Level 1 Award in Counselling Skills

Completing a Level 1 Award in Counselling skills course is an excellent starting point for individuals interested in pursuing a career in counselling or related fields. While this level of certification represents an introductory understanding of counselling skills, it may not qualify you for professional counselling roles. However, it can serve as a stepping stone for further education and experience. Here are some potential career options and roles you can consider:

Support Worker: As a support worker, you can provide assistance and emotional support to individuals in various settings, such as healthcare, social services, or community organisations. Your counselling skills can help you connect with and assist clients.

Caregiver: If you’re interested in caring for individuals, such as the elderly or those with disabilities, your counselling skills can help you better understand their emotional needs and provide more compassionate care.

Mental Health Support Worker: In this role, you can work with individuals who have mental health issues. Your counselling skills will be valuable for providing empathy and support.

Youth Support Worker: Working with young people in schools, community centres, or youth organisations can benefit from your ability to communicate and listen effectively, as learned in the counselling skills course.

Crisis Helpline Volunteer: Many crisis hotlines and helplines rely on volunteers who can offer empathetic and supportive listening to people in distress.

Life Coach: While not a licensed therapist, you can use your counselling skills to guide and support clients in setting and achieving personal or professional goals.

Peer Support Specialist: Peer support specialists are individuals with lived experience in mental health or addiction recovery who provide support and understanding to others going through similar challenges.

Human Resources (HR) Assistant: HR professionals often need strong interpersonal and communication skills. Your counselling skills can help you excel in roles that involve employee relations, conflict resolution, or employee assistance programs.

Addiction Support Worker: If you’re interested in helping individuals overcome addiction, your counselling skills can be beneficial in roles that provide guidance and support to those in recovery.

Educator or Trainer: You can use your counselling skills to become an educator or trainer in personal development, communication, or conflict resolution.

Nonprofit or Community Organisation Roles: Many nonprofit organisations that focus on social services, mental health, and community well-being can benefit from individuals with counselling skills in various support roles.

While these career options can benefit from your counselling skills, it’s essential to understand that to become a professional counsellor, you typically need to pursue further education and training, such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree in counselling or a related field, along with relevant certifications and licenses. Additionally, gaining practical experience, participating in internships, and seeking supervision or mentorship can be crucial steps in progressing toward a counselling career.