At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support therapeutic services for children and young people affected by sexual violence.
- Company: Join Rape Crisis South London, a charity dedicated to supporting survivors.
- Benefits: Be part of a dynamic team with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from underrepresented women in leadership.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in the lives of young survivors while advancing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in counselling or psychotherapy and experience in the VAWG sector required.
Be Part of Meaningful Change. Rape Crisis South London (RCSL) is entering an exciting new chapter. With a new CEO, refreshed Senior Leadership Team, and an ambitious vision for the future, we are laying the foundations for a bold new organisational strategy.
We are now seeking a Deputy Children and Young People (CYP) Lead to join our CYP Team at this pivotal time on a permanent basis. As a specialist charity supporting survivors of sexual violence across twelve South London boroughs, we provide counselling, group therapy, advocacy, prevention education, and professional training. With an annual income of approximately £4 million, we are growing and strengthening our infrastructure to better serve survivors and communities.
About the Role: We are seeking an experienced and committed Deputy CYP Lead to support the development and delivery of our therapeutic services at a pivotal time of growth and transformation. Reporting to the CYP Clinical Lead, the successful candidate will play a key role in providing day-to-day leadership and guidance to CYP counsellors and therapists. You will help ensure that services for children and young people are consistently safe, effective, trauma-informed, and survivor-centred. This is a varied and impactful role that combines clinical leadership, safeguarding oversight, service development, and line management. It offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to shaping, strengthening, and expanding high-quality CYP services.
What You’ll Do:
- Support the CYP Clinical Lead with assessments, allocations and case distribution across CYP pathways
- Provide clinical guidance and day-to-day support to CYP counsellors and therapists
- Line manage allocated CYP staff and contribute to recruitment, induction and staff development
- Oversee group work programmes, including family support groups
- Undertake the role of Designated Safeguarding Officer for the CYP team
- Deputise as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead as part of the rota when required
- Provide guidance on complex safeguarding concerns and ensure appropriate escalation
- Contribute to service improvement, contract delivery and performance monitoring
- Build and maintain effective relationships with external agencies and partners
- Deputise for the CYP Clinical Lead where required
About You:
Essential:
- Degree-level qualification in counselling or psychotherapy (or equivalent experience)
- Professional membership with an accredited counselling/psychotherapy body
- Minimum of 200 hours post-qualification supervised client work
- At least 3 years’ experience working with children and young people affected by rape and sexual violence
- Experience leading or supporting a team
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation (children and adults)
- Completed Level 3 safeguarding training
- Experience in the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) sector
- Understanding of trauma-informed, survivor-centred and feminist practice
- Experience working with diverse communities
- Ability to use data and outcomes to support service improvement
Desirable:
- Experience working with marginalised or under-served communities
- Knowledge of housing, welfare benefits or related legislation
This role offers the opportunity to:
- Take the next step in your leadership journey
- Gain experience of safeguarding, clinical leadership and service development
- Support and develop a dedicated team of CYP practitioners
- Contribute to the future direction of CYP therapeutic services at RCSL
- Be part of a dynamic, creative and values-led organisation
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: Rape Crisis South London is an equal opportunities employer. We particularly welcome applications from women who are under-represented in leadership roles within the violence against women and girls (VAWG) sector. 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.
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. We are committed to removing barriers and creating an inclusive workplace. 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, or 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. The whole process from advertisement to appointment may take up to 3 -4 weeks. The role will initially be open for two weeks. However, due to the urgent need for support, applications will be reviewed and interviews arranged on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged.
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.
How to apply: Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role in PDF format to our recruitment inbox.
Deputy CYP Lead (Female only) employer: Rape Crisis South London (RCSL)
Rape Crisis South London is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the empowerment of women and survivors of sexual violence. With a commitment to continuous learning and professional development, employees have the opportunity to grow within a dynamic organisation that values diversity and intersectionality. Joining our team means being part of meaningful change in the community while working alongside dedicated professionals who are passionate about making a difference.
Contact Detail:
Rape Crisis South London (RCSL) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy CYP Lead (Female only)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the sector, attend relevant events, and engage with organisations like Rape Crisis South London. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation's values and recent developments. Show us you’re passionate about their mission and how your experience aligns with their goals. Tailor your responses to highlight your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your experiences related to safeguarding and trauma-informed practices, as these are key for the Deputy CYP Lead role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy CYP Lead (Female only)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly:Before you start writing, give the job description a good read. It’s packed with info about what we’re looking for, so make sure you understand the role and how your experience fits in.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Don’t just send the same old CV and cover letter. We want to see how your skills and experiences match up with what we need. Highlight relevant experiences that show you’re the perfect fit for the Deputy CYP Lead role.
Showcase Your Passion for the Cause:We’re all about making a difference, so let your passion shine through! Share why you’re interested in working with survivors of sexual violence and how you can contribute to our mission at RCSL.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and helps us keep track of all applications. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rape Crisis South London (RCSL)
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key areas of safeguarding, trauma-informed practices, and feminist principles. Brush up on your knowledge about the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) sector, as this will show your commitment and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams and supporting staff development. Think about specific situations where you’ve provided guidance or made a positive impact on your team’s performance.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about how you would handle complex safeguarding concerns or lead a team through challenging situations. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making skills in these scenarios.
✨Connect with Their Values
Rape Crisis South London is all about empowerment and inclusivity. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, and share any experiences that demonstrate your commitment to equality and diversity in your work.
