive environment.
- Company: Join Woman’s Trust, a leading mental health charity dedicated to empowering women.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, receive training, and make a real difference in women's lives.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working with ongoing support and supervision provided.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission to support women rebuilding their confidence and emotional wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Must have a Level 4 Diploma in Counselling or be in training with supervised hours.
Organisation: Woman’s Trust
Location: Hybrid (London-based face-to-face, online and telephone)
Time Commitment: Minimum 12 months
Hours: Typically 3–6 client hours per week (to be agreed)
Contract Type: Volunteer
Reports to: Counselling Manager
About Woman’s Trust
Woman’s Trust is a specialist mental health charity providing free counselling and groupwork to women affected by domestic abuse. Our services are trauma-informed, client-led, and rooted in a person-centred/humanistic model. We are committed to supporting women to rebuild confidence, autonomy, and emotional wellbeing following experiences of domestic abuse.
This role is open to female applicants only, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1.
Role Purpose
Volunteer Counsellors provide safe, confidential, and trauma-informed one-to-one counselling to women affected by domestic abuse. Counsellors will work within Woman’s Trust policies, procedures, and therapeutic framework, and will receive ongoing support, supervision, and training.
Key Responsibilities
- Therapeutic Work
- Provide weekly one-to-one counselling sessions using a person-centred/humanistic approach.
- Work with women who have experienced domestic abuse, at the client’s pace and according to their needs.
- Deliver counselling sessions face-to-face, online, or by telephone, depending on client preference.
- Work within agreed session limits and contractual arrangements.
- Assessment & Safeguarding
- Participate in initial assessments where appropriate (depending on experience).
- Maintain awareness of safeguarding and risk issues and escalation concerns in line with WT policies.
- Work collaboratively with the Counselling Manager and Therapeutic Services team regarding client suitability and risk.
- Administration & Record Keeping
- Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential case notes in line with WT policies.
- Complete required monitoring and evaluation forms.
- Manage own client scheduling and communicate promptly regarding any changes to availability.
- Professional Practice & Development
- Attend regular clinical supervision (provided by Woman’s Trust).
- Participate in training, peer support, and reflective practice sessions.
- Work within the BACP Ethical Framework and Woman’s Trust policies at all times.
- General
- Uphold Woman’s Trust values, including empowerment, anti-discriminatory practice, and survivor-centred working.
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
- Commit to a minimum volunteering period to ensure continuity for clients.
Person Specification
Applicants must be able to demonstrate how they meet the criteria below.
Essential Criteria
- Qualifications & Training
- Qualified Counsellors – Minimum Level 4 Diploma in Person-Centred/Humanistic Counselling (or equivalent).
- OR – Counsellors in Training: Currently undertaking a recognised counselling qualification (Level 4 or above) – Minimum of 50 supervised client hours completed at time of application.
- Professional Membership
- Registered student or individual member of BACP (or equivalent professional body).
- Willingness to work in line with professional ethical frameworks.
- Experience
- Experience of working therapeutically with clients in a counselling or helping role.
- Experience (paid or voluntary) of working with women affected by domestic abuse or strong transferable experience (e.g. trauma, abuse, crisis work).
- Ability to work with emotional distress in a contained and reflective way.
- Knowledge
- Understanding of domestic abuse and its impact on women.
- Awareness of trauma-informed and person-centred practice.
- Understanding of confidentiality, safeguarding, and professional boundaries.
- Awareness of anti-discriminatory practice and equality issues.
- Skills
- Ability to build safe, trusting therapeutic relationships.
- Good communication skills (verbal and written).
- Ability to reflect on practice and use supervision effectively.
- Basic IT skills and ability to work with online platforms.
- Attitudes & Values
- Commitment to Woman’s Trust ethos and feminist values.
- Sensitivity to the needs of women who have experienced domestic abuse.
- Respectful, non-judgemental, and empowering approach.
- Reliability and commitment to agreed volunteering hours.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience working with women from Black, Asian and minoritised communities.
- Experience of remote counselling (online or telephone).
- Ability to offer counselling in community languages.
- Previous experience within a domestic abuse or women-only service.
Additional Information
This post is open to female applicants only under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1. An enhanced DBS check is required before starting. Supervision and training are provided by Woman’s Trust.
For further information and to apply, email.
Volunteer Counsellor in London employer: The Woman's Trust
Woman’s Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering women affected by domestic abuse through trauma-informed counselling. With a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development, ongoing training, and supervision, volunteers can expect to grow their skills while making a meaningful impact in the lives of others. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, ensuring that volunteers can balance their commitments while contributing to a vital cause in London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Counsellor in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the counselling field or related areas. Let them know you're looking for volunteer opportunities, and who knows? They might just have the perfect lead for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in local community events or workshops related to mental health. This is a great way to meet people, learn more about the sector, and potentially find out about volunteer roles that aren't widely advertised.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of social media! Follow organisations like Woman’s Trust on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter. Engage with their posts and share your passion for supporting women affected by domestic abuse.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and making a difference in the lives of women who need support.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Counsellor in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting women affected by domestic abuse shine through. Share personal experiences or motivations that led you to this role, as it helps us see your commitment to our mission.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to highlight how your qualifications and experiences align with the role of a Volunteer Counsellor. Use specific examples from your background that demonstrate your understanding of trauma-informed and person-centred practices.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and concise. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your writing is easy to read, so we can focus on what really matters – your skills and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re following the correct process. Plus, it shows you’re keen to be part of our community at Woman’s Trust.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Woman's Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the principles of trauma-informed and person-centred counselling. Brush up on your knowledge about domestic abuse and its impact on women, as this will show your commitment to the role and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous counselling experience, especially any work with women affected by domestic abuse. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've built trusting relationships and handled emotional distress in a professional manner.
✨Emphasise Your Values
Woman’s Trust values empowerment and anti-discriminatory practice. Be prepared to talk about how your personal values align with theirs, and share any experiences that demonstrate your sensitivity and respect for clients' needs.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the role and the organisation. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if Woman’s Trust is the right fit for you. Consider asking about their training opportunities or how they support volunteer counsellors.
