At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop counselling services for young people facing mental health challenges.
- Company: MACS, a dedicated organisation supporting vulnerable youth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and health benefits.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment committed to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while leading a passionate team.
- 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 Newtownabbey 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 our therapeutic services are not only effective but also aligned with the highest standards of governance and care.
Contact Details:
MACS Supporting Children & Young People Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mental Health Lead in Newtownabbey
✨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 the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching MACS and their Thrive+ service. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to trauma-informed care and managing therapeutic services. Being articulate about your approach will show you’re ready to lead and support others effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the MACS team and making a difference in young people's lives.
We think you need these skills to ace Mental Health Lead in Newtownabbey
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 what we’re looking for!
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 projects or initiatives in the past, especially those that involved young people facing challenges.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and concise. We appreciate straightforward language that gets to the point. Make it easy for us to see how you meet the essential criteria without wading through unnecessary details.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your CV reaches us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our organisation there.
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 the MACS counselling service. Familiarise yourself with trauma-informed care principles and how they apply to young people facing mental health challenges. This will show that you understand the role and can lead effectively.
✨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 interventions, as this is key for the Mental Health Lead role.
✨Build Connections
Research MACS and its partnerships with organisations like the Public Health Agency and Health and Social Care Trusts. Be ready to discuss how you would maintain and develop these relationships, as collaboration is crucial in this role.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Safeguarding
Be prepared to talk about your approach to safeguarding and risk management. Share any relevant experiences where you’ve handled crisis situations or implemented safeguarding measures, as this will be a significant part of your responsibilities.
