Counselling Receptionist 

Role: Volunteer – Counselling Receptionist  

Location: Various locations to choose from across Aylesbury 

Time commitment: 5.30-9pm every weekday evening. You can choose to do one or multiple evenings a week or be added to an on-call list.

Manager: Head of Counselling  

What we are looking for 

We are seeking a friendly, empathetic, and organised Counselling Receptionist to join our young person's counselling service. The Counselling Receptionist will be the first point of contact for clients, creating a welcoming and supportive environment. This role is essential in ensuring that young people feel comfortable and at ease when they arrive for their counselling sessions. 

What you will be doing 

Your role will include some of, but is not restricted to, the following tasks: 

• Welcoming Clients: Greet young clients and their families warmly as they arrive for their appointments. 
• Check-In Process: Manage the check-in process. 
• Information Provision: Provide clients with relevant information about the service, waiting times, and any necessary forms to complete. 
• Environment Maintenance: Ensure the waiting area is tidy and comfortable. 
• Support: Offer reassurance and support to clients who may be anxious or distressed. 
• Communication: Communicate effectively with counsellors and administrative staff to ensure smooth operations. 
• Confidentiality: Maintain client confidentiality and adhere to the service's privacy policies. 
• Safety and Compliance: Ensure the safety of the clients by adhering to safeguarding policies and procedures. 
• Crisis Management: Assist in managing any emergencies or crises that may arise in the waiting area. 

The skills you need 

• Able to uphold Youth Concern’s values in your role 
• Good verbal communication skills 
• A calm and personable demeaner 
• Ability to multitask and prioritise (where necessary) 
• Flexible and adaptable  
• Able to work on own initiative  
• Able to work collaboratively as part of a team 
• A working knowledge of safeguarding (training provided) 
• Experience working with young people (desirable) 
• Good written communication skills (desirable) 
• Proven IT skills (desirable) 

How you will benefit  

• Full induction and training. 
• Other training opportunities relevant to the volunteer role. 
• Regular supervision and support. 
• Enjoy a rewarding role that makes a tangible difference to young people in your local community. 
• Help create safer and more comfortable environments for young people. 
• Become part of a compassionate community, meet new people, and make lifelong friends. 
• The chance to meet new people. 
• Be invited to Youth Concern’s Volunteer social events. 

This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. 

What we ask of you  

• To complete an Enhanced DBS check with us, because this position will involve working directly with vulnerable young people. 
• To provide two references from non-family members and other relevant documents related to the role 
• To read, have knowledge on and keep to all the charity’s policies, procedures and guidelines  
• To complete an induction and any training related to the role 
• Complete mandatory training and role related renewals, as requested 

About Us  

Youth Concern is an independent charity based in Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire that supports 13-25 year olds. We are inclusive; we aim to support all 13-25 year olds, but we specialise in helping those facing additional challenges. In running a Drop-in Centre, counselling and homelessness prevention projects, Youth Concern’s holistic service delivers real benefits for young people with multiple needs.    

Youth Concern’s vision is that every young person has the resources they need to live a happy, healthy and fulfilling life. Our purpose is to be there for and respond to vulnerable young people when they need us most. At each contact we work to transform lives. 

Our mission is to enable young people from diverse backgrounds and with chaotic lifestyles to broaden their opportunities, realise their aspirations and optimise their well-being. We achieve this through the delivery of bespoke, holistic support packages helping them overcome disadvantage and reduce risk whilst facilitating the transition to independent adulthood. 

Youth Concern Values 

• We put young people at the heart of all we do 
• We care deeply 
• We listen without judgement 
• We never give up 
• We empower and collaborate 

Disclaimer 

We look to recruit a diverse range of volunteers. If your skills don’t fit the above, please do not let this put you off as we are able to be flexible in most of our roles. We may also be able to offer you a different role that we both feel you are more suited to.  

For more information or if you have any questions regarding this volunteer role, please contact the Volunteering Coordinator, Jasmine Smith.