Cumberland Carers

Volunteer Counsellor

Main Aim

• The main aim of a Counsellor is to provide the opportunity for the client to work towards living in a more satisfying and resourceful way.

Purpose of the Role

• Provide counselling to a service user who requires this support as a result of their caring role.
• Establish and manage the counselling relationship.
• Enable the service user to identify and explore their concerns.
• To help raise self-esteem and confidence through a positive and supportive relationship.
• Where required, to review options and consequences of change.

Responsibilities

• Utilise counselling skills to develop and promote a positive relationship with the service user.
• To establish and maintain appropriate boundaries.
• To make necessary arrangements for room bookings, bookings with clients and re-arrangements as applicable.
• To inform the Volunteer Coordinator of all client contact on a weekly, using the standard reporting methods.
• To notify the Volunteer Coordinator of any emerging problems and seek support whenever necessary.
• To review the relationship at regular intervals with the service user and with the Volunteer Coordinator. 
• To safeguard the good name, values and mission of People First Cumberland Carers.

Personal Qualities

• Must hold a Diploma level qualification in Counselling, or be in training at Diploma level. 
• Awareness of issues affecting carers.
• Adherence to BACP Code of Ethics.
• Reliable and a good timekeeper.
• Sensitive and caring about others.
• Respectful of confidentiality issues and able to maintain boundaries.
• Able to work as part of a team and on own initiative, and know when to seek support.

Training and Support

• Required to attend a Basic Induction prior to the start of volunteering.
• Ongoing support from the Volunteer Coordinator.
• Regular individual meetings with the Volunteer Coordinator for supervision (not counted as professional counselling supervision).
• Regular group meetings with other volunteers.
• Ongoing training opportunities.
• Social events with other volunteers.

Other Requirements

• Trainee Counsellors are required to provide documentation confirming their ‘competency to practice’.
• Counsellors must have current professional indemnity insurance and provide a copy of the insurance certificate.
• Counsellors are required to arrange their own professional supervision and provide a letter of confirmation from their supervisor.  For qualified counsellors, a contribution can be made towards supervision costs.
• Requested to provide information on regulatory bodies of which they are members.
• Trainee Counsellors are required to provide contact details for their learning tutor / course coordinator and details of the learning provider’s placement requirements. 
• Trainee Counsellors are required to have protocol for counselling records / client notes pre-approved by the Volunteer Coordinator prior to submission.

About us

People First is an independent customer-led organisation that has worked in the North of England for over 30 years.

We have a deep understanding of the region, our communities and the unique challenges many individuals face.

As the largest provider of Advocacy in Cumbria, we support thousands of people every year to have their voices heard, helping them to live their best lives. Our independence is very important to us - we are not run or controlled by any other service.

We are a passionate organisation which dedicates itself to representing people’s views, we are dynamic and courageous and not afraid to stand up to help others be counted.