Lead Counsellor

Recovery Focus; Carlisle, Penrith; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 44,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave entitlements

Pension scheme with employer contrib.

Life assurance

Enhanced sick pay

Birthday leave and extra days

Professional fee reimbursement

GP access and EAP

Cycle to work

Discounts and wellbeing initiatives

Job summary

Waythrough seeks a Lead Counsellor for Recovery Steps Cumbria, to coordinate and lead a countywide counselling service, ensure safeguarding and governance, and supervise counsellors and trainees. The role focuses on structured counselling and psychosocial therapies for service users and their families within a large mental health charity in Cumbria.

The post requires Level 4+ qualification in counselling/psychotherapy, BACP/UKCP registration, and supervision certification; the organisation

Qualifications

• Recognition in Counselling/Psychotherapy at Level 4 or above.
• BACP accreditation or UKCP registration is required.
• Certificate in counselling supervision is required.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Provide supervision and reflective practice spaces for counsellors, volunteers and trainee counsellors.

Education

Counselling or Psychotherapy qualification (Level 4 or above)

BACP accreditation / UKCP registration

Counselling supervision certificate

Job description

Lead Counsellor– Recovery Steps Cumbria

Location: Cumbria Working Hours: 30 Contract Type: Permanent 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

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; elevate safeguarding promptly.

To Succeed in This 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

• 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.

Closing Date: 2026-10-31

Waythrough launched in October 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. In April 2026, Aquarius, our former subsidiary partner, merged with Waythrough. Our vision is to break down the barriers that stop people getting the support they need to live a life they value. We tackle poverty and disadvantage in communities, through mental health, drug and alcohol, housing and related support. We have 260 services around England – and nearly 3,500 amazing staff and volunteers who run them. Every year our services support around 130,000 people.