Lead Counsellor

Lead Counsellor

locations

Barnsley Recovery Steps - McLintocks Building

time type

Part time

posted on

Posted Today

job requisition id

JR013114

Lead Counsellor

Location: Barnsley Recovery Steps - McLintocks BuildingWorking Hours: 25.9 Hours over 3.5 days per weekContract Type: PermanentSalary: £41,130 - £55,646 FTE (£28,791.00 - £38,950.10 pro rata)

Full UK driving licence and access to own Vehicle to travel between sites where required.

About Waythrough 

Make a real difference in your community 

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Lead Counsellor to lead, coordinate and deliver a safe, professional counselling service for individuals impacted by substance use and related challenges.

This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified counsellor who is committed to providing high-quality therapeutic support while leading and developing a counselling service. The successful candidate will combine direct client work with leadership responsibilities, ensuring the service operates in line with professional, ethical and safeguarding standards.

The Lead Counsellor will hold a small caseload, provide supervision and support to volunteer and trainee counsellors, and play a key role in promoting psychological awareness and trauma-informed practice across the wider team.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Practice

• Manage a small counselling caseload, providing evidence-based therapeutic interventions.
• Conduct assessments and develop appropriate treatment and support plans.
• Maintain accurate, confidential and timely client records.
• Ensure clients receive safe, person-centred and effective support.
• Monitor client progress and evaluate outcomes.

Leadership & Service Coordination

• Lead and coordinate the day-to-day delivery of the counselling service.
• Ensure counselling provision meets organisational objectives and service standards.
• Support the development and continuous improvement of therapeutic services.
• Promote a culture of reflective practice, learning and professional excellence.
• Contribute to service reporting, quality assurance and audit activities.

Supervision & Staff Development

• Provide support, guidance and supervision to volunteer and trainee counsellors.
• Assist with placement opportunities and the development of counselling trainees.
• Support wider staff development by increasing psychological awareness and understanding across teams.
• Promote best practice in relation to trauma-informed approaches, mental health and therapeutic engagement.

Safeguarding & Governance

• Ensure counselling practice aligns with BACP, UKCP and organisational standards.
• Maintain a strong understanding of safeguarding legislation and procedures.
• Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns and risk issues.
• Ensure ethical, legal and professional requirements are consistently met.

Partnership Working

• Work collaboratively with colleagues, partners and external agencies.
• Support integrated care pathways for individuals affected by substance use and associated challenges.
• Represent the counselling service at relevant meetings and forums where appropriate.

Person Specification

• Qualified Counsellor, accredited or working towards accreditation with BACP, UKCP or equivalent recognised professional body.
• Significant experience delivering counselling interventions to adults.
• Experience supporting individuals affected by substance use, trauma, mental health difficulties or related issues.
• Experience providing supervision, mentoring or support to trainee or volunteer counsellors.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding principles and risk management.
• Knowledge of professional and ethical counselling frameworks.
• Excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

What We Offer

• 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 GoandAspirationsportals

• £500

  Recommend a Friendbonus

• 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 

If you need adjustments or support to apply, please email our recruitment team: recruitmentteam@waythrough.org.uk 

Closing Date: