At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a counselling service and support individuals facing mental health challenges.
- Company: Join Waythrough, one of England's largest mental health charities.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, pension scheme, and professional development perks.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community and build meaningful relationships.
- Qualifications: Recognised qualification in Counselling or Psychotherapy and supervision certification required.
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 employer: Waythrough
Waythrough is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community through mental health and social support services. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion. Join us in Cumbria to not only advance your career but also to contribute to transformative change in the lives of those we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Counsellor
✨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 of Lead Counsellor. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for helping others during interviews. Share stories that highlight your commitment to mental health and community support. This will help you stand out as someone who truly cares about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Waythrough and making an impact in Cumbria.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Counsellor
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 someone who’s 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 key responsibilities of a Lead Counsellor. Familiarise yourself with the specific counselling methods and frameworks that Waythrough employs, as well as their approach to mental health and social support. This will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous counselling experience in detail. Highlight any relevant qualifications, especially your BACP accreditation or UKCP registration, and be ready to explain how your background aligns with the needs of the service users at Waythrough.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Lead Counsellor, you’ll need to manage and support other counsellors. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve successfully led teams or provided supervision in the past. This will help illustrate your capability to create a supportive environment for both clients and colleagues.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the team dynamics, the types of cases you might encounter, or how Waythrough measures success in their counselling services. This shows your enthusiasm and commitment to making a positive impact.
