Volunteer Counsellor

At The Brain Tumour Charity, we aim to address the clear gap in emotional support available to those affected by a brain tumour diagnosis, by expanding our counselling service. We know the difference that talking therapy can make to the brain tumour community and our goal is to reach more people, ensuring everyone that wants it, gets the support that they need.

How can you help?

As a Volunteer Counsellor for this service, you would work with a wide range of clients who either have a brain tumour diagnosis themselves, or have a loved one who has been diagnosed. This includes patients/carers who have been newly diagnosed, to those in/post treatment, to people at end of life, or bereaved.

This is a remote service, where we offer up to 8 free sessions to clients, delivered by either telephone or webcam.

We’re looking for counsellors who:

•  Are qualified with a minimum of a Level 4 Diploma in Counselling
•  Integrative or person-centred counsellors
•  A member of the BACP (or equivalent ethical body)
• Committed to attend monthly clinical supervision
• Has an interest in working with people affected by a brain tumour and possibly experience of working with clients in a similar field. (Eg. Neurological conditions, palliative care, bereavement, etc.)
• Has the IT abilities to be able to maintain appropriate and accurate records on our counselling database.
• Has experience of working remotely, via telephone or webcam and is happy to use their own laptop, phone and WIFI for their client work.
• Have their own public liability insurance and ICO registration (or are willing to obtain this.)
• We particularly encourage applications from those who are significantly underrepresented in our sector, including individuals from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities

What can you gain from volunteering with us?

• The opportunity to work with a unique and rewarding client group
• Management supervision and regular, ongoing support from our Counselling Service Team.
• You will receive a financial contribution towards your monthly clinical supervision.
• All diary management will be carried out by our Counselling Team, reducing the amount of admin required by you.
•  The opportunity to apply for paid counsellor roles as and when they become available.

Time commitment

We ask each Volunteer Counsellor to see a minimum of 3 clients per week and to commit to a volunteering with us for at least 6 months.

The service operates between the hours of 9am—5.30pm, Monday-Friday. You will be required to see clients within these hours.

Practical considerations

Shortlisted applicants will be asked to attend an interview with our Volunteer Development Manager and our Counselling Service Manager.

Successful candidates will then receive a full induction to The Brain Tumour Charity and any specific training for the role, as well as ongoing support from one of the team.

We will carry out reference and DBS checks for all successful applicants and you will be required to complete some internal data protection and disclo-sure documentation before commencing the role.