Counselling jobs in Seaham

Location: Peterlee Health Centre, Bede Way, Peterlee, SR8 1AD
Salary: £25,877.80 – £34,240.03 per annum
Contract: Permanent - 37 Hours
Working pattern: Full-time, Monday to Friday

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.

About the role:

As an Aftercare Practitioner, you’ll support people who are in recovery from drug and alcohol use as they work towards maintaining their progress, building resilience and developing the skills and support networks they need for the future.

You’ll take a person-centred, holistic approach, recognising that recovery is about much more than substance use.

From emotional wellbeing and family relationships to social connections and community involvement, you’ll help people strengthen their recovery and build a life that feels meaningful to them.

Working as part of a supportive, multidisciplinary team, you’ll manage your own caseload, develop recovery plans and deliver a range of interventions through one-to-one sessions and group work, both face-to-face and online.

You’ll also work closely with colleagues, families and partner organisations to ensure people receive joined-up support that reflects their individual needs and goals.

What you’ll be doing

• Supporting lasting recovery: Build trusting relationships with people accessing the service, helping them maintain their progress, develop resilience and work towards their personal goals.
• Planning personalised support: Complete assessments, develop and review recovery plans, and undertake risk assessments and safeguarding plans where required.
• Delivering meaningful interventions: Facilitate recovery groups, provide one-to-one support and use evidence-based approaches to help people make positive changes.
• Working with families and carers: Encourage positive family involvement where appropriate and help reduce the impact of substance use on family life.
• Connecting people with support: Work collaboratively with partner agencies and community organisations to improve access to resources, treatment and recovery opportunities.
• Promoting safety and wellbeing: Provide appropriate harm reduction advice and support, recognising risks and following safeguarding procedures and professional guidance.
• Maintaining accurate records: Keep case management information up to date and contribute to reports, service monitoring and the evaluation of outcomes.
• Working as one team: Share knowledge and expertise with colleagues, contribute to service development and help create an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and supported.

About you:

We’re looking for someone who is compassionate, motivated and passionate about helping people sustain their recovery and achieve meaningful change.

You’ll understand that recovery looks different for everyone and be able to build positive, professional relationships with people from a wide range of backgrounds.

You’ll communicate with empathy, maintain appropriate boundaries and work collaboratively to find practical solutions to challenges.

You’ll ideally bring experience of working with people affected by drug or alcohol use, alongside an understanding of the complex challenges they may face, including mental health, physical health, family relationships and social circumstances.

We’re looking for someone who has:

• An NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care, or an equivalent qualification, or a willingness to work towards this in post.
• Good communication skills and the ability to engage people with compassion, while maintaining professional boundaries.
• An understanding of recovery-focused support and evidence-based interventions, such as motivational interviewing, brief interventions, psychosocial interventions and cognitive behavioural approaches.
• Experience of working with families and carers.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office and maintaining accurate records.

Experience of assessments, recovery planning, risk management, one-to-one or group interventions, safeguarding and harm reduction would also be beneficial. A relevant qualification in addiction studies, counselling, social work or therapeutic practice would be an advantage.

To view the Job Description

What We Offer

We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package:

• 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.

If you need adjustments or support to apply, please email our recruitment team: recruitmentteam@waythrough.org.uk

Pay: £25,877.80-£34,240.00 per year

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Bereavement leave
• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee discount
• Enhanced maternity leave
• Enhanced paternity leave
• Free flu jabs
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking
• Referral programme
• Sick pay
• Store discount

Work Location: In person