At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop counselling services for young people facing mental health challenges.
- Company: Join MACS, a dedicated organisation supporting youth in need.
- 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 Lisburn 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 lead innovative therapeutic services and collaborate with various health and social care partners, ensuring a rewarding career path in the field of mental health.
Contact Details:
MACS Supporting Children & Young People Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mental Health Lead in Lisburn
✨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 open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching MACS and understanding their values and services. We recommend practising common interview questions related to mental health leadership and being ready to discuss your experience with trauma-informed care. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. We suggest mentioning something specific from your conversation to remind them of your enthusiasm and suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and the amazing benefits we offer at MACS.
We think you need these skills to ace Mental Health Lead in Lisburn
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:When writing your application, be clear and concise. Use straightforward language to explain your experiences and how they relate to the key responsibilities of the role. We appreciate a well-structured application!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your CV via the MACS portal on the GETGOT recruitment platform. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re 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 also genuinely understand the needs of the service users.
✨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 managed recruitment, training, and support for practitioners, as this is crucial for the Mental Health Lead role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about handling crisis situations or safeguarding issues. Think through potential scenarios you might face in this role and how you would respond. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and act decisively under pressure.
✨Connect with the Values
MACS values equality, diversity, and inclusion, so be prepared to discuss how these principles guide your work. Share your thoughts on creating an inclusive environment for both staff and service users, which will resonate well with the interviewers.
