Minimum requirements for short-listing
Ideal applicants for Volunteer Counselling placements are in their 2nd year of Diploma Level Counselling Training.
However, trainees on the 1st Year of a Diploma Course will be considered providing they have successfully completed a Certificate in Counselling (either a full year course or the equivalent of 9 to 12 months’ study).
1st year Foundation Art Therapy students and 1st year Counselling/ Psychotherapy MSc/MA students without previous therapeutic training can also qualify provided they have
relevant experience of direct work with children. For example:
- Experience of voluntary work, preferably with primary aged children
- Background in a caring profession (e.g. as a Nurse, Health Visitor etc.)
Applicants’ counselling training must have, or have had a
therapeutic and personal development component. Distance Learning courses are, therefore, not valid qualifications with regards to short-listing.
Experience of personal development work (either one-to-one or group therapy) is desirable as this would normally enhance the applicant’s ability to self-reflect - an important factor at interview stage.
Your commitment
Volunteer Counsellors make a
minimum commitment to practice in school
1 day per week (term time only) for
1 academic year (3 consecutive terms).
Since therapeutic work with children tends to be long-term, continuity and consistency are important factors. A normal working day will be from 8.45am to 4.30 pm. However, in certain circumstances it may be possible to arrange different start times with the School Project Manager.
It may also be possible to work more than one day a week and to continue in your placement after a successful year.