Introduction
Start Up Stirling is looking for a sessional counsellor to join our established community counselling service in Callander, delivered as part of a rural community hub.
The hub brings a range of services together in an accessible community setting, including the foodbank, Citizens Advice and a regular community lunch. Our counselling service has been running successfully for nearly two years and provides flexible emotional and psychological support to people who might otherwise experience barriers to accessing counselling.
About the role
Counselling is offered on a flexible, open-ended basis, rather than as a fixed number of sessions. The service combines pre-arranged appointments with opportunities for drop-in support, allowing the counsellor to respond to the needs and circumstances of individual clients.
The role is currently available for up to four hours per week and is paid at £35 per hour, plus agreed travel expenses.
This could particularly suit a counsellor seeking to develop their experience, or an established counsellor looking for a small number of additional hours and an opportunity to work within an innovative community-based model.
You will work alongside, and become part of, a welcoming multidisciplinary community hub while retaining appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality around the counselling relationship.
We are looking for someone who:
Experience of community-based counselling or working with people experiencing financial hardship would be helpful but is not essential as some training will be provided. We are open to applications from recently qualified practitioners who are interested in developing their practice in this area, provided they have some experience of working independently. All candidates must have appropriate external supervision arrangements in place.
What we offer
This is an opportunity to join an established service which takes a flexible approach to counselling, recognising that different things work for different clients at different times. You will have considerable autonomy in your work while being part of a wider community hub providing practical, social and emotional support.
Hours: Up to 4 hours per week, usually Wednesday, on a 12 month rolling contract.
Rate: £35 per hour
Expenses: Travel costs paid
Location: Callander
Contract: Sessional
At PLUS, our Outreach Support Workers do much more than provide support. They build relationships, discover what matters to each person and create opportunities for children, young people and young adults to try new things, develop confidence, build independence and have fun.
No two days are the same. You could be supporting someone to try a new activity, explore their local community, develop a new skill, meet friends or simply enjoy doing something they love.
We are looking for people who are creative, reliable and compassionate, and who genuinely enjoy working alongside people with disabilities. At PLUS, we are guided by Respect, Compassion, Integrity and Dependability, and we expect these values to be reflected in how we work every day.
Due to the requirements of the role, we particularly encourage applications from people based locally.
Could you be part of a team that puts children, young people and young adults first, and works closely with families to plan and deliver personalised, meaningful support?
PLUS is a Disability Confident Committed employer and welcomes applications from disabled people. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves, contribute and develop.
What families say about PLUS:
“PLUS has become a lifeline for our family.”
“I know they are being cared for to the highest possible standard and we get the respite we need to recharge.”
“Is there a forcefield round this building? I have never seen him go into a group without him wanting me to stay. It is amazing.”
“PLUS is his other safe space after home. He’s really happy at PLUS and looks forward to it.”
Benefits:
• Real Living Wage Employer
• Organisation-wide festive closure (annual leave reserved for this period)
• Access to Bright Exchange staff benefits platform
• Structured induction and ongoing professional development, including SVQ3 in Social Services and Healthcare to meet SSSC registration conditions (supported by the organisation)
• Company pension
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Enhanced mileage allowance for work-related travel of 50p