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Job description

Every childhood is worth fighting for. This is our belief. It drives us. And it’s why our National Services team never stop sharing our learning, information, advice and support with everyone who needs it. Join us as a Childline Counsellor, and help us make a contribution that makes a difference. As a Childline Counsellor you will provide a safe and effective helpline service for children and young people contacting Childline with a wide range of issues. You will be able to communicate with children and young people by phone, email and live 1-2-1 chat. You will have the ability to work actively with children and young people, assisting them to explore their feelings and options, using a range of helping strategies and the Childline counselling model. Taking guidance and feedback from supervisors, you will work alongside volunteers to ensure that a quality response is given to every child or young person who contacts Childline. You will have the proven ability to engage with children and young people as well as up to date knowledge of child protection systems, best practice, research and legislation and the ability to recognise indicators of a child protection risk. You will be committed to protecting and enhancing the lives of children and young people. Childline is a 24 hour, 7 day a week service and is open for children and young people 365 days a year. For further information please contact Georgina.McGlinchey@NSPCC.org.uk..

Responsibilities

• To provide a safe and effective service to children and young people
• To deliver best practice within the service
• To contribute to effective performance management within the service
• To actively contribute to service development

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Training and/or experience in using counselling skills
• Experience of child protection issues and the assessment of risk
• Effectively engaging and communicating with children and young people
• Providing appropriate intervention and support to the child or young person during times of crisis.
• Up to date knowledge of child protection systems, best practice, research and legislation
• Using a range of IT systems and programs (e.g. Client database, email, MS Word and Excel)
• Working in an inclusive and anti-oppressive framework.

Desirable Skills

• Candidates should have the ability to reflect on best practice, think analytically and articulate recommendations with clarity.
• A social work, youth work, counselling or equivalent qualification is desirable.

Further Information

Wage: £24,746 FTE annually. We have vacancies available at 28 or 17.5 hours - please specify which vacancy you are applying for in your application. Please note that these roles will be working evening shifts including an alternate Saturday evening. Shift patterns can be discussed further at interview and flexibility would be desirable.

Application Information

https://join-us.nspcc.org.uk/jobs/vacancy/childline-counsellor-foyle-service-centre/5814/description/