At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support a team delivering high-quality mental health support across Leeds.
- Company: Join Northpoint, a dedicated mental wellbeing service focused on community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working opportunities, and professional development.
- Other info: Inclusive environment committed to safeguarding and supporting all staff.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Professional qualification in counselling or psychotherapy and two years' management experience.
The predicted salary is between 39509 - 39509 £ per year.
You will be a key part of the LMWS, operationally supporting and leading one of our Talking Therapies teams to deliver high-quality, person-centred mental health support across Leeds. These include Guided Self Help, Psycho‑Educational Classes, CBT, Interpersonal Therapy, EMDR, Counselling for Depression, and Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy.
You will be responsible for:
- Leading, motivating and supporting a multidisciplinary team to deliver high-quality mental health support.
- Providing line management, supervision and development opportunities to employees, supporting both wellbeing and performance.
- Ensuring the effective day‑to‑day operation of the service, including workforce planning and managing service delivery requirements.
- Working closely with clinical leads and partner organisations to ensure people receive safe, effective and timely support.
- Supporting continuous improvement, service development and positive outcomes for the communities we serve.
We are looking for someone who is organised, reliable and enjoys working in a varied, people‑facing role.
- A professional counselling, psychotherapy or related qualification from a BACP/BABCP accredited programme (or equivalent), with appropriate professional registration.
- A minimum of two years’ experience in people management in mental health services.
- Confident leadership skills and a good understanding of common mental health problems.
- Good verbal, written and numeracy skills and IT literacy.
- Confidence in working both independently and as part of a wider team.
- A commitment to inclusivity, empowerment, and supporting people to take an active role in their wellbeing.
If you have the skills, knowledge and experience we are looking for to be our Operational Team Manager, and are passionate about making a difference, we’d love to hear from you. We aim to be a talented, resilient and inclusive community. We welcome applications from all and offer a variety of flexible working opportunities.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and we expect all of our staff to share this commitment. This post is subject to an Enhanced Children & Adults workforce DBS check.
It’s important to us that our recruitment process is inclusive and person‑centred. If you require any support or adjustments to access any stage of the recruitment process, please contact our Recruitment Team to discuss how we can support you.
Closing date: Sunday 19 July 2026
Interview date: Wednesday 29 July 2026
Salary: On a salary of £39,509 per annum pro rata (£49,387 FTE per annum) – AfC Band 7.
Operational Team Manager – Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service (LMWS) employer: Volunteer Centre
Join our dynamic team at the Volunteer Centre in Leeds, where we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive work environment that champions employee well-being and professional growth. As a Service Manager for Crisis Services, you will benefit from flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and the opportunity to lead a multi-award-winning team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Team Manager – Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service (LMWS)
✨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 Volunteer Centre. 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 Volunteer Centre.
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Team Manager – Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service (LMWS)
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 Volunteer Centre:Take some time to research Volunteer Centre 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 Volunteer Centre
✨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 Volunteer Centre's values and approach.
