At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a counselling service, support clients, and guide trainee counsellors.
- Company: Waythrough, a leading mental health and social support charity.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, life assurance, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Level 4 or above in Counselling/Psychotherapy and relevant accreditation.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming diverse backgrounds and experiences.
The predicted salary is between 40266 - 54478 £ per year.
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 as a Lead Counsellor:
- 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 Lead Counsellor 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 a Lead Counsellor: 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 Aspirations portals.
- 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 London employer: Waythrough
Contact Detail:
Waythrough Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Counsellor in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the mental health field, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. 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 specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles. This will help you stand out as someone who truly embodies the values of Waythrough.
✨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 genuinely interested in joining our team at Waythrough.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Counsellor in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Lead Counsellor role. Highlight your relevant experience in counselling and any qualifications that match what we're looking for. This shows us you're genuinely interested and have the right skills!
Show Your Passion: In your application, let your passion for helping others shine through! Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in people's lives, especially in mental health or social support. We love to see candidates who are truly committed to our mission.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences at a glance.
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 the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just follow the prompts on our careers page!
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 principles of counselling and psychosocial therapies, as well as the specific needs of the service users at Waythrough. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and passion during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous roles and how they relate to the position. Highlight any experience you have in managing counselling services or supervising trainee counsellors. Use specific examples to illustrate your ability to create clear pathways for clients and ensure high-quality care.
✨Emphasise Your Values
Waythrough is all about making a real difference in the community. Be ready to talk about your personal values and how they align with the charity’s mission. Share stories that reflect your commitment to supporting individuals facing mental health challenges and your approach to building meaningful relationships.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the counselling service, team dynamics, and the support available for staff. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if Waythrough is the right fit for you.