At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop counselling services for young people facing mental health challenges.
- Company: Join MACS, a dedicated organisation supporting youth mental health.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and health benefits.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team committed to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Professional qualification in counselling or psychotherapy with relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 44000 £ per year.
Can you provide strategic, operational and therapeutic leadership for MACS developing counselling and therapeutic provision for young people aged 16-25 experiencing homelessness, housing instability, trauma, emotional distress and mental health difficulties? The Mental Health Lead will oversee the development and implementation of MACS counselling service, including the recruitment, onboarding, coordination, governance and quality assurance of self-employed counsellors delivering therapeutic interventions to young people across MACS services. The role will ensure that counselling provision is trauma-informed, accessible, outcome-focused and aligned with safeguarding, professional and organisational governance standards. The Mental Health Lead will also provide direct leadership and line management to the Thrive+ service, including oversight of Therapeutic Practitioners delivering individual and group therapeutic interventions to young people with complex emotional and mental health needs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the implementation and ongoing development of MACS counselling and therapeutic services.
- Lead the recruitment, induction, coordination and ongoing management of self-employed counsellors delivering counselling within MACS.
- Provide direct line management, leadership and support to Thrive+ Therapeutic Practitioners.
- Support practitioners in delivering structured, trauma-informed individual and group therapeutic interventions to young people experiencing mental health difficulties, emotional distress, trauma and housing-related challenges.
- Maintain oversight of safeguarding, risk assessment, suicide ideation responses, self-harm management and crisis escalation processes across therapeutic services.
- Act as the first point of contact for concerns, complaints or governance issues relating to therapeutic provision and escalate appropriately in line with organisational procedures.
- Develop and maintain effective relationships with the Public Health Agency (PHA), Health and Social Care Trusts, CAMHS, counselling providers, GPs, social workers, community organisations and other relevant partners.
- Oversee the collection and analysis of outcome data relating to mental health, wellbeing, tenancy sustainment and engagement.
Key Requirements:
- A recognised professional qualification in counselling or psychotherapy.
- Registration with BACP.
- Minimum of 3 years post-qualifying experience OR 300 hours of supervised post-qualifying therapeutic practice.
- Full current driving licence and access to a car insured for business use.
Post Available: 1 x full time, 2 year fixed term contract, based 303 Ormeau Road, Belfast.
Salary: £44,000 per annum
Benefits: MACS Pension contribution of 4% of salary; up to 41 days annual leave (pro rata and including bank holidays); enhanced paid leave for Sick, Maternity and Carers leave; paid training days per year; Flexible and Hybrid working options available and Health Benefits.
Please submit your CV via the MACS portal on the GETGOT recruitment platform. You will also find the full Job Description, Recruitment Guidance notes and Why Work for MACS with more information, or email if you have any further queries. CVs submitted must demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria required for the post.
Closing Date: Friday 12th June.
MACS is committed to equality of opportunity and to selection on merit and all offers of employment are subject to an Access NI Disclosure Check. MACS is dedicated to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion for all, if you have a disability which means you require a reasonable adjustment to be considered at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us and we will endeavour to facilitate the request.
Mental Health Lead in Belfast employer: MACS Supporting Children & Young People
MACS is an exceptional employer that prioritises the mental health and wellbeing of both its employees and the young people it serves. With a strong commitment to professional development, flexible working options, and a supportive work culture, MACS fosters an environment where staff can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the community. Located in Belfast, the role of Mental Health Lead offers unique opportunities to collaborate with various health and social care partners, ensuring that therapeutic services are not only effective but also aligned with best practices in safeguarding and governance.
Contact Details:
MACS Supporting Children & Young People Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mental Health Lead in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the mental health field, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how personal connections can lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching MACS and understanding their values and services. We recommend practising common interview questions and tailoring your responses to highlight your experience in trauma-informed care and leadership.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for mental health! During interviews, share your experiences and insights on working with young people facing challenges. We want to see your commitment to making a difference in their lives.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and what we’re looking for in candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Mental Health Lead in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Mental Health Lead role. Highlight your relevant experience in counselling and therapeutic leadership, and don’t forget to mention any specific qualifications that align with the job description.
Showcase Your Skills:Use your application to showcase your skills in managing teams and developing therapeutic services. We want to see how you’ve led similar initiatives in the past and how you can bring that expertise to MACS.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and concise. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences. Remember, we’re looking for clarity in how you meet the essential criteria!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through the MACS portal on the GETGOT recruitment platform. It’s the best way for us to receive your CV and ensure it’s considered for the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at MACS Supporting Children & Young People
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of MACS and their Thrive+ service. Familiarise yourself with trauma-informed care principles and how they apply to young people facing mental health challenges. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role, but that you understand the context and the impact of your work.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully led teams or projects, especially in therapeutic settings. Highlight how you’ve managed self-employed counsellors or supported practitioners in delivering effective interventions. This will demonstrate your capability to lead the Thrive+ service effectively.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to safeguarding, crisis management, or team dynamics. Think through your responses ahead of time, focusing on your decision-making process and how you would ensure the safety and wellbeing of the young people you’d be working with.
✨Connect with the Interviewers
During the interview, build rapport with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their current challenges and how they envision the future of the Thrive+ service. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the organisation aligns with your values and goals.
