TRAINEE COUNSELLOR (VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY)
Start date: Academic year 2019-2020 Hours of work: Minimum 1 day per week plus fortnightly supervision Closing deadline: 31 October 2019, however in order to meet the needs of our applicants, we reserve the right to interview and offer our training places prior that date.
We are offering placements at the Dunraven Secondary Phase to Counselling or Psychotherapy students who require practical counselling experience with 11-18 year- old students to supplement their studies. The number of clinical hours will be dependent on trainees’ availability however we would advise a minimum of 4 hours per week so this can be beneficial to your studies and our students. The successful applicants will be working with secondary school aged students and demonstrate an ability to deal with confidential matters in a supportive and therapeutic manner, the primary focus being the well-being of our students. The school’s aim is “Excellence for All” and the trustees wish to offer such placements to candidates of significant ability and enthusiasm, aware of and stimulated by the challenges and potential of a successful multi-ethnic coeducational school.
DUNRAVEN SCHOOL OVERVIEW
Dunraven School’s results are strong, remaining well above national averages and representing positive ‘value-added’. Recognition of its marked progress has been significant and its journey as a school is important to us. For example:
In February 2011 we were designated as both a National Support School and a Leading Edge School. In August 2011, we converted to Academy status. In 2012 we began our development as an All Through School with children starting in Reception in September 2013. In summer 2013 our £20 million BSF programme was completed. In October 2014 we were judged as outstanding in all areas, including both Early Years and the Sixth Form, by Ofsted. In 2016 we were designated as a National Teaching School and an Academy Sponsor. The Dunraven Educational Trust was established. In September 2018, our Multi Academy Trust was formally set up with the integration of Van Gogh Primary, followed by Goldfinch Primary school in January 2019.
All schools within the Dunraven Educational Trust are committed to the safety and protection of their students. An enhanced DBS check with a barred list check is a condition of employment for this placement. 94-98 Leigham Court Road London SW16 2QB T 020 8696 5600
JOB DESCRIPTION
TRAINEE COUNSELLOR (VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY)
Reporting to: Lead Practitioner: Student Welfare and Engagement, and to the Counselling Service Lead Hours: Negotiable subject to minimum of 1 day per week plus fortnightly supervision.
ROLE SUMMARY
Based in the Secondary Phase, you will provide weekly, short and long term counselling to young people aged 11 to 18, experiencing a wide range of emotional difficulties.
MAIN ACTIVITIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
To offer young people individual counselling. To provide consultation to staff whose role is to support emotional distress, bearing in mind best practice regarding information sharing, confidentiality and BACP ethical guidance. Attend at least 80% of scheduled group supervision, presently 2 hours every fortnight. Attend two half days of induction and safeguarding training. Attend at least 2 out of 3 Counselling Service Team Meetings, per year, presently one per term, taking active role in agenda setting and preparation. Work within the school’s statutory obligations and Counselling Service guidelines on client confidentiality, safeguarding/ child protection. To discuss and report Safeguarding and Child Protection concerns to the Director of Inclusion. Keep confidential records in accordance with DPA and BACP guidelines. Work within BACP ethical framework at all times. Attend interviews of prospective volunteer counsellors and participate in process, as well as give feedback as to suitability for the role, as required. Work closely with Counselling Service Lead in order to maintain an effective counselling service, including discussing developments within the service, highlighting difficulties, suggesting and exploring alternative approaches. To conduct CORE assessments for statistical recording. Keep up to date on developments in counselling for young people. To exercise a commitment to the school’s mission statement and ethos including the equal opportunities policy, health and safety policy and all other current school policies. To undertake any other duties or one-off tasks at the reasonable request of the Principal/SMT/Line Manager/Counselling Service Lead.
First issue date: June 2014 Revised: July 2019 MAB/VMA 94-98 Leigham Court Road London SW16 2QB T 020 8696 5600
SAFEGUARDING
Have a due regard for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to follow all associated child protection and safeguarding policies as adopted by the school and Local Authority.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Work in compliance with the School’s Health and Safety policies and under the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), ensuring the safety of all parties with whom contact is made, such as members of the public, in premises or sites controlled by the school.
Ensure compliance of procedures are observed at all times under the provision of safe systems of work through safe and healthy environment and including such information, training instruction and supervision as necessary to accomplish those goals.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
Take responsibility, appropriate to the post for tackling racism and promoting good race, ethnic and community relations.
DATA PROTECTION
When working with computerised systems to be completely aware of responsibilities at all times under the Data Protection Act 2018 for the security, accuracy, and significance of personal data held on such systems. Be mindful of how data is handled and seek consent and guidance from line managers or designated leads before sharing or storing confidential information. Be informed of the data held on you during our recruitment process as explained in the recruitment privacy notice on our website.
SAFER RECRUITMENT STATEMENT
Dunraven School is committed to the safety and protection of its students. An enhanced DBS check with a barred list check is a condition of employment for this post.
Dunraven School is a non-smoking and non-vaping environment
First issue date: June 2014 Revised: July 2019 MAB/VMA 94-98 Leigham Court Road London SW16 2QB T 020 8696 5600
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Please address each point of this Person Specification in your application. Use a separate sheet.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
Completed Certificate in Counselling or Psychotherapy. Completed 100 hours training at Diploma Level. Supervised counselling with clients or role play as part of training. Minimum clinical commitment of 3 hours per week, during school hours in term time, for minimum of one year, subject to six-month review. Commitment to attend induction days, supervision, team meeting and appraisals. Ability to demonstrate comprehensive, competent counselling skills. Ability to quickly engage with and relate to young people. Understanding of issues faced by young people. An understanding of boundary issues and how they impact on working with young people. Awareness of own strengths, weaknesses and motivations combined with a commitment to identifying and working on personal issues. Experience of personal therapy, minimum 30 hours Ability to reflect on clinical practise and respond to and work on feedback. Ability to maintain and administrate own counselling records in line with BACP guidance and able to respond to admin/statistical data requests in an organised, professional and timely manner. Ability to work on own and as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Ability to professionally and ethically make decisions, understand and balance duty of care issues toward student, confidentiality, information sharing and safeguarding. Ability to demonstrate an understanding of equality, diversity and non-discriminatory practise issues and how these may impact the therapeutic relationship A commitment to continuity of support to our students during term time. A commitment to the School’s mission, ethos and policies.
DESIRABLE
Experience of working with young people e.g. youth work, social care, teaching etc. Experience of working with people from diverse backgrounds. Understanding of educational settings. Understanding of statutory safeguarding and child protection legislation. Awareness of Fraser Competence and assessment.
First issue date: June 2014 Revised: July 2019 MAB/VMA