ROLE TITLE: Trainee counsellors providing face-to-face counselling

AIM: To provide regular person-centred counselling to women affected by domestic violence seeking long-term emotional support.

LOCATION: JWA offices in North London, some sessions will be remote but counsellor will be based at JWA office.

TIME: Counselling sessions on a weekly basis (minimum of three clients), to fit around your commitments, plus fortnightly group supervision, monthly line management individual supervision and team meetings on Mondays. working hours are Monday – Thursday 9:00-5:00.

Minimum commitment for 2 years.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• To deliver person-centred counselling to women who have been affected by domestic violence
• To actively listen and allow women to explore their own feelings, empower women and help them work through trauma and abuse
• To respect the woman’s right to confidentiality and safety at all times
• To attend regular clinical and line management supervision, training and counsellors’ meetings on days agreed with counselling manager
• Attending a minimum of two half days trainings a year and completing mandatory safe guarding and data protection training every two years
• To adhere to Jewish Women’s Aid Volunteers’ Policy, Safeguarding Policy and any other relevant policies and procedures.
• To report to clinical supervisor/counselling manager on any clients at risk of suicide or any children’s safeguarding concern as soon as they arise.
• To keep client notes after each counselling session according to JWA’s counselling service policies using a data base (training on using the data base will be offered).
• Complete CORE forms and evaluation forms with clients according to the counselling service procedures.

Personal qualities and skills needed

• Trainee counsellor at the last year of advanced diploma training with minimum of 60 hours of supervised counselling sessions.
• Experience of providing counselling to a vulnerable client group desirable
• BACP student membership
• Understanding of the effects of domestic violence on women and children
• Understanding of and commitment to the aims & objectives of Jewish Women’s Aid
• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and safeguarding
• Knowledge and understanding of the Jewish community in Britain
• An empathic, sensitive, non-judgemental outlook and approach
• Responsible and reliable to ensure stability and continuity for clients
• Certain amount of flexibility to meet clients’ needs

What can you gain from this role

• Regular clinical supervision and support
• Induction and ongoing CPD
• Paid expenses

Please download an application pack here, or email recruitment@jwa.org.uk or 020 8445 8060. 

This post is advertised in accordance with section 7.2 (e) of the Sex Discrimination Act. Only women need apply. Registered charity number: 1047045

The volunteer counsellors will work online with 2–3 clients a week, use JWA’s database to upload notes and hold reviews with clients.

As a volunteer counsellor with Jewish Women’s Aid, you’ll support survivors of domestic abuse to heal and rebuild their futures. You’ll be part of a warm, supportive team where your skills will grow through regular CPD and supervision, while gaining specialist experience in the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) sector.

What difference you will make

You will support Jewish women survivors of domestic abuse to move forward with their lives and heal from traumatic experiences. Through counselling, women will be able to regain control, rediscover their inner strength and make their own choices.

By joining our team, you will also play a vital role in tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG), helping to reduce isolation and increase safety, confidence, and wellbeing.

What additional skills or experience you should have

We are looking for compassionate, non-judgemental and motivated individuals who are passionate about supporting survivors.

You should have:

• A counselling qualification at minimum diploma level (BACP, BPC, UKCP or similar accredited).
• Experience of working with vulnerable clients, ideally women.
• An understanding of domestic abuse dynamics.
• Knowledge of the Jewish community.
• Commitment to a minimum of 2 years volunteering.

What training we will provide for you

All volunteers attend an induction to JWA and to the counselling service.
We provide regular CPD training every 3–4 months to help you deepen your expertise in the VAWG sector.

What you will get out of volunteering for us

• A warm and supportive counselling environment where your wellbeing and professional growth are prioritised.
• Regular clinical supervision to ensure you feel confident and supported in your work.
• Ongoing CPD opportunities to continue developing your knowledge and skills.
• The unique opportunity to gain specialist experience in the VAWG sector, extending your counselling practice in an area where you can make a lasting difference.

Please download an application pack here, or email recruitment@jwa.org.uk or 020 8445 8060. 

This post is advertised in accordance with section 7.2 (e) of the Sex Discrimination Act. Only women need apply. Registered charity number: 1047045