We have volunteering opportunities in our head office in Glasgow City centre, these include:

Reception – answering the telephone, meeting and greeting clients and visitors
Provide tea/coffee for clients and visitors
General admin support – photocopying, shredding, postage, ordering supplies, organising meeting rooms and catering.
Information – keeping information stands well stocked and tidy

The skills and attributes we are looking for include:

• Being able to chat with people
• A non-judgemental attitude
• Working as part of a team
• Being organised
• Ability to use a computer

The office is a friendly environment and we want to make sure our clients are supported and relaxed when they come to see us. The receptionist is an important person as they are the first person a client sees when they come in the door. We will provide training and support while you are volunteering with us and we will ensure you have an enjoyable experience and the opportunity to learn new skills.

There are a number of opportunities for volunteers to work directly with clients at GCA. These include becoming a volunteer counsellor or working as a group worker within one of our group work programmes. The minimum qualification that we require for working directly with clients is the COSCA. Certificate in Counselling Skills. (GCA runs this course; please phone us for more details). Potential volunteers will be asked to attend a selection day and undertake our 6 day Advanced Alcohol training course as part of the selection process. In return, we ask that you can commit to:

Individual counselling

• Volunteering with us for at least 2 years
• Providing a minimum of 3 to 4 hours per week
• Achieving a minimum of 50 client hours per year
• Attending regular practice supervision sessions
• Attending regular team meetings
• Ongoing learning and development
• Completing GCA’s in-house accreditation
• Complying with the standards and practise of GCA

Group work

• Providing a minimum of 2 hours per week
• Attending at least one complete group work programme
• Attending regular supervision sessions
• Attending regular team meetings
• Participating in regular learning opportunities
• Complying with the standards and practise of GCA

Volunteer recruitment takes places on an ‘as required’ basis so we are unable to specify dates for applications. However if you feel you meet the requirements and you have the time, we would be delighted to hear from you and will keep your application on file until the next recruitment.

We take part in a wide variety of community initiatives and work in varied settings. We may ask you to support the work by:

• Making up resource packs
• Co-facilitating sessions
• Entering data on our database
• Collating evaluation forms

All necessary training will be provided by GCA and all volunteers are supported by a member of staff.

What do I do next?
You can contact us on 0141 353 1800 or email: volunteer@glasgowcouncilonalcohol.org