Children and Young People's Counsellor Volunteer

Purpose of this role

Volunteers in this role provide Level 3 counselling support (NICE guidance) for children and young people under the age of 18 either in their homes, at one of our hospice buildings in Watford or St Albans, at external venues, including schools, or by participating in events organised by the team. These young clients will either be one of our patients themselves, or have a parent, sibling or close relative who is seriously ill or who has died.

We encourage an integrative or pluralist approach using techniques which will support clients to express and explore themselves how they see fit, and for clients to develop their own coping strategies.

Our volunteers allow us to offer this service to more families who need it.

Main tasks

·        being part of a multi-disciplinary team that aims to support a wide range of people affected by life-limiting illness

·        providing counselling for children and young people up to the age of 18

·        providing counselling support face-to-face, on the phone or via a virtual platform

·        working independently to manage a small caseload, within a supervised and supportive environment

·        attending mandatory supervision every month, and team meetings as and when required

·        following all Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care policies and procedures at all times

What are we looking for?

·        A Level 4 counselling qualification with children and young people

·        excellent listening and communication skills

·        an understanding that all our work is around death, dying, grief and loss, and you need to feel comfortable to discuss these topics in a sensitive and age appropriate way

·        the ability to empathise with others, while maintaining professional boundaries and practicing self-care

·        someone who is flexible and reliable

·        someone who is able to work independently to manage clients and their workload, but is able to work as part of a team to deliver our service

·        someone with basic IT skills who is able to keep concise, accurate records and stick to reporting deadlines

·        Age 18+