At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support a team of CYP counsellors and therapists in delivering impactful services.
- Company: Join Rape Crisis South London, a charity dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual violence.
- Benefits: Meaningful work, professional development, and a supportive, values-led environment.
- Other info: Dynamic organisation with a commitment to inclusivity and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people affected by trauma.
- Qualifications: Degree in counselling or psychotherapy and experience in safeguarding and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and committed Deputy Children and Young People (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, 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
What You Bring
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
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.
Advert and Process
Interview Process: Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview, conducted via MS Teams. Stage one: MS Teams with the CYP Lead and two other panel members. The whole process from advertisement to appointment may take up to 3–4 weeks. Post holder will be required to undertake either Basic DBS checks. The role will initially be open for one month (until 12:00 noon on Wednesday 18 June 2026). However, due to the urgent need for support, applications will be reviewed and interviews arranged on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged. An advert may also be extended if needed.
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
We particularly welcome applications from women underrepresented in leadership roles in the VAWG sector. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. 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 CYP Lead to join our CYP Team 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.
Deputy Children and Young People (CYP) Lead in City of Westminster employer: RAPE CRISIS SOUTH LONDON
Rape Crisis South London (RCSL) is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its staff. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees are encouraged to grow within their roles while contributing to meaningful change in the lives of children and young people affected by sexual violence. Located in South London, RCSL offers a dynamic and values-led culture that prioritises safeguarding, empowerment, and intersectionality, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals to make a real impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Children and Young People (CYP) Lead in City of Westminster
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at RAPE CRISIS SOUTH LONDON.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from RAPE CRISIS SOUTH LONDON!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like RAPE CRISIS SOUTH LONDON, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at RAPE CRISIS SOUTH LONDON or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Children and Young People (CYP) Lead in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to RAPE CRISIS SOUTH LONDON:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to RAPE CRISIS SOUTH LONDON! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at RAPE CRISIS SOUTH LONDON
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
