PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:

Trust Links is a local charity that aims to support people and build communities. It was established by local people to address mental health needs in the Southend-on-Sea area in 2000 and was registered as a charity and limited company in 2002.  We enable people to work together to improve mental health and wellbeing and promote, support, inspire and cultivate wellness and sustainable living.

Counselling and talking therapies are a route to hope, recovery and empowerment. To overcome issues and barriers that limit us or cause distress, and to subdue life’s challenging circumstances as they arise, by developing resilience and effective coping strategies and being listened to, and supported, by the therapeutic alliance.

We have a core offer of delivering means tested counselling sessions weekly face-to-face, via telephone, or the Zoom video conferencing application for a 12-week cycle, with flexibility to bolt-on extra courses of sessions as appropriate.

Due to the demand for the Therapy Links counselling service, we are seeking qualified counsellors to join our team and help support resilience and sustainability in the community, by giving two hours a week to provide one to one counselling.

The Volunteer Counsellors will be required to:

·        DBS check

·       Have a level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

·       Have their own regular clinical supervision arranged

·       Be a member of the BACP or industry equivalent

·       Report issues, concerns and successes to project staff

·       Work with the team to improve outcomes and wellbeing for individuals living in the South-East Essex area.

·       Attend regular reviews and team meetings

·       Undertake training as required and identify areas for own development

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE:

·       To provide one to one weekly counselling sessions for clients referred to the service

·       To notify Therapy Links of all attendances / non attendances of clients using service procedures

·       To contact our admin staff so they can book counselling rooms for you in advance and keep us informed of any changes to sessions

·       To complete relevant forms and paperwork with clients, as requested by Therapy Links

·       To work within the ethical framework of the counselling profession

·       Take part in appropriate training and development activities

·       Participate in volunteer meetings

·       Notify staff if you are unable to attend your regular session

·       Ensure Health and Safety regulations are adhered to in line with Therapy Links Health and Safety policy

·       Ensure Safeguarding requirements are met in line with Therapy Links Safeguarding policy and escalate concerns about the wellbeing of service users to appropriate staff members

·       Maintain confidentiality

·       Raise any issues affecting clients with appropriate staff member

Volunteers will need 

·     Excellent communication and people skills

·     Qualification in Level 4 counselling and member of BACP or equivalent

·     Empathy and listening skills

·     Commitment to self-development

·     Willingness and commitment to undertake further training and development

·     Commitment to the role

·     Tact

·     Responsiveness

·     Realism

·     Honesty

·     Enthusiasm

·     Team Work