Student Counsellor

Recovery Focus; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

27 days annual leave

Pension scheme 4.5% employer

Life assurance 3× salary

Enhanced sick pay

Birthday leave

Professional fee reimbursement

EAP access

Cycle to work

Job summary

Waythrough is offering a student counsellor placement in London, with face-to-face sessions at community venues and some remote work where clinically appropriate. You will develop clinical skills within a multidisciplinary team and gain client hours toward professional training.

The role emphasizes ethical practice, supervision, and ongoing development as you support individuals facing mental health and related challenges, under supervision from the Lead Counsellor.

Qualifications

• Undertaking a recognised counselling or psychotherapy qualification leading towards registration.
• Student member of a recognised professional body (e.g., BACP).
• Engaged in personal therapy or substantial personal therapeutic work.
• Ability to work sensitively with individuals facing substance use, trauma or mental health challenges.

Responsibilities

• Provide weekly counselling sessions to allocated clients.
• Maintain a minimum caseload of three active clients.
• Complete timely clinical records on the electronic case management system.
• Attend regular case management meetings with the Lead Counsellor.
• Attend fortnightly supervision and participate in multidisciplinary discussions.
• Engage in reflective practice and ongoing professional development.

Skills

Counselling

Communication

Reflective practice

Professionalism

IT literacy

Education

Level 4 Diploma in Counselling (or equivalent)

Tools

Electronic clinical recording systems

Job description

Student Counsellor Location: London Hours: 3 between the working hours below: Monday -10:00am to 5:00pm Tuesday - 10:00:am -8:00pm Wednesday - 10:00am to 7:00pm Thursday - 10:00am to 8:00pm Friday - 10:0am to 1:00pm 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.

Haringey Advisory Group on Alcohol , delivered by Waythrough, provides integrated support for adults experiencing difficulties with alcohol. As part of the wider treatment service, the Counselling Service offers structured, time-limited counselling and psychotherapy to individuals whose substance use is closely linked to their emotional wellbeing, relationships, trauma, or mental health. The service works collaboratively with a range of partners including primary care, mental health services, social care, criminal justice agencies, housing providers and community organisations to support people in achieving sustainable recovery.

Our student counsellor placements provide an opportunity to develop clinical skills within a supportive multidisciplinary environment while gaining client hours required for professional training. Counselling is delivered predominantly face-to-face from Haringey Advisory Group on Alcohols and other community venues, with some remote work where clinically appropriate.

Core Responsibilities

• Provide weekly counselling sessions to allocated clients.
• Maintain a minimum caseload of three active clients.
• Complete timely and accurate clinical records on the electronic case management system in accordance with Waythrough's clinical governance, confidentiality and risk management procedures.
• Attend regular case management meetings with the Lead Counsellor.
• Attend fortnightly individual or group clinical supervision provided by the service.
• Participate in team meetings and multidisciplinary discussions where appropriate.
• Undertake mandatory and role-specific training.
• Liaise appropriately with other professionals involved in clients’ care.
• Work within the BACP Ethical Framework (or relevant professional body) and Waythrough policies and procedures.
• Engage proactively in reflective practice and ongoing professional development.

Support You Will Receive

• Comprehensive induction programme.
• Fortnightly individual or group clinical supervision.
• Regular case management meetings with the Lead Counsellor.
• Ongoing clinical guidance and support within a multidisciplinary team.
• Access to Waythrough's online learning platform and mandatory training.
• Opportunities to observe and contribute to wider service development, reflective practice and multidisciplinary working.

Applicants should

• Be undertaking a recognised counselling or psychotherapy qualification (minimum Level 4 Diploma or equivalent) leading towards professional registration or accreditation.
• Be a student member of the BACP or another recognised professional body where appropriate.
• Be engaged in personal therapy, or have substantial experience of personal therapeutic work.
• Demonstrate the ability to work sensitively and respectfully with individuals experiencing substance use, trauma, mental health difficulties and complex life circumstances.
• Be able to reflect on clinical practice and make effective use of supervision.
• Have good written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrate reliability, professionalism and commitment to maintaining a regular placement.
• Possess basic IT skills and be willing to use electronic clinical recording systems.
• Be committed to equality, diversity, inclusion and trauma-informed practice.

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: 2026-10-05 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.