1:1 Bereavement Volunteer
OFFERED BY:
Children's Bereavement CentreLocation(s): Aspley, Basford, Berridge, Bestwood, Bilborough, Bulwell, Bulwell Forest, Castle, Clifton East, Clifton West, Dales, Hyson Green and Arboretum, Leen Valley, Lenton and Wollaton East, Mapperley, Meadows, Radford, Sherwood, St Ann's, Wollaton West, Outside of Nottingham City
Address where volunteering takes place: 3 Kings Road Newark NG24 1EWHow many places are on offer?:
Purpose of Role:
We are looking for bereavement volunteers to provide emotional and psychological support for (primarily) children aged 3-18 years (and some adults). 1:1 volunteers work with three or more children/adults per week (minimum of four hours per week commitment). They are based in either our Newark Centre or bereavement hubs across Nottinghamshire, including Rushcliffe, City, Mansfield and Bassetlaw. We require a minimum of a 12 month commitment for this role.
ROLE DESCRIPTION:
We have three levels of 1:1 volunteers:
1. 1:1 Volunteer Counsellors: qualified (Level 4 or above)and support more complex cases
2. 1:1 Bereavement Volunteers: those on a counselling course placement (Level 4 or above)
3. 1:1 Bereavement Support Volunteers: entry level role for those who are qualified in other relevant fields e.g Youth Workers, Teaching Assistants etc. Typically support children with memory book work.
What does the role involve?
• Deliver 1:1 sessions (50 minute sessions for approximately eight weeks or six weeks for adults) involving therapeutic play/talking and creative techniques to allow the children/adult to explore and express their experiences and feelings in a safe, secure and accepting environment
• Raise any safeguarding concerns with the designated safeguarding lead or deputy
• Identifying and responding to the needs of your client and adjusting intervention when needed
• Update database and calendar, ensuring all case notes are up to date and accurate within 48 hours of appointments
• Liaise with staff to ensure effective communication regarding client work
• Maintain standards of conduct to sustain public confidence in the Children’s Bereavement Centre.
• Maintain security and confidentiality of any information received in the course of your duties
• Attending volunteer gatherings and other training opportunities
• Having an observation of one of your sessions within the first three clients
• Attend monthly supervision (external for 1:1 Bereavement Volunteers and 1:1 Volunteer Counsellors and internal for 1:1 Bereavement Support Volunteers)
• Complete all necessary training and reflective journal prior to starting client work
1. 1:1 Volunteer Counsellors: qualified (Level 4 or above)and support more complex cases
2. 1:1 Bereavement Volunteers: those on a counselling course placement (Level 4 or above)
3. 1:1 Bereavement Support Volunteers: entry level role for those who are qualified in other relevant fields e.g Youth Workers, Teaching Assistants etc. Typically support children with memory book work.
What does the role involve?
• Deliver 1:1 sessions (50 minute sessions for approximately eight weeks or six weeks for adults) involving therapeutic play/talking and creative techniques to allow the children/adult to explore and express their experiences and feelings in a safe, secure and accepting environment
• Raise any safeguarding concerns with the designated safeguarding lead or deputy
• Identifying and responding to the needs of your client and adjusting intervention when needed
• Update database and calendar, ensuring all case notes are up to date and accurate within 48 hours of appointments
• Liaise with staff to ensure effective communication regarding client work
• Maintain standards of conduct to sustain public confidence in the Children’s Bereavement Centre.
• Maintain security and confidentiality of any information received in the course of your duties
• Attending volunteer gatherings and other training opportunities
• Having an observation of one of your sessions within the first three clients
• Attend monthly supervision (external for 1:1 Bereavement Volunteers and 1:1 Volunteer Counsellors and internal for 1:1 Bereavement Support Volunteers)
• Complete all necessary training and reflective journal prior to starting client work
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
What are we looking for?
• A sound understanding of the importance of confidentiality
• The ability to take on a variety of tasks to help with all aspects of 1:1 support
• Knowledge of safeguarding children and young people
• Good communication and listening skills
• Experience of working in a team and lone working
• Experience of working with people from a wide variety of backgrounds
• Enthusiastic, motivated and practical approach to problem solving
• 2+ years’ experience with children/young people
• Minimum of Level 4 Counselling certificate, equivalent or above (in progress for 1:1 Bereavement Volunteers or completed for Volunteer Counsellors)
• Relevant other qualifications that could enhance our service offer (education, youth work, neurodiversity etc. for 1:1 Bereavement Support Volunteers)
• Experience maintaining client records on a database or a willingness to learn
• Ability to empathise with families in stressful circumstances
• Non-judgemental and empathetic
Desirable criteria
• Knowledge of family dynamics and attachment theory
• Experience/training in supporting children through loss/bereavement
Please note this role is only available to those who are 21 years and over.
• A sound understanding of the importance of confidentiality
• The ability to take on a variety of tasks to help with all aspects of 1:1 support
• Knowledge of safeguarding children and young people
• Good communication and listening skills
• Experience of working in a team and lone working
• Experience of working with people from a wide variety of backgrounds
• Enthusiastic, motivated and practical approach to problem solving
• 2+ years’ experience with children/young people
• Minimum of Level 4 Counselling certificate, equivalent or above (in progress for 1:1 Bereavement Volunteers or completed for Volunteer Counsellors)
• Relevant other qualifications that could enhance our service offer (education, youth work, neurodiversity etc. for 1:1 Bereavement Support Volunteers)
• Experience maintaining client records on a database or a willingness to learn
• Ability to empathise with families in stressful circumstances
• Non-judgemental and empathetic
Desirable criteria
• Knowledge of family dynamics and attachment theory
• Experience/training in supporting children through loss/bereavement
Please note this role is only available to those who are 21 years and over.
WHEN REQUIRED:
This grid shows when you can volunteer for this opportunity.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Are there age restrictions for this opportunity?: Yes
Age Restrictions:
21 and over only
Are there gender restrictions for this opportunity?: No
Gender restrictions:
Is the opportunity accessible to disabled people?: Yes
Disability restrictions:
Additional needs can be discussed.
How long before volunteer can expect a response?:
2-3 days
How long to complete training and recruitment?:
Online training to be completed in November before the face to face training day on Saturday 23 November in Newark.
Volunteer Expenses offered?: Yes
Induction and Training offered?: Yes
Support and Supervision offered?: Yes
Has a risk assessment been carried out?: Yes
DBS Disclosure required?: Yes