Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a counselling service, providing support and guidance to clients and trainee counsellors.
- Company: Waythrough, a leading mental health and social support charity in England.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, life assurance, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building meaningful relationships.
- Qualifications: Level 4 or above in Counselling/Psychotherapy and relevant supervision certification.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming diverse backgrounds and experiences.
The predicted salary is between 40266 - 54478 £ per year.
Location: Cumbria
Working Hours: 30
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £40,266 - £54,478 (Pro Rata'd to 30 Hours)
Please note: The salary listed reflects the full earning potential for this role. Starting salaries depend on experience and progression within the band.
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 brilliant staff and volunteers.
Make a real difference in your community
Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job - it's a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change.
About the Role
This role involves providing structured counselling / psychosocial therapies to service users and their close family members as required. Also providing management of the countywide counselling service within Recovery Steps Cumbria and operational support to trainee counsellors on placement at the service.
What You'll Do
- Coordinate, manage, and lead an accessible counselling service with clear pathways and risk governance.
- Hold clinical governance and safeguarding accountability for the counselling element of the service.
- Create and maintain clear pathway for the counselling service from referral point to exit.
- Provide robust assessments of clients' mental health needs and suitability for psychological intervention, allocate correctly with counsellors, volunteer/Student counsellors as appropriate to their capacity and skills.
- Provide supervision, guidance, and reflective practice spaces for counsellors, volunteer and trainee counsellors ensuring high quality of care.
- Implement systems responsive to differing levels of risk, complexity, and need; escalate safeguarding promptly.
To Succeed in This Role, You'll Need:
- Recognised qualification in Counselling or Psychotherapy (Level 4 or above) BACP accreditation / UKCP registration (or equivalent)
- Recognised certificate in counselling supervision
What We Offer
We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package:
- 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
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.
Lead Counsellor in Carlisle employer: Waythrough
Contact Detail:
Waythrough Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Counsellor in Carlisle
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the mental health field, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to counselling and management. Think about your experiences and how they align with the role at Waythrough. We want to see your passion for making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along examples of your work, whether it’s case studies or feedback from clients. This will help us see how you can contribute to our mission of supporting those facing mental health challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Waythrough.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Counsellor in Carlisle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Lead Counsellor role. We want to see how you can make a real difference in our community!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for helping others shine through in your written application. We’re looking for candidates who are genuinely passionate about mental health and supporting those in need.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your qualifications and experiences are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Waythrough
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of counselling and psychosocial therapies. Brush up on your knowledge about mental health issues, safeguarding, and the frameworks used in counselling services. This will not only show your expertise but also your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous roles and how they relate to the responsibilities of a Lead Counsellor. Think of specific examples where you’ve managed teams, provided supervision, or implemented effective counselling pathways. Real-life stories can make a big impact!
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the organisation’s approach to mental health support, their counselling methodologies, or how they handle risk management. This shows you’re engaged and serious about making a difference.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion
Let your passion for helping others shine through. Share why you’re drawn to this role and how you envision making a positive impact in the community. Authenticity can set you apart from other candidates!
