At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of counsellors to provide high-quality therapeutic support.
- Company: Join Waythrough, a leading mental health and social support charity in England.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming applicants from all backgrounds and communities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building meaningful relationships.
- 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
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
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
You will be an experienced and confident counselling professional, capable of leading others and maintaining high clinical standards within a busy community service. You’ll bring strong therapeutic expertise, sound judgement, and a commitment to empowering individuals affected by alcohol or non‑opiate drug use.
You will have:
- A 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).
- A strong understanding of safeguarding practices and the ability to make confident clinical decisions.
- Excellent communication, organisational, and case‑management skills.
- A commitment to delivering high‑quality, person‑centred therapeutic services.
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.
If you need adjustments or support to apply, please email our recruitment team: recruitmentteam@waythrough.org.uk
Closing Date: 2026-06-28
Lead Counsellor in Seven Sisters 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 well-being, 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 London as a Lead Counsellor and be part of a passionate team committed to empowering individuals and fostering positive change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Counsellor in Seven Sisters
✨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 Waythrough. 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 Waythrough.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Counsellor in Seven Sisters
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 Waythrough:Take some time to research Waythrough 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 Waythrough
✨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 Waythrough's values and approach.
