Student Counsellor

We deliver 1:1 counselling for individuals aged 18 years and over who live in the Doncaster borough, and we are able to offer placement opportunities to students studying at the appropriate level.  

The primary remit of the student counsellor role is to deliver up to 10 sessions of counselling for to up to 3 clients per week to increase their wellbeing, resilience, confidence and equip clients with increased coping strategies. 

Once qualified, we are also able to offer access to our freelance framework (following successful interview) for practitioners who wish to work for themselves, giving them an opportunity to build their confidence further whilst building their own client list.  

 Role Title: Volunteer Counsellor 

Commitment: Up to 3 hours a week for, ideally a minimum commitment of 6 months is requested. The 

day and time of sessions are negotiable and can take place at Doncaster Mind or online via Zoom. 

Main duties: 

• To deliver counselling to our clients 

• Recording all client information & contact on the CRMS and upholding client confidentiality in line with Doncaster Mind’s confidentiality policy 
• Promoting equity in health by working in partnership with individuals and groups that face barriers to good health 
• Being familiar with the Doncaster Mind ‘Code of Conduct’ and ensure that it is followed at all times 
• Participating and actively engaging in supervision 
• Taking responsibility, with colleagues, for ensuring that all health and safety, safeguarding, information gathering, and equality diversity and inclusion requirements are met, and all other company policies complied with 

• Working in alignment with the aims, objectives, and core values of Doncaster Mind 

Essential skills & experience: 

• Be enrolled on an accredited counselling course (usually Level 4, Postgrad Diploma, or Master’s Degree), or be a qualified accredited counsellor 
• Hold student or full membership to an ethical body (usually BACP or NCS) 

• An understanding of the role of counselling in supporting people’s mental health 
• Knowledge and understanding of mental ill health and recovery 
• Confident in ability to build rapport with a variety of clients both virtually and face to face 
• Awareness of Data Protection issues and the ability to work with confidential sensitive information 
• Strong interpersonal skills 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills 
• Awareness of professional boundaries with clients, organisations and companies at all time 
• Non-judgmental approach to people 
• Empathy and the ability to relate to difficulties a client may be experiencing 
• Self-awareness of own competencies, practical needs and personal resilience, and willing to seek help with these where necessary 

• Organisational and time management skills 
• Good ICT proficiency 

Successful Candidates will be expected to: 

• Evidence a Fitness to Practise Certificate signed by course tutor (if on placement) 
• Undertake training in IT/client record database lamplight 

• Provide an up to date DBS/ pay for us to undertake one on their behalf 
• Provide evidence of an active student or full membership of BACP or NCS 
• Supply two references 
• Find and attend own supervision in-line with ethical frameworks 

Doncaster Mind will: 

• Conduct initial assessments and identify appropriate clients for the volunteers to begin therapy with 
• Provide appropriate therapy rooms for the sessions to take place in 
• Ensure a safe environment for the student/ volunteer to undertake their practise 
• Provide full support from the Lead Counsellor and Therapy Coordinator 
• Complete records / paperwork for students on placement as required by their course 

• Provide access to our collection of counselling resources 

Boundaries of the role: 

• To work within the organisation’s confidentiality policy and volunteer agreement 

For more information: 

Please contact therapy@doncastermind.org.uk if you have any questions relating to this role, we would love to hear from you. Prior to completing an application form, we ask that anyone interested in this position makes contact with us for a discussion about the role and your application. This is an opportunity for us to share what we are looking for and for you to ask any questions about the role.  There are 3 stages to the application process:

•  Contact us to express your interest. Email  therapy@doncastermind.org.uk and give your name and telephone number and we will give you a call.

• Formal application form (please read the tips for application document prior to completing)

• Interview

Closing date for informal telephone discussions: ongoing recruitment

Closing date for written applications: ongoing recruitment

Interview date: by arrangement

Student Counsellor Recruitment Information Pack