Volunteer Bereavement Counsellor

Department: Counselling Services

Location: Teesside Hospice, 1 Northgate Road, Middlesbrough, TS5 5NW

Time Requirement: Flexible to suit you, Volunteering hours will fall within the Bereavement Counselling Service’s opening times of: Mondays 9.00am to 5.00pm, Tuesdays – Thursdays 09.00am to 7.00pm and Fridays 9.00am to 5.00pm.

DBS Check needed?: Yes

Age Requirements: 18 years old plus

Role Description: We have an exciting opportunity for a suitably qualified counsellor (or about to be awarded their qualification), to a minimum of Level 5, Foundation Degree, and who is working towards their accreditation.  They must have experience of working within bereavement services either as a volunteer or qualified counsellor to join our bereavement services and counselling team. The post holder will be responsible for working as part of the counselling team and will hold a caseload of bereaved individuals.

Key Responsibilities:

•To work as a key member of the Bereavement Service to ensure a high-quality service delivery in an ethical and professional manner in line with the agreed Standard Operating Policy.

•To be a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) or equivalent professional body and to be accredited with that body.

•To be an experienced counsellor able to work both short or long term with clients and including experience of working with bereavement and loss.

•To be responsible for a case load as agreed with Head of Bereavement Counselling and service requirements.

•To have experience of assessing clients for risk and suitability, recognising the need to seek support in more difficult and complex situations from Head of Bereavement Counselling and/or Supervisor.

•To work collaboratively with other members of the service, volunteers, and wider Hospice as a whole to enable best support for patients and their families.

•To liaise with external agencies and referrers as necessary in a professional manner in line with agreed confidentiality guidelines.

•To maintain appropriate records to meet professional and Hospice guidelines and standards set by statuary bodies such as the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

•To engage in regular supervision in accordance with professional requirements.

•To maintain professional competence and ensure evidence-based practice by keeping updated with in house education, current research, and development.

•To demonstrate a commitment to Continued Professional Development (CPD).

•To carry out the role in accordance with the law, Hospice and service Policies and other relevant professional guidelines.