Volunteer Counsellor/Psychotherapist

Overall role purpose

[Employer hidden]’ Volunteer Counsellor/Psychotherapist will join our Counselling and Psychotherapy team, providing one-to-one short term therapy and clinical assessments as agreed with the line manager, to Latin American women whose mother tongue is Brazilian Portuguese; delivering group work activities and psychoeducational workshops to Latin American women; and dealing with internal and external referrals, working closely with other teams at [Employer hidden] and external agencies.

We are looking for a passionate counsellor and/or psychotherapist to join our team of highly motivated volunteers to provide psychological support to Latin American women and gain experience working within the VAWG sector in a leading BAME organization.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities Counsellor/Psychotherapist

• To offer weekly counselling sessions on an individual basis developing appropriate ways of working within 10 or 20 session contracts with Latin American women from a range of backgrounds, presenting with a range of problems, and difficulties.
• To work closely with a staff counsellor regarding workload and admin duties reporting to the Counselling Service Manager.
• To maintain up-to-date records of individual clients: assessments, evaluation forms (Lamplight) and other records to facilitate the efficient running and accountability of the service.
• To attend group clinical supervision, meetings and in house training suitable to the role when arranged.
• To work within the British Association of Counselling Code of Ethics and Practice, in particular maintaining confidentiality and the boundaries of counselling relationships.
• To present written reports (liaising with the Counselling Service Manager) that may be required from time to time.

- To provide a warm welcome to women reaching the organization and the service by assisting members of staff answering telephone, and door callers, etc.

• To carry out all duties in accordance and complying with LAWS' policies & procedures including: Volunteering Policy and Procedures, Equal Opportunities, Confidentiality and data storage, Protection of Vulnerable Adults, Child Protection, Complaints and Problem solving procedures, and Health and Safety policies.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times and be sensitive to [Employer hidden]’ objectives.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

• Excellent command of Latin American Brazilian Portuguese both oral and written (mother tongue)
• A professional qualification to degree level or equivalent; that can sustain the knowledge of counselling /psychotherapy theory and practice.
• Experience of personal counselling /psychotherapy and understanding of the relevance of this to the work of a counsellor.
• Evidence of the personal qualities that contribute to a sound therapeutic experience: The maintenance of boundaries, reliability, tolerance, self-awareness.
• Excellent understanding of issues, including gender within the context of violence and minority groups, especially Latin American women living in the UK.
• A commitment to securing and upholding women’s rights generally, and in particular the rights of women who have survived VAWG (violence against women and girls).
• A willingness to integrate equal opportunity principles and anti-discriminatory practices into all aspects of the work.
• Be BPS, BACP registered or equivalent, and currently working towards full accreditation.
• At least 150 hours of individual and supervised psychotherapy/counselling experience.

Desirable Specification

• Good command of the English language, both oral and written.
• Good understanding of the Spanish language, both oral and written.
• Experience of work (voluntary or paid) providing one- to one counselling /psychotherapy.
• A knowledge of community mental health resources and the role of different professional groups contributing to the mental health services available to meet the needs of asylum seekers, refugees and Latin American women living in the UK
• An awareness of the importance of keeping records and the role of monitoring and evaluation.
• Willingness to contribute to the counselling service project by attending meetings, AGMs, etc.
• Commitment to adhere to and promote [Employer hidden]’ ethos and values as regards the empowerment of migrant women in general and Latin American women in specific.

Benefits of Volunteering at [Employer hidden]

• Opportunity to help others. As a volunteer, you can make a positive impact on the lives of others by listening to them, providing support, and helping them work through their challenges.
• Gain practical experience in the field. This can be particularly beneficial for those who are still studying or starting out in their career.
• Develop a range of skills that are valuable in the field of counselling and psychotherapy, such as active listening, empathy, and communication skills.
• Build relationships with other professionals in the field. These relationships can be valuable sources of support and guidance which can be valuable for building your professional network and finding new opportunities in the field.
• Enhance CV and get references for further impact on the employment status.
• Access to in-house training and development opportunities with high quality learning outcomes.
• Receive regular supervision and support.