Childline offers a comprehensive and complimentary Helpline Service, which is available to children and young people every day of the year. Whatever the nature of young people’s concerns, our team is here to listen and provide the necessary support and guidance to help alleviate their worries.
We believe that there are a host of issues that children and young people may face, and it is essential that they have a safe and trusted outlet to express their thoughts and emotions.
Childline offers a variety of ways to speak to our team of trained Listeners, therefore our dedicated team is available to receive calls, live chats, WhatsApp or emails every evening between 5pm and 9pm, providing confidential and non-judgmental support to children and young people.
Childline has been delivering a Helpline Service for over 16 years, and we remain committed to empowering young people to navigate life’s challenges and promote their wellbeing.
Candidates should:
- Be prepared to learn new skills.
- Have the time in the evening to commit to a minimum of two shifts a month (The Helpline/Online Service is available 365 days a year from 5pm -9pm).
- Ideally have experience with children, either at work or through family & friends.
- Be interested in helping young people, have good listening skills and be non-judgmental/tolerant.
- Not have a criminal record and willing to undergo an enhanced Police Check.
How To Apply?
- Interested applicants can email info@childline.gi to request an application form or complete an Online Application Form.
- Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend an interview.
- Successful applicants will be required to complete a RGP Police Vetting Form.
What Will Happen When I Am Interviewed?
The interview is informal & the interviewers will:
- Ask you questions about yourself and your experience.
- Answer any questions you may have and discuss the services provided by Childline Gibraltar.
Successful applicants will be notified and invited to attend the next training programme.
What Is Included in the Training Programme?
The 10 training sessions provided, cover the following areas:
Counselling Model
Our 3-stage counselling model
Child Protection
Child protection and safeguarding, child abuse and the signs and symptoms of abuse, assessing the risk of significant harm to a child, child protection agencies and their role in supporting children suffering from abuse.
Communication
Communicating effectively over the telephone and online, obtaining information, dealing with issues of confidentiality and anonymity and managing different types of calls.
Online Service
Understanding the service, its procedures as well as practising writing appropriate responses.
Creating Safe Systems
Understanding Childline Gibraltar’s Principles and Standards; what is good practice and good standards of record keeping.
Working on The Helpline or Online Service
Each evening shift lasts four hours (5pm to 9pm). During the shift, the Helpline Listener will listen to callers, assess situations, discuss options, provide support and assist in the decision-making processes regarding further intervention.
Our Online service entails writing appropriate email responses to clients who request our services online. Helpline Listeners will also respond to phone calls, on-line chats and WhatsApp messages.
Client’s requests for services via the Free Phone Helpline or Online Services may result in referrals to other relevant agencies. Helpline Listeners always work alongside a supervisor, who is there to offer support and assistance as required.
Supporting the Helpline Listener
Helpline Listeners are required to participate in Volunteer Support Groups and attend in-service training. These sessions provide new learning opportunities; a forum for discussions, continuing professional development and are necessary to ensure best practice.
Childline Gibraltar is aware that, working on a Telephone Helpline can be stressful and difficult at times and is therefore fully committed to providing adequate support to their volunteers.
As a Helpline Listener you can really make a difference to the lives of children & young people in Gibraltar, to make them feel listened to, supported, and protected.
