Adult Counsellor

Purpose: Our Associate Counsellors provide emotional support to adult members of families where there is a child or children with complex medical needs.

Tasks:

Families who have been assessed by an experienced therapist from the project will be referred to the Associate Counsellor who will:

- Make contact with families, organising timing and frequency of sessions

- Provide counselling/therapy sessions to a member of each family

- Undertake a minimum caseload of 2 clients

- Attend monthly, mandatory, group supervision (2 hours)

- Undertake The Maypole Project initial training (20 hours)

- Work to The Maypole Project model of support (including flexibility in location of sessions)

- Complete client notes and The Maypole Project paperwork as required

- Liaise with supervisor or the Lead Therapist in case of questions/difficulties

- Follow The Maypole Project policies and guidelines at all times whilst volunteering

- Attend service-wide activities including family activity events and fundraising events

What skills do I need?

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS:

• Good general education
• Courses must be accredited by BACP or approved equivalent
• Placement: Final year student studying on a counselling diploma (level 4) or a degree/masters in counselling or counselling/clinical psychology or psychotherapy OR Qualified counsellor, therapist or clinical/counselling psychologist (diploma or first degree or masters)

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:

• Associate Counsellor: 100+ hours of counselling support to adult clients
• Student placement: 20+ hours of support to adult clients

SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE:

• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Person-focused approach

ATTRIBUTES:

• Self-motivated
• Able to work flexibly
• Approachable
• Ability to empathise with families in difficult situations
• Discreet and able to adhere to confidentiality procedures
• Commitment to equal opportunities and a non-judgmental attitude
• Commitment to further training and personal development