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The STAR Project requires sessional Counsellors
to provide a professional counselling service.

The STAR Project requires counsellors, both female and male, to support victims of rape and serious sexual assault.

Counsellors offer a crucial and valuable element of the service provided by the STAR Project, offering an introductory session, followed by 6-10 sessions of counselling, to enable clients to begin to look at the effects of the rape and to begin to help themselves to improve their quality of life.

All Counsellors working for the project undergo a specialist training programme covering issues relating to rape and sexual assault. All applicants attend an initial interview prior to completing the compulsory training programme, undertake reference and police checks, and attend a post training interview. Counsellors work on a sessional basis, with an annual contract, and regular reviews and support built in.


Role of Counsellor:

To provide one to one counselling to enable clients to talk through issues with a professionally qualified counsellor in complete privacy.

Counsellors are contracted to work on a sessional basis, as and when required, and paid a sessional rate
Counsellor Requirements: An Academic Qualification in Counselling (minimum of Diploma Level)
Extensive Generic Counselling Experience
Experience of Counselling around Sexual Issues
Access to Appropriate Premises
Professional Indemnity Insurance
Public Liability Insurance
Personal Insurance (optional)
Undertakes Regular Personal Supervision
Satisfactory Completion of Compulsory Training
Acceptance of and Adherence to BAC Code of Ethics
Expectations:

Receive details of clients from the STAR Project and make initial contact within 48 hours.

Arrange an introductory session with the client, which is expected to take place at the Counsellors premises.

Follow the introductory session with 6-10 sessions of counselling, usually held weekly.

Complete report forms after each visit and forward to the STAR Project.

Consult with the STAR Project to review the progress of cases, particularly where referral to other professionals/agencies may be necessary.

Ensure that the STAR Project is aware of your availability, giving reasonable notice of holidays.

Attend monthly supervision sessions with your own supervisor.

It is expected that Counsellors will feel able to commit to a minimum of 1 year following completion of training.
Training:

In preparation for the role, full training will be provided to all Counsellors covering issues around rape such as the psychological effects, myths and realities, the criminal investigation and medical examination. In total, the training consists of approximately 2 weekends and 2 evening sessions, spread out over a 1 month period.

The next dates for training are:

Full Weekend: Saturday 30th & Sunday 31st March
Evening: Monday 1st April
Full Weekend: Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th April
Evening: Monday 8th April
Premises:

Counsellors are expected to use their own premises for all STAR Clients.
Payment: Whilst working for the STAR Project, counsellors will be paid a sessional rate, plus reimbursement for mileage incurred if asked to travel to alternative premises. Details of how these should be claimed are available from the project offices.
Insurance:

Counsellors are expected to have up to date Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance. Personal Insurance is optional.
Professional Membership:

Counsellors are expected to be a member of BACP or other appropriate professional body.
Supervision: Counsellors must attend regular, usually monthly, one to one supervision. As Counsellors are contracted to do work on a sessional basis only, this can be provided by their own Supervisor.