We are looking for an experienced, compassionate and confident Counselling Services Manager to lead the delivery and development of high-quality counselling services in Aberdeen. You will provide operational and professional leadership, support a skilled team of counsellors and ensure that services are safe, accessible, responsive and focused on the needs of clients.

Working closely with colleagues, partners and stakeholders, you will oversee day-to-day service delivery, maintain robust clinical governance and help shape future provision. This is an opportunity to combine people leadership, service improvement and professional counselling expertise in a role that makes a meaningful difference across the local community.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and support counselling staff, sessional counsellors, trainees and volunteers, as applicable.
• Manage referrals, assessments, allocations, waiting lists and caseload capacity to support timely access and appropriate client pathways.
• Maintain high standards of safeguarding, confidentiality, data protection, risk management and ethical practice.
• Ensure effective clinical supervision, reflective practice and continuing professional development arrangements.
• Monitor service quality, outcomes and client feedback, using data and insight to drive continuous improvement.
• Contribute to Funding Applications
• Develop and review policies, procedures and service standards in line with professional, legal and organisational requirements.
• Manage budgets and resources responsibly, contributing to funding applications, reports and service planning where required.
• Build productive relationships with NHS, local authority, third-sector and community partners across Aberdeen and the wider area.
• Promote equality, diversity, inclusion and trauma-informed practice throughout the service.
• Contribute to the organisation’s leadership team and support its wider strategy and objectives.

About you

You will be an experienced counselling professional and people manager who can balance clinical quality with efficient service delivery. You will communicate clearly, make sound decisions and create a supportive, accountable culture in which colleagues can do their best work.

Essential criteria

• A recognised counselling or psychotherapy qualification.
• Current membership or accreditation with an appropriate professional body, such as BACP, COSCA, UKCP or equivalent.
• Substantial post-qualification counselling experience and a strong understanding of ethical practice and clinical governance.
• Experience of managing or supervising staff and supporting professional development.
• Demonstrable experience of safeguarding, risk assessment and managing complex or sensitive situations.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to plan services, manage competing priorities and use resources effectively.
• Ability to interpret service data, evaluate outcomes and produce clear reports.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills.
• Commitment to inclusive, person-centred and trauma-informed practice.

Desirable criteria

• A qualification in clinical supervision or management.
• Experience of managing counselling services in the voluntary, public or health sector.
• Knowledge of the health and social care landscape in Aberdeen and the north-east of Scotland.
• Experience of budget management, commissioning, fundraising or contract reporting.

What we offer

• 7 weeks annual leave plus public holidays.
• Employer pension contribution/details
• Regular supervision and support for continuing professional development.
• Flexible or hybrid working arrangements.

How to apply

Please submit a CV and supporting statement explaining how your experience meets the essential criteria. Send your application to l.esslemont@cairnscounselling.org.uk by 5pm on 30th October 2026.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact l.esslemont@cairnscounselling.org.uk

The successful candidate will be required to complete appropriate pre-employment checks, where applicable, and provide evidence of their right to work in the UK.

Cairns Counselling is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.