At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide therapeutic support to children affected by domestic abuse through creative activities.
- Company: BWCA, a compassionate organisation dedicated to supporting vulnerable children and young people.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, meaningful work, and the chance to make a real difference in lives.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic outreach role across Croydon and Bromley.
- Why this job: Join us to empower young minds and help them heal from trauma.
- Qualifications: Experience in domestic abuse support and a passion for child welfare.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Published date: 10 June 2026
Closing date: 08 July 2026
Hours: 17.5 hours per week.
Location: An outreach-based role, working in BCWA refuges across Croydon and Bromley boroughs.
About the role:
BWCA is seeking to recruit a Child Support Officer (Therapeutic). You will provide early intervention, trauma-informed therapeutic support to children and young people living in BCWA’s refuges and dispersed move-on accommodation who have been affected by domestic abuse. You will develop, deliver, and evaluate a programme of one-to-one support, group sessions, and structured play/learning activities for children and young people. You will use creative and therapeutic approaches (e.g. play, arts, and age-appropriate therapeutic tools) to support children in understanding and recovering from trauma and domestic abuse. You will have significant professional experience of domestic abuse, safeguarding children, managing risk and promoting recovery, as well as an excellent working knowledge of the challenges faced by children who have experienced domestic abuse.
BWCA: Child Support Officer (Therapeutic) employer: Croydon Voluntary Action
BWCA is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people affected by domestic abuse. With a strong focus on employee development, we offer comprehensive training and support, fostering a collaborative and compassionate work culture. Working across Croydon and Bromley, our outreach-based role provides unique opportunities to engage with diverse communities while contributing to transformative therapeutic programmes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land BWCA: Child Support Officer (Therapeutic)
✨Get Involved in Local Mental Health Initiatives
Join local mental health organisations and initiatives to immerse yourself in the community. Volunteering at workshops or support groups can not only boost your experience but also help you make valuable connections that might lead to part-time roles. It’s all about getting your name out there!
✨Attend Networking Events and Workshops
Keep an eye on workshops and networking events specifically for therapy and counselling professionals. These gatherings are prime opportunities to meet potential employers, hear about job openings, and engage in meaningful conversations with industry peers. Who knows who you might bump into!
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a professional online presence highlighting your counselling approach and experiences. Consider starting a blog or sharing insights on social media about therapy methods. This can attract attention from local companies like Croydon Voluntary Action who are looking for someone like you for their part-time needs.
✨Directly Approach Local Clinics
Don't be shy about reaching out directly to clinics or counselling practices in your area. Many part-time roles are filled without ever being advertised. A friendly email introducing yourself and expressing interest in potential opportunities at Croydon Voluntary Action can sometimes lead to the job you’ve been dreaming of!
We think you need these skills to ace BWCA: Child Support Officer (Therapeutic)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Compassionate Side:In the therapy and counselling professions, it's crucial to convey your empathy and understanding in your application. Your CV should highlight any relevant volunteer work or experience in helping roles. Let’s face it, potential employers want to see that you can connect with clients, so showcase those soft skills front and centre!
Include Your Credentials:For a part-time role in therapy or counselling, it’s essential to demonstrate your qualifications. Make sure to include any degrees, certifications, or workshops that are relevant to the position. If you’ve completed specific training in mental health or counselling techniques, don’t skip those; they can set you apart from others.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Your cover letter is the perfect place to express your interest in working part-time and highlight your passion for helping others. Talk about why you’re drawn to Croydon Voluntary Action and how the part-time role fits into your career path. We're looking for a genuine connection, so let your personality shine through!
Availability Matters:Since this is a part-time role, clearly outline your availability in your application. Be honest about the hours you can commit, and consider mentioning if you have any flexibility. This helps Croydon Voluntary Action see how you can fit into their schedule and be a valuable addition to the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Croydon Voluntary Action
✨Know Your Theoretical Frameworks
It's crucial for us to brush up on the therapy techniques and theoretical frameworks relevant to this field. Be prepared to discuss how you apply them in practice—think about specific case studies from your training that highlight your approach. This not only shows your understanding but also helps you connect with your potential clients at Croydon Voluntary Action.
✨Practice Your Active Listening Skills
Since we're diving into therapy and counselling, active listening is our bread and butter. You might face role-play scenarios during the interview, so make sure to showcase your ability to listen and respond empathetically. Demonstrating this skill can make all the difference in how we're perceived as future therapists.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility With Clients
In a part-time role, we often deal with a diverse client base, so it’s important to showcase our adaptability. Be ready to discuss how you can tailor your therapeutic approach to fit different client needs. Sharing any past experiences—whether from internships or coursework—will provide great insights to Croydon Voluntary Action about your versatility.
✨Prepare Your Questions on Working with Diverse Populations
Part-time roles can sometimes mean working with a variety of clients from different backgrounds. Think of specific questions to ask about how Croydon Voluntary Action supports inclusivity and handles diverse cases. This not only highlights your interest but also shows that you’ve thought ahead about client dynamics and your role within them.
