VACANCY: The Gatehouse – Lead Counsellor

ocva.org; Oxford; On-site; GBP 200,000 +; Part time

Job summary

A local charity organization in Oxford is seeking a Lead Counsellor. The role involves overseeing therapeutic support for guests with complex needs, including trauma and mental health challenges. Responsibilities include individual counselling sessions, supervision of volunteer counsellors, and service development. Applicants with lived experience of homelessness are encouraged to apply. This part-time position is for 10 hours per week.

Benefits

Oxford Living Wage

Flexible working environment

Qualifications

• Experience in providing one-to-one counselling sessions using trauma-informed approaches.
• Ability to supervise and support volunteer/student counsellors.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding procedures.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and deliver therapeutic support to guests.
• Manage a small caseload and conduct initial assessments.
• Contribute to service development and evaluation.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Counselling

Supervision

GDPR compliance

Collaboration

Job description

Home » News » VACANCY: The Gatehouse – Lead Counsellor

VACANCY: The Gatehouse – Lead Counsellor

July 30, 2025

Job title: Lead Counsellor

Role summary:The Lead Counsellor will oversee and deliver therapeutic support to guests of The Gatehouse, many of whom have experienced trauma, homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges. This role includes direct counselling of a small caseload, supervision of a paid counsellor, volunteer counsellors, and development of the counselling service in line with best practice and the charity’s values.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide one-to-one counselling sessions to guests, using a trauma-informed and person-centred approach.
• Conduct initial assessments and manage a small caseload.
• Supervise and support volunteer/student counsellors, ensuring ethical and professional standards.
• Develop and maintain safeguarding procedures in collaboration with the Safeguarding Lead.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records in line with GDPR and BACP guidelines.
• Liaise with external agencies and refer guests to appropriate services when necessary.
• Contribute to service development, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Attend team meetings and contribute to a collaborative working environment.
• Be committed to delivering services that are underpinned by clear ethical principles and trauma informed using client centred approaches.
• Contribute to service development, monitoring, and evaluation and gathering of case studies and quantitative and qualitative data to evidence the work of the organisation.
• Attend team meetings and contribute to a positive, supportive and collaborative working environment.
• We welcome applications from people with lived experience of homelessness.

Job location: Oxford

Hours: 10 hours per week

For more information about the role and The Gatehouse, please visit the website here .

Please note, this role is subject to an Enhanced DBS Disclosure check and 2 satisfactory references.

We are a certified Oxford Living Wage employer

OCVA is a registered charity No. 1108504 and a company limited by guarantee No. 05363946. Registered in England and Wales. VAT registration no. 948566174