Volunteer counsellor vacancies
Join Via as a volunteer counsellor for our adult and young people services!
Explore our current opportunities below.
Volunteer counsellor vacancies
- Volunteer Counsellor (Brent)
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Location: London Borough of Brent
Days: 1 day per week (days are flexible)About Via in Brent
Via has a long history of delivering treatment services in London, the Southeast, and East of England. Via is proud to be the lead provider responsible for treatment services as well as performance and quality standard in the borough of Brent. Working in partnership with other agencies, our drug and alcohol services enable us to deliver a fully recovery-focused model of treatment that is forward-looking, innovative, and committed to the achievement of positive outcomes for all the people who use our service.
About the counselling service
Our counselling service provides people with the opportunity to meet in private with a counsellor for typically between 6 and 12 weekly, fifty-minute sessions to discuss issues and concerns, which are currently making life difficult. These could include any of the following and more: drug and alcohol dependency, low self-esteem, stress, anxiety, panic attacks, self-harm, relationship difficulties, loss of purpose or meaning, family difficulties, loss and bereavement, anger, depression, trauma, etc.
About the role
As a volunteer counsellor, you will support the delivery of a wide range of interventions for service users. These will include:
- See a minimum of 3 clients and a maximum of 6 clients per week (1 day).
- Keep accurate records of work in line with Via expectations and feedback any issues to the line manager (counselling lead) and clinical supervisor.
- Attend ongoing training in discussion with your clinical supervisor.
- Adhere to all Via policies and procedures.
In addition to the above you will be invited to participate in meetings where relevant and to carry out other tasks as deemed necessary to support the needs of the counselling service.
What skills do I need?
The role would be ideal for someone looking to develop their therapeutic experience in the drug and alcohol field and accrue some counselling hours towards your future accreditation with BPS, BACP, UKCP.
While some knowledge of the sector is desirable, we are specifically looking for people who have a passion for the work that we do. A positive attitude, inclusive approach and the desire to learn are essential, as is a non-judgmental and supportive approach to people who are facing problems with drugs and alcohol.
To ensure good practice standards and to maximise the safety of both the therapists and the clients at Via, we require all students to confirm and adhere to the following:
- Trainees are in their final year of an undergraduate degree or equivalent or are at a postgraduate level. Alternatively, students should be in their third year of a Diploma, BSc or MSc in counselling or psychotherapy training, preferably accredited
- If students are not in the third year of their Diploma, BSc, or MSc in counselling or psychotherapy training, trainees need to be in their second year (at least) but have undertaken (or be prepared to undertake prior to seeing clients) significant and appropriate training.
- Trainees are recommended to be a member of one of the counselling governing bodies BACP, BPS, UKCP or BABCP.
- Trainees may need to have conducted a minimum number of counselling hours.
- Trainees are working or intend to work towards counselling, psychology or psychotherapy accreditation.
- Previous details of supervisor and present college tutor information should be sent to Via and agree that Via can ask supervisor and tutor for references.
What Via can offer you
When you begin volunteering, you will be allocated a line manager (counselling lead), who will act as your main point of contact in your Via service. They will provide you with ongoing support and will work closely with you throughout your time at Via. You will be also allocated a clinical counselling supervisor (BABCP accredited), who will provide fortnightly counselling supervision via Microsoft Teams (this may be a mix of individual and group supervision). There is also a central volunteer services team that will support you while you are on placement. In addition, you can expect:
- A full induction to your role and continuous local training
- Access to central staff training opportunities
- Reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses and lunch expenses
When
We are looking for someone to support the team for 1 day per week for few hours – depending on the Via service and number of counselling sessions. We ask that volunteers counsellors try to commit for at least 1 year where possible.
Interested?
If you would like to apply for this role, please read the guidance notes on applying for volunteer roles and complete and return an application form with your CV to volunteers@viaorg.uk
- Find out more about our Brent service.
- Check out our FAQs.
- Download our Volunteer Application Form.
- Download our Volunteer Equal Opportunities Form.
We look forward to hearing from you!
- Volunteer Counsellor (Harlow, Essex)
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Location: Passmores House, Harlow, Essex
Days: 1 day per week (days are flexible)About Via at Passmores House
Via has a long history of delivering treatment services in London, the south east, and east of England. At Passmores House, we provide compassionate and professional support for individuals on their journey to recovery from drug and alcohol dependency. Located in a tranquil environment, our residential rehabilitation and detox centre offers a safe, structured space for individuals to rebuild their lives free from substance use.
About the counselling service
Our counselling service provides people with the opportunity to meet in private with a counsellor for typically between 6 and 8 weekly, 50-minute sessions to discuss issues and concerns, which are currently making life difficult. These could include any of the following and more: drug and alcohol dependency, low self-esteem, stress, anxiety, panic attacks, self-harm, relationship difficulties, loss of purpose or meaning, family difficulties, loss and bereavement, anger, depression, trauma, etc.
