Student Counsellor Placement

Brain tumours do not discriminate and they do not respect boundaries. They can strike anyone, at any age. And they strike quickly.

At The Brain Tumour Charity, we aim to address the clear gap in emotional support available to those affected by a brain tumour diagnosis, by expanding our counselling service. We know the difference that talking therapy can make to the brain tumour community and our goal is to reach more people, ensuring everyone that wants it, gets the support that they need.

How can you help?
We are in a position to offer a number of unpaid student placements, to those training to be integrative or person centred counsellors, which will see you work via telephone/webcam only, with a wide range of clients; from those newly diagnosed, to those at end of life, carers and bereaved loved ones.

This is a home-based role, and you can help by volunteering your time to see a minimum of 3 clients per week, between the hours of 9am—5pm, Monday—Friday.

We’re looking for students who:

• Are in their 2nd year of studying for the Level 4 Counselling Diploma (or equivalent)
• Have been signed off as ’fit to practice’ by their tutor and have already accrued at least 30+ client hours.
• Are student members of the BACP (or equivalent) and work in line with their ethical framework.
• Are committed to accessing clinical supervision on a monthlybasis, as per the guidance from your ethical body.
•  Have their own public liability insurance (or are willing to obtain this.)
• Will be committed to following our safeguarding processes and will only work within their limits of proficiency.
• Will observe confidentiality in line with their ethical framework and The Charity’s organisational policy.
• Have the capacity to work autonomously and IT abilities to be able to maintain appropriate and accurate records on our counselling database.
• As this is a home-based role, you will need access to a telephone and computer that you are happy to use for this service.

We particularly encourage applications from those who are significantly underrepresented in our sector, including individuals from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities.

What can you gain from volunteering with us?

• You’ll have the opportunity to work towards the clinical hours required for your course
• You will receive training, ongoing support and management supervision from the Counselling Service Manager,
• You will receive either a financial contribution towards the cost of monthly clinical supervision, or group supervision arranged by the Charity and delivered by a qualified supervisor.
• We will complete any necessary paperwork and reports needed for your placement records.
• All diary management will be carried out by our Counselling Team, reducing the amount of admin required by you.

Time commitment
We ask each student to commit to a placement of at least 6 months and to see a minimum of 3 clients per week at a time to suit you, but it MUST be at the same time each week.

Practical considerations
We intend to do 3-4 recruitment rounds each year. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to attend an initial interview, followed by an online training session and follow up interview, if successful.
Successful candidates will then receive a full induction to The Brain Tumour Charity and any specific training for the role, as well as ongoing support from one of the team, who will be your key contact.
We will carry out reference and DBS checks for all successful applicants and you will be required to complete some internal data protection and disclo-sure documentation before commencing the placement.