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Our PARCS service promotes healthy relationships and alleviates the physical, emotional and psychological distress associated with trauma including rape and sexual abuse/exploitation.
Volunteer counsellors offer weekly 1-hour sessions to up to 4 clients who have experienced trauma of this kind.
Who you will be helping
Adults who have experienced trauma such as rape, sexual abuse and/or domestic abuse. This trauma may be recent or non-recent however PARCS is not a crisis centre.
Typical tasks within this role:
- To provide counselling for adult survivors of sexual violence and/or sexual and domestic abuse in line with the commissioned timeframes and objectives.
- To have an active interest in working with those affected by sexual violence and abuse, and recognise the impact that trauma has in relation to this.
- To maintain confidential, up to date and accurate records of all sessions and plans, carefully considering the sensitive nature of the work and with regards to statutory investigations and court proceedings.
- To use outcome tools to measure and monitor client well-being, to assess on-going risk, promote safety, collate data and to welcome service feedback.
- To ensure you have an understanding of, and compliance with, Family Action’s procedures for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
- To liaise with referrers and other professionals and agencies as appropriate and where required, including signposting.
- To participate fully in regular clinical supervision.
- To gain an understanding (appropriate to your role) of, and complying with, all relevant Family Action policies and procedures.
The difference you will make
Trauma can have long lasting psychological impact on a person and cause difficulties for them in functions such as keeping a job or social relationships. It can also cause a person to become isolated from the world around them.
Our counsellors provide a safe space for clients to be listened to, feel emotionally supported and gain the tools needed in order to begin healing and move forward in their lives.
Who are we looking for?
Applicants should be either qualified or enrolled on a Level 4 or Level 5 counselling course in a relevant theory / approach and have obtained their Fitness to Practice certificate. In addition, they should have either already gained 40 client hours through a placement, and/or have experience in trauma-informed work or an awareness of clients with trauma issues.
The role would suit people who:
- Have experience of supporting vulnerable people from a range of backgrounds
- Have some knowledge of the Criminal Justice System and associated issues facing this client
- Have an ability to work creatively and flexibly, using evidence-based approaches to achieve positive change
- Have computer skills including Microsoft Outlook, with ability to use a case recording system
- Understand the importance of confidentiality and safeguarding
- Have a commitment to equality & diversity principles
What’s in it for you?
As a volunteer counsellor with PARCS, you will get:
- Access to our standard e-learning package
- Face-to-face induction training to ensure that you are fully equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for this role
- Fortnightly group supervision meetings in line with BACP requirements
- An opportunity to further develop your professional skills and experience.
Find out more
You may like to chat with a member of staff about whether this is the right role for you, or you may be ready to apply right now.
Either way, just click the ‘I’m interested’ button below to leave your contact details, and a member of staff will be in touch to discuss your next steps in becoming a Family Action volunteer.
I'm interested