At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of counsellors to provide top-notch therapeutic support for clients.
- Company: Join Waythrough, a leading mental health charity making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, pension contributions, and professional development perks.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with support for all backgrounds and communities.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in mental health while growing your career.
- Qualifications: PGDip in counselling, substantial client experience, and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 42130 - 55646 £ per year.
Location: London
Working Hours: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £42,130 - £55,646 Per Annum
About Waythrough
Waythrough was formed in 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Together, we’ve created one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England. Every year, we support around 125,000 people through nearly 200 services – and it’s all made possible by our 3,500 staff and volunteers.
About the Role
As the Lead Counsellor within our alcohol and non‑opiate support service, you will play a central role in ensuring the delivery of high‑quality, client‑centred therapeutic support. Working within the HAGA/STAND partnership, you will lead on the clinical integrity of our counselling provision, ensuring that residents receive safe, effective, and compassionate support. You will oversee the full therapeutic pathway—from assessment through to intervention—ensuring best practice, safeguarding, and quality standards are upheld across the service.
Key Duties
- Provide clinical leadership for the counselling function, ensuring safe and effective therapeutic delivery.
- Recruit, supervise, and support counsellors and trainees working within the service.
- Offer expert guidance on complex and high‑risk cases, supporting decision‑making and escalation.
- Oversee the assessment and referral process to ensure timely, robust, and client‑centred pathways.
- Lead on quality assurance for therapy provision, including monitoring, feedback, and auditing.
- Review and maintain clinical notes and ensure compliance with service policies and professional standards.
- Regularly review and update therapeutic policies, processes, and safeguarding practices.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with external agencies to support safe, coordinated client care.
About You
- Recognised PGDip (or equivalent) in counselling or psychotherapy.
- Substantial face‑to‑face client experience within substance use, mental health, or related support settings.
- Experience providing clinical supervision or supporting the development of other therapists.
- Registration with a PSA‑accredited professional body (e.g., BACP, UKCP).
- Strong understanding of safeguarding practices and the ability to make confident clinical decisions.
- Excellent communication, organisational, and case‑management skills.
- Commitment to delivering high‑quality, person‑centred therapeutic services.
What We Offer
- 27 days’ annual leave, rising to 32 after 1 year (plus bank holidays).
- Pension scheme with 4.5% employer contribution, matched up to 6.5%.
- Life assurance (3× annual salary).
- Enhanced sick pay and family‑friendly pay.
- Birthday leave and the option to buy up to 5 extra days’ annual leave.
- Professional fee reimbursement for relevant qualifications.
- 24/7 online GP access and Employee Assistance Programme.
- Recognition and long service awards via our Way to Go and Aspirations portals.
- £500 Recommend a Friend bonus.
- Cycle to Work scheme and Credit Union membership.
- Discounts via Blue Light Card, Charity Discounts, Extras and Tickets for Good.
- Free will writing service and wellbeing initiatives throughout the year.
Inclusion and accessibility support: equal opportunities employer and Disability Confident Scheme.
Equal Opportunities
Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support. We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation. If you need adjustments or support to apply, please email our recruitment team.
Lead Counsellor employer: Recovery Focus
Waythrough is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With generous benefits such as 27 days of annual leave, enhanced sick pay, and access to a 24/7 online GP, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally in the heart of London. Join us in making a meaningful impact on mental health and social support while enjoying a rewarding career with ample opportunities for development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Counsellor
✨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 Recovery Focus. 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 Recovery Focus.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Counsellor
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 Recovery Focus:Take some time to research Recovery Focus 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 Recovery Focus
✨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 Recovery Focus's values and approach.
