GriefChat Counsellor

GriefChat; Remote; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A bereavement support service in the UK seeks GriefChat Counsellors to provide high-quality online emotional support via chat. Candidates must have a diploma in counselling and experience in helpline services. Strong communication skills and the ability to work flexibly are essential. Compensation starts at £10 per hour for 3-hour shifts, with opportunities for progression. The role requires a commitment to high-quality support and the ability to respect diverse client backgrounds.

Qualifications

• Professional qualification in counselling required.
• Experience in helpline services preferred.
• Specific bereavement training necessary.

Responsibilities

• Provide emotional support during online chats.
• Handle multiple client chats simultaneously.
• Ensure timely and respectful chat endings.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Empathic tone of voice

Flexible supporting approaches

Positive chat environment

Autonomous work

Education

Diploma level qualification in counselling

Tools

Web-based communication tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Thank you for your interest in the GriefChat service and joining the GriefChat team. You can find out more about being a GriefChat counsellor by watching this video, and at www.griefchat.co.uk.

GriefChat supports bereaved people via webchat, 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday. Our shift patterns are: 9:00-12:00, 12:00-15:00, 15:00-18:00 and 18:00-21:00. Please note that although we aim to offer you around a shift per week, regular shifts are allocated as and when they become available, and this will probably not be straight away, so please be prepared to start with covering on an ad-hoc basis. We are particularly interested in counsellors who have good flexibility in their diaries and are able to cover with a few days' notice.

Main purpose of role

GriefChat exists to improve access to bereavement support, providing information, emotional support and signposting. GriefChat Counsellors work flexibly to support clients in acknowledging and normalising grief reactions and building resilience for the future. The main purpose of this role is to provide high quality online chat and emotional support to a range of clients using the GriefChat service.

You will need to be able to work in a private space with a laptop or computer with adequate security protection and a private, stable internet connection.

Qualities

• Commitment to delivering the highest quality of support to a wide range of GriefChat clients
• Empathy and emotional intelligence
• Flexibility of approach and ability to be adaptable
• Personal integrity
• The ability to respect people’s differences in both experiences and outlook; demonstrating a positive approach to diversity and offering respect and sensitivity to all regardless of their background, culture, lifestyle etc.
• The ability to work remotely but within a team
• The ability to solicit and respond to constructive feedback

Essential Knowledge and Experience

• Professional qualification in counselling – at least Diploma level qualification
• Experience of working within a helpline-based service (on the phone or using text-based communication)
• Specific bereavement training
• Experience of supporting clients through bereavement
• Continuing professional supervision (evidence required)
• Continuing professional development (evidence required)
• GriefChat Counsellors are registered with an appropriate professional body e.g. British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), National Counselling Society (NCS), UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) or the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP)

Skills

• Excellent communication skills including via text-based or web-based services
• The ability to use an empathic tone of voice in a text-based service, and willingness to learn
• The ability to flexibly utilise a range of approaches to supporting clients
• The ability to create a positive and creative chat environment
• The ability to use technology (web-based meetings, chat software, email, Microsoft packages etc.)
• The ability to work autonomously; administration and self-management skill

Role Description (open in new tab)

1. To be online, aware of any ongoing chats and ready for the beginning of the GriefChat shift ten minutes before it starts.
2. To accept chats from clients and offer flexible bereavement support (emotional first aid, normalising and reassurance) to individuals on bereavement issues, and any other matters which are causing the individual to feel that they need additional support.
3. To talk to multiple clients at the same time.
4. To end chats in a timely and agreeable manner in line with service standards.
5. To work within a team, support each other and communicate with GriefChat staff and other counsellors throughout your shift, including handing over with counsellors at the beginning and end of your shift.
6. To complete and return all required documentation and monitoring information.
7. To keep up to date with information and developments in the service.
8. To undertake initial training, ongoing training, review sessions and participate in formal support provided to Counsellors by GriefChat.
9. To comply with GriefChat’s confidentiality, security and privacy policies.
10. To be an ambassador for the GriefChat service.

Remuneration

Starting at £10 an hour (shift patterns are 3 hours each) payable monthly on receipt of an invoice. There are opportunities for progression within the service.

Reporting to

Nicola Massey, GriefChat Manager.

Interview and training schedule

Interviews will be week commencing Monday 31 January, and training will start two weeks later. You must be able to attend one of the following training webinars:

Thursday 17 February 09:00-12:00

Friday 18 February 12:00-15:00

If you now feel ready to apply, please press the 'apply now' button, which will take you to the application form. Please complete the form as fully as possible and if you have one, then please upload your CV too.

If you have any questions please contact us by email: [e-mail] or give us a call on 01524 889823.

By being successful in your application you will also be considered to work with our other counselling services.

Thank you and good luck!