Why we need you
Our Bereavement Services Placement Counsellors are responsible for providing psycho-educative, professional counselling for those who have been affected by the death of a person close to them who has been in the care of St Margaret’s Hospice Care.
Where you will be based: Taunton or Yeovil hospice hubs
Day/ Time: Various
What you will be doing
- Provide professional counselling to bereaved relatives and friends as assigned by the Bereavement Services Placement Coordinators.
- Actively listen to bereaved clients and empathically explore their thoughts and feelings around their bereavement and grief. You will always be mindful that within the developing therapeutic relationship you are providing bereavement counselling, utilising the appropriate skills, theory and interventions to help the client explore their unique experiences of bereavement and grief and its impact.
- Work within the boundaries defined by your role and training to ensure the safety of both your clients and yourself. To refer clients back to the Bereavement Service Co-ordinators if the work is moving beyond the remit of your role or limits of competence or if you identify yourself as being ‘unfit to practice’.
- Pass on appropriate information to the Bereavement Team Coordinators and maintain clear, up to date electronic and written notes and ensure any paperwork is kept securely.
- Work to an agreed counselling agreement as provided by the bereavement service.
- Provide evidence of your qualification.
- Maintain membership of a counselling governing body and in doing so agree to work to its professional and ethical guidelines.
- Hold relevant professional indemnity insurance and provide a copy of the covering certificate.
- Maintain confidentiality in accordance with St Margaret’s confidentiality policy and adhere to its policies and guidelines.
- Inform the Bereavement Services Coordinators of any difficulties or concerns experienced during counselling sessions.
- Actively participate in regular monthly group supervision, team meetings and training.
The skills you will need
- Enthusiasm
- Transferable skills
- Adaptability
- Attention to detail
- Creative ideas
- Good verbal and listening skills, to respond appropriately, suspending judgment, when working with people who are very distressed and bereaved and without feeling a need to ‘fix’ the situation.
- Able to remain calm in stressful situations and to deal sensitively and appropriately with people with an awareness of theoretical approaches and respect for the individual process.
- Emotionally resilient and grounded in one’s own life in order to deal with the demands of the role, especially if you have experienced personal bereavement.
- Ensure you are ‘fit to practice’, be able to self-reflect and be willing to access personal counselling when appropriate or recommended by your supervisor.
- Able to maintain appropriate personal boundaries and confidentiality.
- Ensure good self-care and have a willingness to seek support and supervision if you are struggling in any way with the work.
- Have a keen interest in the hospice and the services it offers.
- Have a good sense of humour, work as part of the team and be willing to offer support to colleagues.
- Please note: The hospice would not normally support moving into the role of a Bereavement Support Volunteer Counsellor for anyone who has been bereaved for less than 18 months, however the Bereavement Services Co-ordinators are happy to discuss this further with potential volunteers.
What’s in it for you
- The opportunity to make a real difference
- A comprehensive training and development package including attending the ‘Supporting People through Loss and Grief’, six-week course.
- Additional training courses can be attended if appropriate to the role
- Broadening skills, knowledge and expertise working alongside a diverse range of professions
- Enhance your CV
- Travel expenses paid for some training
- Support from your service coordinator
- Regular update opportunities including. newsletters and events
- Regular supervision
- You will gain invaluable experience and learning from providing invaluable support to people.
- Enhance your interpersonal skills.
- Being a valued member of the wider St Margaret’s team.
- Supporting your local community.
What we need from you
- The commitment of a qualified counsellor is a minimum of 4 hours per week.
- You are required to attend induction and update training including attending the ‘Supporting People through Loss and Grief’, six-week course
How to apply
If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity please complete an application form by clicking the button below.
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If you have any questions about this role, or require a paper copy of the application, please contact the Volunteering Team on 01823 346 959 or email volunteering@st-margarets-hospice.org.uk