About the role
As a Volunteer Counsellor, you will support the delivery of a wide range of interventions for residents of Passmores House.
These will include:
- See a minimum of 3 clients and a maximum of 6 clients per week.
- Keep accurate records of work in line with Via expectations and feedback any issues to the line manager (counselling lead) and clinical supervisor.
- Attend ongoing training in discussion with your clinical supervisor.
- Adhere to all Via policies and procedures.
In addition to the above you will be invited to participate in meetings where relevant and to carry out other tasks as deemed necessary to support the needs of the counselling service.
What skills do I need?
The role would be ideal for someone looking to develop their therapeutic experience in the drug and alcohol field and accrue some counselling hours towards your future accreditation with BPS, BACP, UKCP.
While some knowledge of the sector is desirable, we are specifically looking for people who have a passion for the work that we do.
A positive attitude, inclusive approach and the desire to learn are essential, as is a non-judgmental and supportive approach to people who are facing problems with drugs and alcohol.
To ensure good practice standards and to maximise the safety of both the therapists and the people we support at Via we require all students to confirm and adhere to the following:
- Trainees are in their final year of an undergraduate degree or equivalent or are at a postgraduate level. Alternatively, students should be in their third year of a Diploma, BSc or MSc in counselling or psychotherapy training, preferably accredited.
- If students are not in the third year of their Diploma, BSc, or MSc in counselling or psychotherapy training, trainees need to be in their second year (at least) but have undertaken (or be prepared to undertake prior to seeing clients) significant and appropriate training.
- Trainees are recommended to be a member of one of the counselling governing bodies BACP, BPS, UKCP or BABCP.
- Trainees may need to have conducted a minimum number of counselling hours.
- Trainees are working or intend to work towards counselling, psychology or psychotherapy accreditation.
- Previous details of supervisor and present college tutor information should be sent to Via and agree that Via can ask supervisor and tutor for references.
What Via can offer you
When you begin volunteering, you will be allocated a line manager (counselling lead), who will act as your main point of contact in your Via service. They will provide you with ongoing support and will work closely with you throughout your time at Via.
You will be also allocated a clinical counselling supervisor (BABCP accredited), who will provide fortnightly counselling supervision via Microsoft Teams (this may be a mix of individual and group supervision).
There is also a central volunteer services team that will support you while you are on placement.
In addition, you can expect:
- A full induction to your role and continuous local training
- Access to central staff training opportunities
- Reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses and lunch expenses.
When
We are looking for someone to support the team for 1 day per week for few hours – depending on the Via service and number of counselling sessions. We ask that volunteers counsellors try to commit for at least 1 year where possible.
Interested?
If you would like to apply for this role, please read the guidance notes on applying for volunteer roles and complete and return an application form with your CV to volunteers@viaorg.uk
- Find out more about Passmores House.
- Check out our FAQs.
- Download our Volunteer Application Form.
- Download our Volunteer Equal Opportunities Form.
We look forward to hearing from you!
- Volunteer Counsellor (Brent Young People)
-
Location: London Borough of Brent
Days: 1-2 days per week (days are flexible)About Via in Brent
Via has a long history of delivering treatment services in London, and nationally. As well as working with adults, our Brent service offers support to young people under the age of 18 who may be affected by or at risk of drug or alcohol harm. We also work closely with statutory and voluntary services across Brent.
Our young people team support young people with:
- Advice and information around health and wellbeing
- Private and confidential sessions with their own keyworker
- Information and advice about different types of drugs and alcohol
- Support and information for families and carers.
About the counselling service
Our counselling service provides individuals with the opportunity to meet in private with a counsellor for typically at least 12 weekly, 50-minute sessions to discuss issues and concerns, which are currently making life difficult. These could include any of the following and more: drug and alcohol dependency, low self-esteem, stress, anxiety, panic attacks, self-harm, relationship difficulties, loss of purpose or meaning, family difficulties, loss and bereavement, anger, depression, trauma, etc.
About the role
As a Volunteer Counsellor, you will support the delivery of a wide range of interventions for the people who use our services. These will include:
- See a minimum of 3 clients and a maximum of 6 clients per week (1 day).
- Keep accurate records of work in line with Via expectations and feedback any issues to the line manager (counselling lead) and clinical supervisor.
- Attend ongoing training in discussion with your clinical supervisor.
- Adhere to all Via policies and procedures.
In addition to the above you will be invited to participate in meetings where relevant and to carry out other tasks as deemed necessary to support the needs of the counselling service.
What skills do I need?
We are seeking Volunteer Counsellors to work with young people aged under the age of 18. We are specifically looking for people who have a passion for working with young people, have experience of working with young people, and who understand the characteristics of a therapeutic relationship with young people.
