We are looking for an experienced and passionate Head of Counselling to lead and develop this highly-regarded Service. You will lead a team, oversee around 15 committed volunteers and ensure we deliver a safe, professional and effective service to a range of clients. The role is an excellent opportunity for the right person.

Full details can be found in the job description below however a summarised list of some of the main responsibilities can be found below.

The Head of Counselling has a key role:

• Managing and delivering counselling service.
• Ensuring robust governance of the service.
• Working with the church leadership team to ensure there is strong interface with other church ministries and that the counselling service is integral part of its vision and strategy

The Counselling Service is a member of the Association of Christian Counsellors and adheres to their statement of faith and code of conduct.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Lead and manage Ps & Gs Counselling Service.
• Manage Counselling Staff team.
• Oversee a team of volunteer counsellors.
• Provide support and guidance to both qualified and student counsellors.
• Ensure all qualified and student counsellors receive required level of supervision.
• Offer supervision as appropriate.
• Hold a personal caseload.
• Plan a programme of CPD for the team.
• Take the professional lead in reviewing/updating counselling policies and practices.
• Lead and supervise the development and implementation of all operational business plans and service improvement.
• Lead on the recruitment and induction of volunteer trainee and qualified counsellors and volunteer receptionists.
• Attend staff prayers and other staff meetings each week and establish working relationships with the wider staff team.
• Report annually to Vestry.
• You will be responsible for the budgets for the counselling service, under the direction of the Finance Team.
• Ensure team have regular safeguarding training and all safeguarding guidelines are followed.
• Follow GDPR guidelines and ensure IT is used responsibly, including safe storage and appropriate retention of client information.
• With the Support of the Counselling Advisory group, ensure a pattern of review for governance, best practice, guidance and procedures.

About Aberlour …

Aberlour is Scotland’s leading children’s charity. Our strategy is to be bold and brave, to ensure that every child in Scotland has an equal chance.

As an organisation we are ambitious to deliver real and lasting change for children, young people and families.

We are proud of the support, care and love we provide to children and young people across our children’s houses and we recognise there is more we can do. That’s why we have embarked on an ambitious re-modelling programme which will build on the strong foundations of the quality of care we provide and create models of care for the future, designed around the needs of children, young people and families.

We are committed to doing all we can to support children, young people and families - recover and heal from trauma and adversity, remain as part of their family/community where possible, recognise their strengths and achieve their hopes and aspirations.

This ambitious re-modelling programme will create an evidence-led, agile model of residential care which provides holistic care built on strong family support principles that is recognised nationally and internationally as being sector leading.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead lasting and meaningful change for children, young people and families across Scotland

What we are looking for...

You will have a proven track record of working strategically to deliver excellence in residential care – understanding what it takes to open a new home, developing practice, ensuring safeguarding is at the heart of delivery, negotiating with and influencing commissioners.

Please see the job description on our website for further details about the role.

We currently have a number of residential homes in Fife, Highlands and Tayside. We have a senior management team supporting the delivery of these services.

What we offer...

As well as a supportive team, we want all our employees to feel valued and rewarded for the vital work they do. When you work with us, we'll recognise your efforts with generous annual leave, an excellent employer pension scheme, life assurance worth 3x salary and a range of deals and discounts across various retailers.