Counselling Volunteer

To deliver counselling sessions to support women, whose lives have been devastated by domestic violence.

To work in line with The Haven Work Plan and Funder outcomes to ensure women experience improved emotional and behavioural wellbeing throughout the course of the client’s individual journeys.

To use monitoring tools to measure the women’s and journey and track differences made in line with project outcomes and to keep a client record alongside data that ensures progress and recognises key areas where support is required.

What are the benefits?

• Work experience in maintenance which will complement your CV Training in awareness of domestic abuse and related issues.
• Build your confidence and assertiveness.
• A brilliant CV booster: professional reference letter and certificates of achievement upon completion.

What activities will I be involved in?

• Prioritising the safeguarding of women, managing risks, completing MARFs and contacting MASH for additional support as required.
• Ensuring knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding Adults, completing referrals, raising concern where necessary.
• Completing initial sessions with women and decide on adequate intervention required that would benefit individual clients.
• Conducting talking therapeutic sessions with woman, combining different styles of psychology and psychotherapy in accordance with the needs of each individual.
• Collaborating with other professionals, learning from them and sharing ideas and techniques that have proven successful.
• Utilising a variety of modalities, adaptable to suit the client’s needs.

What skills and abilities will I need to have?

• To be fluent in additional languages will be an advantage.
• To have knowledge of and or be open to learning about immigration, the process, the experience and legalities involved as well as the limitations on an individual without UK Status.
• To have knowledge of and/or experience in addictions, sexual violence, all areas of domestic abuse, trauma, childhood abuse, historical issues effect on present day.
• To be aware of and able to recognise cultural, traditional and religious expectations, effects and the repercussions.
• To have knowledge and understanding of domestic abuse, honour based abuse, FGM, forced marriage, coercive control.
• Excellent communication skills including listening, questioning, and assessing in line with counselling requirements.
• Ability to work as part of a team and on own initiative.
• Possess an organised approach to all tasks with administrative skills e.g. ability to use IT DATA systems.
• Demonstrate the ability to respond appropriately and effectively when faced with difficult situations.
• Ability to prioritise urgent matters and ensure they are dealt with effectively, including safeguarding and ethical referrals.

Monitoring & Evaluation 

• Adults – Use techniques including eg Warwick and Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing scale (WEMWBS) and the PHQ-9 & GAD-7 to capture responses of women before they receive support and again after to measure the benefits of support received.
• You will record and capture outcomes on our internal database to ensure that keyworkers are aware of how the service user is progressing throughout their counselling and monitor risk rates.

Additional Information

Location: The Haven, Wolverhampton

Hours: Varied

Training: Volunteers will be expected to complete the following training:

• Domestic Abuse Awareness (one-day course)
• Safeguarding Adults and Children

Responsible to: Finance & Business Manager

Expenses: The Haven offers reimbursement of travel expenses

Due to the nature of our work, Schedule 9 (1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies therefore applications from women only will be considered.

Under the Care Standards Act 2000, all roles are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).