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- Tasks: Lead and develop talking therapy services for those affected by cancer.
- Company: Ayrshire Cancer Support, dedicated to providing emotional support since 1982.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours and the chance to make a real difference in people's lives.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and provide vital psychological support to those in need.
- Qualifications: Must have relevant qualifications in psychology or mental health and registration with a regulatory body.
- Other info: Opportunity to work across Ayrshire and contribute to service development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Talking Therapies Lead
Ayrshire Cancer Support has operated since 1982, providing emotional support and practical help to those affected by cancer; this role will play a valuable part in supporting the services we offer.
As we continue to grow our services to meet increasing demand, we are seeking a dedicated and experienced Talking Therapies practitioner to take a strategic and operational lead in delivering psychological support services to adults and young people affected by and bereaved from cancer across Ayrshire.
Reporting to our Director of Care Services, the TTL will be responsible for leadership, development, and delivery of Ayrshire Cancer Support’s talking therapy services. This includes direct provision of high‑level one‑to‑one and group psychological support to those affected by cancer, supervision of the counselling team, and service development aligned with best practice, governance, and quality standards.
The position is suited for a mental health professional; a Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology; a Nursing or Allied Health Professional; or an experienced talking therapist qualified in one or more therapeutic approaches (counselling, psychotherapy, CBT, EMDR) whilst holding registration with a relevant regulatory body (e.g., NMC, HCPC, BACP, COSCA). A satisfactory Level 2 PVG is also an essential requirement for the role.
Whilst third sector experience is desirable, this is not essential. We are open to discussing weekly working hours, as we believe in finding the best person for the role, based on their experience and background. The role will involve working flexibly throughout Ayrshire and between our support centres in Kilmarnock and Ayr.
Full details can be found in the recruitment pack below.
Application Notes
Please submit your CV and a covering letter which explains why you believe you’ll be the ideal candidate for the role. Please email these directly to: HR@ayrshirecs.org
If you’d like to discuss the role, please request a call‑back via the email address above.
Deadline for applications is Friday 12 December 2025 – we anticipate interviews will take place on 18th December.
We’re keen to ensure that our recruitment process is inclusive. If you’d find it beneficial to submit your application in a different format, please let us know and we can discuss appropriate options.
- Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
- Employment type: Full‑time
- Industries: Hospitals and Health Care
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Talking Therapies Lead employer: Ayrshire Cancer Support
Contact Detail:
Ayrshire Cancer Support Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Talking Therapies Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the mental health field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to talking therapies and your leadership experience. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using online resources to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for supporting those affected by cancer during interviews. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to the cause, as this will resonate with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of our team at Ayrshire Cancer Support.
We think you need these skills to ace Talking Therapies Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in talking therapies. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for supporting those affected by cancer shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference, so share your motivation and commitment to this important work.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us understand your qualifications quickly!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to explore more about us and our mission!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ayrshire Cancer Support
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specific therapeutic approaches mentioned in the job description. Brush up on your knowledge of counselling, psychotherapy, and CBT, as well as any relevant regulations from bodies like the BACP or HCPC. This will show that you’re not just qualified, but also genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in delivering psychological support services. Think of specific examples where you’ve made a difference in someone’s life, especially in a cancer care context. This will help demonstrate your capability to lead and develop talking therapy services effectively.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and how you handle challenging situations. Prepare for scenarios related to group therapy dynamics or individual client crises. Practising your responses can help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that show your interest in the organisation and its future. Inquire about their current challenges in providing support or how they measure the success of their therapy services. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.