Experienced Counsellor

Hitchin Counselling Service - HCS is an established and professionally run Voluntary Organisation and an organisational member of BACP. The service offers free counselling to people in Hitchin and the surrounding villages and is aimed at those who are unlikely to be able to meet the cost of private counselling. The service offers both short and long term work: the length of this ranging from a few weeks to two or more years.

As such, we feel we are a really unique service offering a valuable space to clients.

Everyone who works for the organisation does so voluntarily and our strong ethos runs through every aspect of the service. Many people who volunteer with us choose to stay long term after their initial commitment has ended (although this isn’t required).

Overall organisation and management is the responsibility of the Steering Group; clinical work is the responsibility of the counsellors and supervisors and the day to day running and administration is co-ordinated by administrators. 

We are looking to recruit experienced volunteer counsellor(s) to support our ever growing service.

Volunteer experienced Counsellor 

• To provide a high professional standard of counselling to Hitchin Counselling Service clients.

• To abide by Hitchin Counselling Service’s guidelines, policies and procedures.

• To be able to commit to the placement for a minimum of 2 years and provide face to face therapy at our clinic in Hitchin.

• To provide a minimum of two hours counselling a week.

• To provide open-ended counselling.

• To see clients with a range of issues.

• To assess client suitability for counselling at Hitchin Counselling Service in conjunction with your supervisor.

• To attend regular individual fortnightly supervision provided by Hitchin Counselling Service. 

• To attend training days, organisational meetings, AGM and counsellor group meetings.

• To keep Hitchin Counselling Service and your clients informed in advance as much as possible of any absence due to ill health, holidays and / or any other circumstances.

• To be responsible for the basic administrative tasks allied to counselling Hitchin Counselling Service’s clients – e.g. client attendance sheet, evaluation forms etc.

Volunteer Counsellor 

Person Specification

• To have qualified on a BACP/UKCP recognised/accredited counselling/psychotherapy course and be working towards BACP/UKCP accreditation or to be studying on a course the curriculum of which will meet BACP/UKCP criteria – minimum requirement.

• Experience of working in a 1:1 counselling relationship with people in distress.

• To have experience of delivering counselling

• Desirable: 

• For qualified counsellors: a minimum of one year personal counselling 

• To have an understanding of and commitment to ethical practice as outlined by BACP/UKCP guidelines.

• To have good interpersonal skills.

• To demonstrate the ability for self-reflective practice.

• To have a high standard of written and organisational skills.

• To demonstrate an understanding of equal opportunities.