Job Description
Amazing, giving and inspiring are just a few words we would use to describe our volunteers.Our volunteers play an integral part in the services we provide and the people we support. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you will really make a difference whilst gaining experience along the way, then join us here at Rethink Mental Illness.About the roleWe are looking for Volunteer Counsellors to support our Support after Suicide Services in Surrey, Swindon and Wiltshire, and Gloucestershire. You will be home-based but must be based within the UK to be eligible. Sessions will take place online therefore, you will need to have your own laptop and have internet access.You will need to provide proof of your counselling qualifications, as part of the application process. You will also need to be registered with the relevant body.Hours are flexible, but they will need to be discussed, agreed upon, and committed to in coordination with your volunteer manager to ensure alignment with the service user’s needs.You will receive training and regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role. You can read more about the benefits of volunteering on the full advert on our website.About the serviceOur Support after Suicide Services provide support for anyone aged over 18 who has been bereaved by or affected by a bereavement by suicide. The majority of support will be provided Monday – Friday 9am-5pm however, we can provide support up to 8pm in the evening for people who work or study during the day. The service offers a range of emotional and practical support either by providing one to one support, peer group support, and online peer support. What you will be doing as a Volunteer CounsellorYou will be offering 6 – 8 once weekly online sessions to those bereaved by and affected by suicide. We may extend this, based upon the individual needs of the client and by agreement with the counsellor. The counselling will be focused upon thoughts and feelings specifically related to the bereavement (rather than other difficulties) You will be part of a team of people within Surrey committed to helping and supporting anyone bereaved by suicide, to find their way forward in life as they work through a range of powerful and complex thoughts and feelings What will make you a great fit for this role? You will have a counselling qualification, or be a second year student on CPCAB Level 4 Counselling Diploma (or similar) A good understanding of the importance of Data Protection A good understanding of the principles of Safeguarding You will be a member of a Professional body (i.e NCS, BACP) Excellent communication skills Empathic and compassionate Work with self reflection and proactive at seeking support when you need to You may also have: Personal experience of, or working with, those who have been bereaved by suicide Specific training in supporting those affected by bereavement If you have any questions about the opportunity, please contact: Who are we?We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.” It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer. We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter. Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation. We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and (asexual) (LGBTQIA+), people with a disability, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.