Children and Young Person (CYP) Counsellor (Female applicants only)

Be Part of Meaningful Change
Rape Crisis South London are currently looking for a highly skilled and passionate professional CYP Counsellor to join our organisation on a part-time basis (on site, permanent).

The successful candidate will have good knowledge within the Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) movement; experience working with the effects of Trauma, especially Sexual abuse trauma; experience of providing counselling by using an intersectional lens and able to demonstrate an understanding of how overlapping identities shape women's experiences of trauma, particularly those from Black and minoritised ethnic backgrounds.

Working with the wider Children and Young People team, the CYP Counsellor will have the responsibility for providing high quality therapeutic support to girls and young women in educational settings within educational settings and other venues in South London boroughs. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate their application of the Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) movement, and experience of running services for Black and minoritised ethnic women.

About the role

To provide specialist counselling and group work to children and young people who have experienced sexual violence. Offering both short- and longer-term support within a trauma-informed framework.

The postholder will manage complex caseload, delivering safe, ethical, and effective counselling to children and young people aged between 4 - 15 years old, presenting with a wide range of trauma-related difficulties. The role also includes undertaking thorough clinical assessments, formulating an understanding of each client's needs, and maintaining accurate and timely records. The role requires multi-agency working and centralising safeguarding practice. There is an opportunity to facilitate therapeutic or psychoeducational groups.

The CYP Counsellor collaborates with the CYP Admin and Clinical teams to ensure the seamless operation of the RCSL CYP Counselling Service within a small, yet dynamic team located in Croydon. This role involves regular communication with colleagues at all levels and across all teams within the organisation.

Key responsibilities include:
You will:

• To deliver up to 5 hours of client work per day, spread across one-to-one therapy / counselling, assessments and group work to children and young people who are survivors of sexual violence in line with organisational policies, using a trauma-informed approach.
• Complete initial assessments to identify children and young people's needs which incorporate consideration for professional and family systems around them.
• Complete monitoring and evaluation of therapeutic / counselling work.
• Maintain accurate and confidential client records in accordance with data protection requirements and organisational procedures.
• Work within RCSL safeguarding procedures to identify and respond swiftly and appropriately to any concerns or risks.
• Participate in regular clinical supervision and reflective practice to support ethical, safe, and effective work.
• Contribute to a supportive and collaborative team environment, attending team meetings and training as required.
• Liaise with internal and external professionals where appropriate to ensure coordinated and holistic support for children, young people and families.
• Maintain professional boundaries and always uphold the values and policies of the organisation.

About You
We're looking for someone who has:

• Recognised counselling or psychotherapy qualification to at least Level 4 diploma level.
• Minimum of 400 post-qualification supervised client hours.
• Membership (and eligibility for accreditation) of a relevant professional body (e.g. BACP, UKCP, NCPS).
• Evidence of ongoing professional development through training, or CPD activities.

Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment

Rape Crisis South London is committed to safeguarding survivors and service users. The post holder will contribute to maintaining the organisation's safeguarding standards.

This includes:

• Promoting the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and adults at risk
• Identifying and reporting safeguarding concerns
• Following organisational safeguarding policies and procedures
• Supporting a culture where everyone feels safe, respected and supported

Our safer recruitment processes include:

• Values-based interviews
• Verification of identity, qualifications and employment history
• Reference checks
• Enhanced DBS checks where required
• Safeguarding training and supervision
• Equality, Feminist Commitment and Values.

Intersectionality and Reasonable Adjustments

We recognise that experiences of sexual violence are shaped by intersecting factors such as:

• Race and ethnicity
• Disability
• Sexuality and gender identity
• Socioeconomic background
• Immigration status
• Faith and culture

Our work is grounded in feminist principles, recognising sexual violence as both a cause and consequence of gender inequality. We centre survivor voices and prioritise empowerment, inclusivity and intersectionality.

Applicants are encouraged to let us know if they require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, such as:

• Alternative interview formats or timings
• Additional time for written tasks
• Accessible documentation
• Support relating to disability, neurodivergence or health needs
  

Learning and Development

As a charity undergoing transformation and growth, we welcome colleagues who are committed to continuous learning and professional development.

Interview Process

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview, conducted via MS Teams.

Stage one: MS Teams with the Interim Head of Therapeutic Services, CYP Clinical Lead and one other panel member.

The whole process from advertisement to appointment, may take up to 3-4 weeks.

Post holder will be required to undertake Enhanced DBS
The role will initially be open for one month (until filled). However, due to the urgent need for support, applications will be reviewed and interviews arranged on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged.

The interview will explore experience and approach to:

• Safeguarding
• Equality, diversity and inclusion
• Wellbeing and feminist practice
• Trauma-informed therapeutic work
• Leadership responsibilities relevant to the role

This post is open to women only (Schedule 9, Paragraph 1, Equality Act 2010).
We particularly welcome applications from women underrepresented in leadership roles in the VAWG sector. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

GDPR Statement

Rape Crisis South London will process personal information provided during the recruitment process in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Information submitted as part of your application will be used solely for recruitment, selection, safeguarding, and employment-related checks. For unsuccessful candidates, application data will be retained for up to six months before being securely deleted. By submitting an application, you acknowledge that your personal data will be processed for recruitment purposes. For further information, please contact.

How to apply
Please submit:

• Your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to in PDF format:
• Interview date(s): This opportunity will remain open until filled. However, due to the urgent need to recruit to this role, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may be arranged before the closing date. We therefore encourage early applications.

Thank you for your interest in RCSL. If you have not heard from us within one month of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.
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AI in Job Applications
We understand some candidates use AI tools when applying. Whilst we welcome the use of technology to support clear communication and structure, we want to learn more about you, so please ensure that your application reflects your own skills, knowledge and experiences