• 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 in the client's home.
• Provide clients and their families with whatever support, advice and information is required, to help them deal with the practical, social and emotional impact of the assault.
• Maintain regular contact throughout the six-week period.
• Complete report forms after each visit and forward to the STAR Project.

Training

In preparation for the role, full training will be provided to all Initial Support Workers,

covering issues around rape such as the psychological effects, myths and realities,

the criminal investigation and medical examination. In addition support issues are

covered including contract and boundary setting, active listening, dependency

and supervision. In total the training consists of 3 weekends and at least half

a day spent at either Leeds or Bradford Crown Court. For details of the next round

of training please contact STAR on 01924 292361.

Payment

Whilst working for the STAR Project, Initial Support Workers will be reimbursed for

mileage incurred and any out of pocket expenses. Details of how these can be

claimed will be given during the STAR Training Course.

Insurance

The STAR Project insures the Initial Support Workers whilst they are carrying out

the duties of their role.

Supervision

Group supervision is provided and full and regular attendance is expected. Groups

meet once every two months in Bradford, Huddersfield, Leeds and Wakefield.

One-to-one supervision is also available to ISWs.

Counselling for STAR

Counsellors also offer a crucial and valuable element of the service provided by the STAR Project, offering an introductory session, followed by 6 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 the 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 are necessary.
• Ensure that STAR is aware of your availability, giving reasonable notice of holidays.
• Attend monthly supervision sessions with your own supervisor.
• It is expected that Counsellors will commit to a minimum of one 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 3 weekends and at least half a day spent at Leeds or Bradford Crown Court. For dates of the next round of training please contact STAR on 01924 292361.

Premises

Consellors are expected to use their own premises for all STAR Clients.

Payment

Whilst working for STAR, counsellors will be paid a sessional fee, plus reimbursement for mileage incurred if asked to travel to alternative premises. Further details will be given during training.

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 work on a sessional basis only, this can be provided by their own supervisor.