Volunteer Counsellor (Signpost)

Go Vol Herts; Watford; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A local support organization is seeking a Volunteer Counsellor to provide one-to-one and small group therapeutic sessions for children and young people aged 5-25. The ideal candidate will have a recognized qualification in therapy and experience working with children. This role includes building relationships to support emotional wellbeing and maintaining confidential records. Training and ongoing support will be provided, along with travel expense reimbursement.

Benefits

Ongoing support and supervision sessions

Reimbursement of travel expenses

Access to optional training

Qualifications

• Experience working therapeutically with children and young people.
• Commitment to ethical practice, confidentiality, and safeguarding.
• Willingness to undergo an Enhanced DBS prior to starting.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 or small group therapeutic sessions using your specialised modality.
• Build trusting relationships with children to support emotional expression.
• Collaborate with staff and carers to ensure continuity of support.
• Maintain clear and confidential records of sessions.
• Support safeguarding and child protection practices.

Skills

Excellent communication

Empathy

Listening skills

Trauma-informed approach

Education

Recognised qualification in Play Therapy, Art Therapy, or Drama Therapy

Job description

Overview

Our organisation offers a diverse range of services, programmes and initiatives in order to support our local communities to belong, contribute and thrive. We deliver a range of programmes and services that tackle the issues facing local people such as homelessness, family support and wellbeing. We offer opportunities for young people, from apprenticeships to work experience and childcare to youth clubs. We work with all ages, faiths and backgrounds, as part of a global network of 14,000 YMCAs. We have served the communities in Hertfordshire for 135 years and we reach thousands of people each day. See more opportunities by One YMCA.

Watford, Hertfordshire, England, United Kingdom

#103103

Scan me or visit www.govolherts.org.uk/o/One-YMCA/opportunities/Volunteer-Counsellor-Signpost/103103 to join

Summary

Signpost offers one-to-one counselling, coaching, outreach, creative therapies, group therapy, and parent support for children and young people aged 5-25.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 or small group therapeutic sessions using your specialised modality (play, art, or drama).
• Build trusting relationships with children to support emotional expression and psychological wellbeing.
• Collaborate with staff and carers to ensure continuity and appropriateness of support.
• Maintain clear and confidential records of sessions and observations.
• Participate in supervision (where applicable) and team meetings.
• Support safeguarding and child protection practices in line with organisational policies.

Skills / Qualifications / Experience

• A recognised qualification in Play Therapy, Art Therapy, or Drama Therapy (BACP registration required).
• Experience working therapeutically with children and young people.
• A trauma-informed, child-centred approach to counselling and therapy.
• Excellent communication, empathy, and listening skills.
• A commitment to ethical practice, confidentiality, and safeguarding.
• Willingness to undergo an Enhanced DBS prior to starting.

Training / Support

• A full induction to Signpost will be provided.
• Requirement to complete mandatory online training.
• A menu of optional training will also be made available.
• Ongoing support and regular 1:1/supervision sessions.
• Reimbursement of travel expenses (if applicable).
• Opportunities to attend team meetings and One YMCA events, socials and conferences.

Additional Information

• Valid insurance cover.
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check may be required.

Our organisation offers a diverse range of services, programmes and initiatives in order to support our local communities to belong, contribute and thrive. We deliver a range of programmes and services that tackle the issues facing local people such as homelessness, family support and wellbeing. We offer opportunities for young people, from apprenticeships to work experience and childcare to youth clubs. We work with all ages, faiths and backgrounds, as part of a global network of 14,000 YMCAs. We have served the communities in Hertfordshire for 135 years and we reach thousands of people each day. See more opportunities by One YMCA.