Service Manager - Counselling Services
Reports To: Head of Service – Southampton and Portsmouth
Direct Reports: Associate Counsellors and Trainees
Location: Winchester Wellbeing Centre
Hours: 18.5 hours per week (flexible, including evenings/ weekends if required)
Salary Range: £17,572.50 to £19,882.50 per annum (£35,145 to £39,765 full time equivalent) – Solent Mind Band E
Purpose:
The Service Manager - Counselling Services is responsible for managing the self-pay counselling service, ensuring the service is financially sustainable, client-focused, and aligned with Solent Mind’s vision and values.
Main duties and responsibilities:
Service Leadership & Development
• Implement the service plan, ensuring alignment with organisational strategy.
• Lead service improvement initiatives, embedding innovation and continuous development.
• Represent Solent Mind externally, building partnerships and promoting the service.
Work with the Counselling Service Clinical Lead to ensure integration of clinical governance into operational delivery.
• Build external partnerships with colleges, commissioners, funders, and community organisations to expand reach and impact.
Operational Management
Oversee day-to-day running of the service, including referral pathways, client journey, allocation of cases and scheduling.
• Work with marketing colleagues to promote the service and grow referrals.
Manage counsellors, trainees, and associates, ensuring effective induction, supervision, and CPD.
• Ensure compliance with policies, procedures, and professional frameworks (BACP, NICE).
Ensure the maintenance of accurate records and reporting systems, including case management software (Zanda).
• Monitor service performance, outcomes, and client satisfaction, reporting to senior leadership and stakeholders.
Financial & Sustainability
• Monitor budgets, income, and expenditure for the self-pay service.
• Contribute to pricing strategies, marketing, and business development.
• Identify funding opportunities and support grant applications or partnership bids.
Safeguarding & Quality Assurance
Act as safeguarding lead for the service alongside the Counselling Service Clinical Lead, ensuring compliance with policies.
• Monitor incidents, risks, and complaints, ensuring timely resolution and learning.
• Ensure service delivery meets quality assurance standards and external benchmarks.
People & Culture
• Provide line management, supervision, and support to Associate Counsellors and Trainees.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and resilient team culture.
• Promote wellbeing and reflective practice across the service.
General
Adhere to the aims, values, policies and procedures of Solent Mind, particularly safeguarding and health & safety.
This list is non exhaustive and other duties may be required to meet the needs of Solent Mind
Service Manager - Counselling Services
| What we are looking for | Requirement |
| Qualifications/Education/Training:Degree-level qualification in counselling or psychotherapy, or equivalent experienceEvidence of CPD in leadership, management, or service development.BACP/UKCP membership or equivalent.Safeguarding training (Level 3+). Management qualification (e.g., ILM, CMI). | EssentialEssentialEssentialEssentialDesirable |
| Experience: Proven experience in managing a medium to large scale self-pay counselling ormental health services.Experience of service development, strategic planning, and partnership working.Experience of financial management, budgets, and sustainability models.Experience of staff supervision, recruitment, and CPD frameworks.Experience of outcome measurement tools (CORE, PHQ-9, GAD-7).Experience of working with commissioners, funders, and external stakeholders. | EssentialEssentialEssentialEssentialEssentialEssentialDesirable |
| Knowledge/Skills/Competencies:Strong leadership and management skills.Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.Ability to balance operational delivery with strategic development.Competence in digital systems and case management software.Financial literacy and business awareness.Marketing and business development skils.Knowledge of NICE guidelines, regulatory and quality assurance frameworks. | EssentialEssentialEssentialEssentialEssentialEssentialEssential |
| Other:Commitment Solent Mind's values and policiesWillingness to undergo an enhanced DBS checkInclusive, collaborative, and resilient leadership styleProfessional integrity and accountability.Flexible and adaptable to service growth and change. Innovative mindset, open to new models of counselling provision | Essential |
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Date job originated: November 2025 Date job reviewed: November 2025 Reviewing Manager: Ian Stiff