Volunteer Support Counsellor

1 month ago

StratforduponAvon, Warwickshire, United Kingdom The Shakespeare Hospice Full time

Position Overview

The Shakespeare Hospice is seeking dedicated volunteer support counsellors, either fully qualified or in the process of obtaining their qualifications, who possess at least 50 hours of relevant experience and are willing to commit to a minimum of one year.

Engaging with clients who are either pre- or post-bereaved, this role presents both challenges and immense rewards, with comprehensive support provided throughout the experience.

While volunteer counsellors generously offer their time, we provide valuable training, a sense of community, a pleasant working environment, and assistance with monthly supervision.

Key Responsibilities

The primary role involves supporting our Adult Counselling service on a voluntary basis, delivering counselling to clients facing complex end-of-life and bereavement challenges, in accordance with NICE Guidance, 2004. This encompasses addressing a variety of mild to moderate mental health issues and psychological distress, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, stress, and adjustment to significant life changes within a palliative care context.

About The Shakespeare Hospice

Located in Stratford upon Avon, The Shakespeare Hospice provides a wide array of services to patients and their families or caregivers throughout South Warwickshire and neighboring regions. Our mission extends beyond end-of-life care; we aim to offer support and compassion to patients and their families throughout their journey from diagnosis to treatment and beyond.

Patients and their families can access various specialized services, including day hospice, hospice at home, adult and children's counselling for pre- and post-bereavement, transitional care for terminally ill young adults, as well as spiritual, emotional, and complementary therapies. We pride ourselves on delivering an inclusive service that embraces not only the patient but also their entire support network, including family and loved ones.

Responsibilities Include:

  • Providing psychological support to adult patients, caregivers, and their families aged 18 and over, who meet the eligibility criteria for our services.
  • Establishing and maintaining a range of short- and medium-term counselling relationships and interventions based on established counselling and psychotherapy theories and evidence-based techniques.
  • Actively participating in volunteer counselling team initiatives.

Additional Duties:

  • Managing a client caseload of at least four clients, as agreed with the Service Co-ordinator.
  • Regularly reviewing and contracting with clients regarding the frequency and evolving goals of their counselling.
  • Working towards a planned and negotiated conclusion with clients whenever feasible.
  • Engaging in reviews with clients at 5 and 8 weeks, aiming for a conclusion at 10 weeks for post-bereaved clients, and consulting with the counselling Coordinator if additional sessions are deemed necessary.
  • Conducting risk assessments concerning health and safety, confidentiality, safeguarding, and mental capacity, and sharing any concerns with management and relevant external professionals.
  • Maintaining professional records in accordance with hospice policies and procedures, ensuring the confidentiality and safety of all client documentation.
  • Adhering to the BACP Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy.
  • Participating in regular supervision as per BACP guidelines.
  • Attending team meetings and events as appropriate.
  • Engaging in regular role reviews with the Service Co-ordinator, focusing on clinical competencies and developmental objectives.
  • Contributing to audit and evidence-based practice initiatives as relevant.
  • Maintaining membership with BACP or another suitable professional organization.
  • Completing all mandatory training sessions as required by the organization.
  • Complying with the hospice's no smoking policy and familiarizing oneself with relevant organizational policies and guidelines.
  • Informing the Service Co-ordinator of any personal or professional issues that may affect the counselling role.
  • Providing timely notice to the Service Co-ordinator regarding any decision to end the volunteer placement to facilitate a planned exit strategy with clients and colleagues.

Professional Requirements:

New volunteer counsellors interested in joining the Adult Service must complete a detailed application form, provide two written references, and participate in an individual interview with members of the selection panel.

Upon joining as a volunteer counsellor, you will receive a service agreement and report to the Adult Counselling and Bereavement Support Service Co-ordinator, with managerial accountability to the Head of Clinical Services.

A minimum commitment of one year post-induction training is required for the Adult Counselling Service.

New volunteer counsellors will be required to sign a Declaration of Confidentiality.

Indemnity insurance is provided by the hospice to support your role as a volunteer counsellor.

Attendance at a minimum of 80% of professional activities offered by the hospice is expected.

The Adult Service discourages volunteer counsellors from accepting gifts from clients, as this may negatively impact the therapeutic relationship. Any items or donations offered by clients should be promptly passed on to a manager.

Consent must be obtained from the Service Co-ordinator prior to using client material for non-hospice purposes.

A clear criminal records check (DBS) is required before commencing client interactions.

Qualifications:

Essential:

  • Either qualified as a counsellor or actively pursuing qualification, with a minimum of 50 hours of experience.

Time Commitment:

Essential:

  • Must be able to commit to a minimum of one year of volunteering with the hospice.

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