Volunteer Counselling Service Coordinator

Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland is a registered charity and a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee (CLG) with a head office based in Dublin. The organisation aims to increase awareness of Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland and to support people with Dyspraxia/DCD and their families through our clinical programmes, education and training activities, and national information and support helpline. Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland has a strong partnership development ethos; we work closely with a number of Universities and schools in Ireland and the UK to build research and best practice. We are proud of our strong membership base and our volunteers who are committed to supporting the goals and vision of the organisation. Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland operates in an inclusive and transparent manner with a strong focus on good governance. This includes meeting the requirements of the Charities Governance Code and all relevant legislation.

Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland are in the process of implementing our strategic plan 2021 – 2024 https://www.dyspraxia.ie/Strategic-Plan and are a partner organisation with the HSE as outlined in the HSE National Service Plan 2024. Due to significant demand for counselling supports, and limited staff time, we are seeking to appoint a Volunteer Counselling Service Coordinator with counselling/psychology/psychotherapy experience. The Volunteer Counselling Service Coordinator will work closely with the CEO to meet current need and further develop the counselling service that we provide. This is a new volunteer role and one which we anticipate will continue to grow to meet need.

Our counselling service began in 2022 with one volunteer student counsellor/psychotherapist and has grown to three volunteer student counsellors/psychotherapists and four fully qualified volunteer counsellor.

All of our student counsellor/psychotherapists receive supervision externally so there is no requirement in this role for clinical supervision. A significant component of this role is administratively focused in screening applications for counselling, responding in a timely manner to applicants, prioritising services based on need, assessing risk and referring appropriately. Additionally we are committed to ensuring that all of our counsellor/psychotherapists are supported in their personal development by Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland including through peer networking, in person networking opportunities and any relevant training opportunities that may arise.

Further information on our counselling service can be found on our website https://www.dyspraxia.ie/Counselling.

The successful candidate will need to demonstrate a mix of the following skills and experience:

Highly Desired

• Experience of working in a counselling service.
• Mental health first aid qualification.
  Mental health experience, and knowledge of risk related to mental health, regulations and policies.
• Strong administration skills.
• Ability to maintain remote working relationships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to relate to people at all levels in a consultative and collaborative manner.
• Well-developed problem-solving skills.

Equal Opportunities

Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland is committed to equal opportunities and all volunteer recruitment decisions will be based on merit, suitability for the role and experience. We welcome diversity within our organisation and ensure that recruitment decisions are not influenced by race, religion, gender, disability, age or ethnicity.

Our Commitment to you

• Provide induction and training to support you in your new role.
• A collaborative work environment with talented people who are committed to achieving the best outcomes for our members and clients.
• Professional development opportunities to help you attain your goals and objectives as a Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland volunteer.
• Recognise and respect your value within our organisation.
• Recognise that you are a volunteer and have other commitments.
• Listen to your concerns if things are not going well.

Application Process:

If you feel you could make a difference to the lives of the many people we support while building your skills and being part of a dynamic and engaged organisation then we would love to hear from you.

For further information on the role please email sharon@dyspraxia.ie

To apply for this role please email us at info@dyspraxia.ie and provide a cover letter telling us why you are interested in this volunteering opportunity and what skills and qualifications you can bring to the role. We will then organise an informal online meeting with you to discuss your application further.

Thank you for your interest in our organisation!