Lead Counsellor

About the role

As the Lead Counsellor within our alcohol and non‑opiate support service, you will play a central role in ensuring the delivery of high‑quality, client‑centred therapeutic support. Working within the HAGA/STAND partnership, you will lead on the clinical integrity of our counselling provision, ensuring that residents receive safe, effective, and compassionate support. You will oversee the full therapeutic pathway-from assessment through to intervention-ensuring best practice, safeguarding, and quality standards are upheld across the service. Key Duties Provide clinical leadership for the counselling function, ensuring safe and effective therapeutic delivery. Recruit, supervise, and support counsellors and trainees working within the service. Offer expert guidance on complex and high‑risk cases, supporting decision‑making and escalation. Oversee the assessment and referral process to ensure timely, robust, and client‑centred pathways. Lead on quality assurance for therapy provision, including monitoring, feedback, and auditing. Review and maintain clinical notes and ensure compliance with service policies and professional standards. Regularly review and update therapeutic policies, processes, and safeguarding practices. Build and maintain effective relationships with external agencies to support safe, coordinated client care. About You You will be an experienced and confident counselling professional, capable of leading others and maintaining high clinical standards within a busy community service. You'll bring strong therapeutic expertise, sound judgement, and a commitment to empowering individuals affected by alcohol or non‑opiate drug use. You will have: A recognised PGDip (or equivalent) in counselling or psychotherapy. Substantial face‑to‑face client experience within substance use, mental health, or related support settings. Experience providing clinical supervision or supporting the development of other therapists. Registration with a PSA‑accredited professional body (e.g., BACP, UKCP). A strong understanding of safeguarding practices and the ability to make confident clinical decisions. Excellent communication, organisational, and case‑management skills. A commitment to delivering high‑quality, person‑centred therapeutic services. For Full Job Description Please Click Here