A positive attitude, inclusive approach and the desire to learn are essential, as is a non-judgmental and supportive approach to people who are facing problems with drugs and alcohol.
To ensure good practice standards and to maximise the safety of both the therapists and the clients at Via we require all students to confirm and adhere to the following:
- Trainees are in their final year of an undergraduate degree or equivalent or are at a postgraduate level. Alternatively, students should be in their third year of a Diploma, BSc or MSc in counselling or psychotherapy training, preferably accredited
- If students are not in the third year of their Diploma, BSc, or MSc in counselling or psychotherapy training, trainees need to be in their second year (at least) but have undertaken (or be prepared to undertake prior to seeing clients) significant and appropriate training.
- Trainees are recommended to be a member of one of the counselling governing bodies BACP, BPS, UKCP or BABCP.
- Trainees may need to have conducted a minimum number of counselling hours.
- Trainees are working or intend to work towards counselling, psychology or psychotherapy accreditation.
- Previous details of supervisor and present college tutor information should be sent to Via with agreement that Via can ask supervisor and tutor for references.
What Via can offer you
When you begin volunteering, you will be allocated a supervisor, who will act as your main point of contact in your Via service. They will provide you with ongoing support and will work closely with you throughout your time at Via. There is also a central volunteer services team that will support you while you are on placement. In addition, you can expect:
- A full induction to your role and continuous local training
- Access to central staff training opportunities
- Regular fortnightly individual supervision
- Reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses and lunch expenses
When
We are looking for someone to support the team for 1-2 days per week for few hours – depending on the Via project and number of counselling sessions. We ask that volunteers counsellors try to commit for at least one year where possible.
Interested?
If you would like to apply for this role, please read the guidance notes on applying for volunteer roles and complete and return an application form with your CV to volunteers@viaorg.uk
- Find out more about our Brent young people service, Elev8.
- Check out our FAQs.
- Download our Volunteer Application Form.
- Download our Volunteer Equal Opportunities Form.
We look forward to hearing from you!
- Volunteer Counsellor (West Berkshire)
-
Location: West Berkshire
Days: 1 days per week (days are flexible)About Via in West Berkshire
Launched in 2022, Via West Berkshire is a fully integrated substance use treatment service, providing clinical and psychosocial interventions, operating from a main treatment hub in Newbury. The team actively promotes recovery and works with individuals that are directly and indirectly affected by substance misuse, working with the local community to improve the health, wellbeing and functioning of West Berkshire residents, irrespective of circumstance.
About the counselling service
Our counselling service provides service users with the opportunity to meet in private with a counsellor for typically between 6 and 12 weekly, 50-minute sessions to discuss issues and concerns, which are currently making life difficult. These could include any of the following and more: drug and alcohol dependency, low self-esteem, stress, anxiety, panic attacks, self-harm, relationship difficulties, loss of purpose or meaning, family difficulties, loss and bereavement, anger, depression, trauma, etc.
About the role
As a Volunteer Counsellor, you will support the delivery of a wide range of interventions for the people who use our services. These will include:
- See a minimum of 3 clients and a maximum of 5 clients per week (1 day).
- Keep accurate records of work in line with Via expectations and feedback any issues to the line manager (counselling lead) and clinical supervisor.
- Attend ongoing training in discussion with your clinical supervisor.
- Adhere to all Via policies and procedures.
In addition to the above you will be invited to participate in meetings where relevant and to carry out other tasks as deemed necessary to support the needs of the counselling service.
What skills do I need?
The role would be ideal for someone looking to develop their therapeutic experience in the drug and alcohol field and accrue some counselling hours towards your future accreditation with BPS, BACP, UKCP. While some knowledge of the sector is desirable, we are specifically looking for people who have a passion for the work that we do. A positive attitude, inclusive approach and the desire to learn are essential, as is a non-judgmental and supportive approach to people who are facing problems with drugs and alcohol.
To ensure good practice standards and to maximise the safety of both the therapists and the clients at Via we require all students to confirm and adhere to the following:
- Trainees are in their final year of an undergraduate degree or equivalent or are at a postgraduate level. Alternatively, students should be in their third year of a Diploma, BSc or MSc in counselling or psychotherapy training, preferably accredited
- If students are not in the third year of their Diploma, BSc, or MSc in counselling or psychotherapy training, trainees need to be in their second year (at least) but have undertaken (or be prepared to undertake prior to seeing clients) significant and appropriate training.
- Trainees are recommended to be a member of one of the counselling governing bodies BACP, BPS, UKCP or BABCP.
- Trainees may need to have conducted a minimum number of counselling hours.
- Trainees are working or intend to work towards counselling, psychology or psychotherapy accreditation.
