Volunteer Counsellor (x2 Posts)

Sixth Form College Farnborough; Farnborough; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in Farnborough is seeking volunteer trainee counsellors or qualified counsellors to support students aged 16-19. The role requires a commitment to three hours of counselling per week, starting in September 2024 after an induction in July 2024. Applicants should possess relevant qualifications and a keen interest in supporting young people from diverse backgrounds.

Benefits

Generous pension schemes

Employee Assistance Programme

Access to College Gym

Cycle to work scheme

Eye Test voucher

Free flu vaccination

Ample free parking

Modern campus environment

Portable device provided for teaching staff

Qualifications

• Exceptional levels of support for students both inside and outside of lessons.
• Outstanding rating from Ofsted.
• High grades with excellent value added.

Responsibilities

• Work within the established counselling service.
• Counsel students aged 16-19.
• Attend induction in July 2024 before placement starts in September 2024.

Skills

Interest in working with young people

Counselling skills

Ability to offer 3 hours counselling per week

Public and Professional Liability Insurance

Education

Diploma level qualification

Certificate of competence to counsel

Job description

Job Overview

We are looking to recruit volunteer trainee counsellors or qualified counsellors embarking on a level 5 young person training course to work within our established counselling service. Working with 16-19 year old students the placement will start in the new academic year, September 2024 and induction July 2024. Students using the college counselling service come from a wide variety of backgrounds and the issues brought to counselling are very diverse. We would like counsellors to apply who have an interest in working with young people.

Requirements

Requirements for prospective placement counsellors are:

• Outstanding rating from Ofsted
• Achievement of high grades with excellent value added
• Outstanding teaching by a team of experienced and motivated staff
• Exceptional levels of support for students both inside and outside of lessons
• Innovative use of IT to promote learning embedded as a regular part of normal teaching
• A minimum of Diploma level
• A certificate of competence to counsel from your training provider
• Be able to offer 3 hours counselling time per week, term time
• Be a member of the BACP and hold suitable Public and Professional Liability Insurance

Safeguarding and Pre‑employment Checks

The Prospect Trust takes the control and processing of employee data very seriously and is committed to acting in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulation; please read the attached applicant privacy notice which explains how your data is processed. Prior to the interview, an online search will be conducted by HR to identify any past or current incidents or issues that might affect your suitability to work with children and undertake this role. Note that this online search will be carried out only on publicly available information and will be limited to issues relating to your suitability to work with children and/or in an educational environment. Issues that arise will not automatically be a bar to your employment at the Trust but may be discussed with you at interview.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified applicants, however all disabled applicants who meet our minimum criteria will be invited for an interview. The Prospect Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people within our care and requires all staff and volunteers to share and demonstrate this commitment. The job description fully sets out the safeguarding responsibilities of the post. Any future offer of employment remains subject to satisfactory pre‑employment checks, including enhanced DBS clearance, a health check and references.

The Prospect Trust is a leading Multi‑Academy Trust in the South of England, with an aim of providing outstanding education for all learners within a family of local academies. There are currently three academies within the Trust: The Sixth Form College Farnborough, Tomlinscote School and Frimley Church of England Junior School. The Sixth Form College Farnborough is a founding member of The Prospect Trust and provides outstanding education and support for almost 6,000 learners. The successful candidate will be expected to embrace the Trust's values and play a key role in supporting its further growth and development.

Trust’s Core Values

• Partnership: working together we can deliver better and more effectively than working alone.
• Restlessness: the current state is never good enough.
• Trust: open and transparent in everything we do.
• Quality: aspire to be the best in everything we do.

Judged outstanding in all areas by Ofsted in September 2021, the College now has almost 4,000 students enrolled on over 40 Level 3 courses. The College community continues to grow and a record number of applications were received for September 2023. In recent years, academic outcomes have been well above the national average both in attainment and progress. Alps value added measures put the College in the top 10% of providers nationally both at A‑level and for vocational courses. As well as the pursuit of academic excellence, the College is renowned for its commitment to providing the highest possible standard of pastoral care. A team of highly experienced tutors provide group/one‑to‑one support and students also have access to a first‑rate onsite counselling service. The College benefits from excellent facilities and educational resources and works closely with seventeen partner secondary schools to ensure students enjoy a smooth transition to post‑16 education.

Benefits for Staff

• Generous pension schemes for both teaching and support staff
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to the College Gym and a cycle to work scheme
• Eye Test voucher
• Free flu vaccination
• Ample free parking
• A modern campus and an attractive, well‑maintained working environment
• Individual department staff rooms
• All teaching staff are provided with a portable device