At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a compassionate team delivering therapeutic support to bereaved children and families.
- Company: Grief Encounter, a specialist bereavement charity making a real difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment focused on hope and healing.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in the lives of grieving children and their families.
- Qualifications: Qualified therapeutic practitioner with experience in bereavement and family support.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 58400 £ per year.
Counselling Manager at Grief Encounter | London, with some hybrid working considered | Full time
Salary: £50,000–£58,400 per annum, dependent on experience
Contract: Permanent | 5 days per week | 40 hours per week, including a one-hour rest break per day, some flexibility needed.
About Grief Encounter
Grief Encounter is a specialist bereavement charity supporting children, young people and their families after the death of someone close. Our vision is a world where no child grieves alone, and our services help families find hope and healing through counselling, therapeutic support, group work, resources, training, and in school support when needed.
We are looking for an experienced, compassionate and organised Therapeutic Manager/senior therapist to lead the effective, safe and high-quality delivery of our therapeutic service, including online support, through a team of staff, freelance counsellors, arts psychotherapists, supervisors and students and volunteers.
About the Role
Reporting to the Director of Clinical Services, the Counselling Manager will play a key role in service delivery, clinical governance, safeguarding, referral pathways and practitioner support. The post holder will help implement and develop therapeutic projects, contribute to service planning, and ensure that children, young people and families receive timely, appropriate and sensitive bereavement support and therapeutic intervention.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and support a cohort of freelance counsellors, lead practitioners, therapists, students and supervisors, ensuring adherence to Grief Encounter policies, procedures and standards.
- Monitor the quality and consistency of clinical work through case reviews, line management oversight, invoice reviews, assessment paperwork, case notes and ending documentation.
- Carry out assessments with families, allocation and triage, ensuring appropriate referral pathways.
- Support practitioners with complex cases, liaising with supervisors and senior colleagues where appropriate.
- Contribute to the development of therapeutic services, including groups, workshops, online support and new service initiatives.
- Act as part of the safeguarding team, responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns and ensuring practitioners understand and follow safeguarding responsibilities.
- Build effective relationships with therapists, supervisors, families, schools, partner organisations and internal teams.
- Deliver or support training for staff, practitioners, volunteers and external professionals where required.
- Contribute to service planning, reporting, evaluation and continuous improvement.
- Have a small caseload of some complex cases.
About You
You will be a qualified and experienced therapeutic practitioner with strong clinical judgment, excellent communication skills and a clear commitment to supporting bereaved children, young people and families. You will bring confidence in managing practitioners, supporting safe practice, handling complex cases and contributing to a reflective, compassionate and professional service culture.
Essential experience and qualities
- A recognised counselling, psychotherapy, arts therapy, social work or relevant therapeutic qualification. Registered professional body e.g., HCPC, UKCP.
- Experience of working therapeutically with children, young people and families.
- Experience of bereavement, trauma, loss or complex family work.
- Experience supervising, managing or supporting practitioners, clinicians, volunteers or freelance staff.
- Strong understanding of safeguarding practice and responsibilities.
- Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to remain calm, boundaried and compassionate when working with sensitive or complex situations.
- Commitment to confidentiality, professional boundaries, inclusion and non-judgmental practice.
- Confidence using systems, records and reporting processes to support safe, accountable service delivery.
How to Apply
To apply, please send your CV and a short covering letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation for the role to Karen Fenna, Director of Clinical Operations.
Closing date: Please apply as soon as possible. We may interview on a rolling basis and reserve the right to close the advert early if an appointment is made.
Grief Encounter is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and families. The successful candidate will be required to complete appropriate checks in line with the responsibilities of the role.
Senior lead therapist / clinical manager in London employer: Grief Encounter
Grief Encounter is an exceptional employer, dedicated to creating a supportive and compassionate work environment for those passionate about helping bereaved children and families. With a strong focus on employee growth, the organisation offers opportunities for professional development through training and collaboration with a diverse team of therapists and practitioners. Located in London, the charity promotes a flexible working culture, ensuring that staff can balance their professional commitments with personal well-being while making a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior lead therapist / clinical manager in London
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at Grief Encounter. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like Grief Encounter.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior lead therapist / clinical manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for Grief Encounter:Take some time to research Grief Encounter and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Grief Encounter
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for Grief Encounter's values and approach.
