Job summary
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.

Main duties of the job

• Clinical Practice
• Manage a small counselling caseload, providing evidence-based therapeutic interventions.
• Conduct assessments and develop appropriate treatment and support plans.
• Monitor client progress and evaluate outcomes.
• Leadership & Service Coordination
• Lead and coordinate the day-to-day delivery of the counselling service.
• 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.
• 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.

About us
About Waythrough

Waythrough was formed in 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Together, weve 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 its all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.

Details
Date posted: 09 July 2026
Pay scheme: Other
Salary: £42,130 to £55,646 a year
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Part-time
Reference number: B0061-26-0029
Job locations: McLintocks Building, Summer Lane, Barnsley, S70 6BX, United Kingdom

Job description
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.

Person Specification
Key Requirements
Essential

• 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.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details
Employer name: Waythrough
Address: McLintocks Building, Summer Lane, Barnsley, S70 6BX, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.waythrough.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Gemma Butterfield
gemma.butterfield@waythrough.org.uk

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