Volunteer Counsellor / Counselling Student

East Sussex Drug and Alcohol service is funded by East Sussex County Council to provide services to people (over age 18) who wish to reduce their use of alcohol/drugs/prescribed medications. Our mission is to help people change the direction of their lives, grow as individuals, and live life to its full potential.

East Sussex Drug and Alcohol service provides 12 sessions of weekly counselling to people attending our service.

We are recruiting volunteer counsellors for am/pm slots across the week and for evenings (until 7pm) on Thursdays in Eastbourne or Hastings. This may include some online work.

To apply, we require the following:

• Be in the 2nd year of a level 4 counselling diploma, university degree or higher course, or above and have passed the fitness to practice module. OR be already qualified as a counsellor.
• BACP, BABCP, NCPS or UKCP registration or student registration (or equivalent)
• Have counselling experience or demonstrable experience of the health and social care field.
• Be in your own personal therapy.
• Attend supervision with our clinical supervisors.
• An understanding of legislation and protocols around safeguarding children and vulnerable adults or willingness to learn those at the start of the placement.
• IT and organisational skills sufficient to maintain notes on CGL systems.
• Commitment to CGL of 3/4 hours/3 clients per week for a minimum of one year or for 100 hours, whichever comes sooner.
• Desirable: Experience working with people using substances or with their families
• Attend the induction and on-going personal/professional development courses.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively and have good written and oral skills.
• Be open-minded, non-judgmental, respectful and maintain confidentiality.
• Consistent application of professional boundaries with clients and colleagues
• Understanding of issues faced by the client group and sensitivity in working with complex family issues.
• Computer literacy
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

We offer:

• Integrative clinical supervision – group and 1:1.
• An opportunity to gain counselling experience in a national organisation.
• Training relating to substance use.
• A supportive and committed team.
• Some travel Expenses

Contact lou.keogh@cgl.org.uk Senior Counselling Coordinator, for further information, or to request an application form if you meet the criteria.