- Previous details of supervisor and present college tutor information should be sent to Via with agreement that Via can ask supervisor and tutor for references.
What Via can offer you
When you begin volunteering, you will be allocated a line manager (counselling lead), who will act as your main point of contact in your Via service. They will provide you with ongoing support and will work closely with you throughout your time at Via. You will be also allocated a clinical counselling supervisor (BABCP accredited), who will provide fortnightly counselling supervision via Microsoft Teams (this may be a mix of individual and group supervision). There is also a central volunteer services team that will support you while you are on placement. In addition, you can expect:
- A full induction to your role and continuous local training
- Access to central staff training opportunities
- Reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses and lunch expenses
When
We are looking for someone to support the team for 1 day per week for few hours – depending on the Via project and number of counselling sessions. We ask that volunteers counsellors try to commit for at least one year where possible.
Interested?
- Find out more about our West Berkshire service.
- View the role description.
- Check out our FAQs.
- Download our Volunteer Application Form.
- Download our Volunteer Equal Opportunities Form.
We look forward to hearing from you!
- Volunteer Counsellor (Gloucestershire)
-
Location: Gloucestershire (hubs in Cheltenham, Gloucester, Stroud)
Days: 1 days per week (days are flexible)About Via in Gloucestershire
Via’s Gloucestershire service is a support service for adults and young people who are affected by drug and alcohol co-occurring mental health and emotional wellbeing needs. We have a dedicated team of recovery practitioners who work alongside other professionals including doctors, nurses, psychologists, and therapists in Gloucestershire.
About the counselling service
Our counselling service provides service users with the opportunity to meet in private with a counsellor for typically at least 6 and up to 12 weekly, 50-minute sessions, to discuss issues and concerns, which are currently making life difficult. These could include any of the following and more: drug and alcohol dependency, low self-esteem, stress, anxiety, panic attacks, self-harm, relationship difficulties, loss of purpose or meaning, family difficulties, loss and bereavement, anger, depression, trauma etc.
About the role
As a Volunteer Counsellor, you’ll:
- See a minimum of 3 clients and a maximum of 6 clients per week (1 – 2 days)
- Keep accurate records of work in line with Via expectations and feedback any issues to the line manager (counselling lead) and clinical supervisor.
- Attend ongoing training in discussion with your clinical supervisor, inclusive of 1:1 and Group Clinical Supervision.
- Adhere to all Via policies and procedures.
In addition to the above you will be invited to participate in meetings where relevant and to carry out other tasks as deemed necessary to support the needs of the counselling service.
What skills do I need?
The role would be ideal for someone looking to develop their therapeutic experience in the drug and alcohol field and accrue some counselling hours towards your future accreditation with BPS, BACP, UKCP. While some knowledge of the sector is desirable, we are specifically looking for people who have a passion for the work that we do. A positive attitude, inclusive approach, and the desire to learn are essential, as is a non-judgmental and supportive approach to people who are facing problems with drugs and alcohol.
To ensure good practice standards and to maximise the safety of both the therapists and the clients at Via we require all students to confirm and adhere to the following:
- Trainees are in their final year of an undergraduate degree or equivalent or are at a postgraduate level. Alternatively, students should be in their third year of a Diploma, BSc or MSc in counselling or psychotherapy training. (Preferably accredited).
- If students are not in the third year of their Diploma, BSc, or MSc in counselling or psychotherapy training, trainees need to be in their second year (at least) but have undertaken (or be prepared to undertake prior to seeing clients) significant and appropriate training.
- Trainees are recommended to be a member of one of the counselling governing bodies BACP, BPS or UKCP etc.
- Trainees may need to have conducted a minimum number of counselling hours.
- Trainees are working or intend to work towards counselling, psychology, or psychotherapy accreditation.
- Previous details of supervisor and present college tutor information should be sent to Via and agree that Via can ask supervisor and tutor for references.
What Via can offer you
When you begin volunteering, you will be allocated a line manager (counselling lead), who will act as your main point of contact in your Via service. They will provide you with ongoing support and will work closely with you throughout your time at Via. You will be also allocated a clinical counselling supervisor, who will provide a minimum of 1.5 hours of 1:1 remote (through Teams) or face-to-face counselling supervision. Also, group supervision is run once a month as a cohort, which contributes to an additional half hour of supervised practice (so, a minimum of 2 hours each month).
There is also a central volunteer services team that will support you while you are on placement. In addition, you can expect:
- A full induction to your role and continuous local training
- Access to central staff training opportunities
- Reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses and lunch expenses
When
We ask that volunteer counsellors try to commit for at least one year with Via, where possible.
Interested?
- Find out more about our Gloucestershire service.
- Check out our FAQs.
- Download our Volunteer Application Form.
- Download our Volunteer Equal Opportunities Form.
We look forward to hearing from you!