Volunteers and Student Placements

Listening Ear has a great reputation for supporting volunteers and student placements. Both our Adult and CYP services are Accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy which we are very proud of. This also means that Listening Ear offer the highest standards of support for not only our clients, but for the students and volunteers who play a huge part in delivering such high quality services.

 

The application window for Listening Ear’s Winter 2024 student intake is now open.

 

Please be aware that preference will be given to students who meet one of the following two criteria:

 

Criteria One

• Are happy to commit to Listening Ear as their sole student placement
• If successful would be free to interview between 27^th November – 6^th December 2024
• Can commit to a 2 day induction on 6^th – 7^th January 2025
• Have a fitness to practice in place or will have this by the February half-term.
• Are happy to start placement working with clients by the February half-term.

Level 4 students who are successful on gaining a placement with Listening Ear must also adhere to Listening Ear’s safe client case load structure. This would include building up client hours by agreeing to the following:

• Start with one client and work with them until completion or the equivalent (6 sessions)
• Move up to 2 clients & work with them until completion (18 hours)
• Move up to 3 clients & work with them until 36 hours
• Move up to 4 clients and work with them until 60 hours
• If the training provider permits, move up to 5 clients until 100 hours

 

Criteria Two

In addition to our Level 4 student placements, preference will also be given to students who are seeking a placement for Level 5+ or the equivalent. These students will already have gained and be able to evidence a qualification enabling them to work with Adults.

 

How to apply

The closing date for all Winter 2024 student applications is 24/11/2024 at 23:59. The application form can be found here. Please email a copy of your application form to volunteering@listening-ear.co.uk by the closing date. All application forms will undergo a shortlisting process by the Clinical Team and then if successful in securing an interview, you will receive an email informing you of the date and time to attend. Please note that any applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

 

Additional Information

Unfortunately due to the demand on placements the members of Listening Ear’s student recruitment panel are unable to contact unsuccessful applicants and are also unable to give feedback on individual applications.

If you have any questions about student placements, prior to submitting your application please email volunteering@listening-ear.co.uk & we will look to respond within 2 to 3 days. We have also provided some responses to frequently asked questions below which may assist you with any questions you may have.

To be notified of future placement intakes, please subscribe to our mailing list.

 

Starting your journey in the world of Counselling and Psychotherapy can sometimes feel overwhelming and can raise a lot of questions for consideration. Questions such as, “Will I receive the appropriate level of support?”, “Will I be given the correct level of encouragement to really develop as a therapist?” and “Will I receive help to ensure I am working ethically with my clients?” are all important questions to ask at any point in your career. We firmly believe that Listening Ear offer the right level of support to enable you to answer “Yes” to all of these questions.

As a student you will be supported by a dedicated placement manager who will be your point of contact for all things therapy related. We will offer you support and guidance with things such as best practice, developing your skills, working ethically with clients and support around your study as you work towards qualification.

Most importantly, you will be treated as a fellow professional and welcomed into the Listening Ear family.