At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and young people affected by sexual violence through advocacy and emotional support.
- Company: Join a dedicated charity focused on empowering survivors and promoting wellbeing.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, professional development, and contribute to meaningful change.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while advocating for their rights.
- Qualifications: Relevant qualification in counselling, youth work, or social work; experience with trauma support.
Are you passionate about supporting children and young people affected by sexual violence? This exciting opportunity sits within our Children and Young People's Service and will support children and young people aged 4-25 who have experienced sexual violence. The role will involve providing short-term, trauma-informed wellbeing advocacy, working closely with survivors, their families and support networks, and helping them navigate health, safeguarding and support systems.
About the Role
Reporting to the Clinical Lead for Children & Young People / Advocacy Service Manager, the successful candidate will:
- Provide specialist wellbeing advocacy and emotional support to children and young people affected by sexual violence.
- Undertake risk and needs assessments and develop support plans.
- Work collaboratively with schools, social care, health services, CAMHS, criminal justice agencies and community partners.
- Support children, young people and families to access appropriate services and resources.
- Manage a caseload, maintain accurate records and contribute to monitoring and evaluation activities.
- Deliver support through face-to-face, online, telephone and outreach settings.
- Contribute to service development, awareness raising and training activities.
Key Areas of Responsibility
The successful applicant will:
- Provide short-term wellbeing advocacy and emotional support to children and young people affected by sexual violence.
- Undertake risk and needs assessments and develop support plans.
- Support children, young people and families to navigate health, social care, education and criminal justice systems.
- Work collaboratively with schools, CAMHS, social care, health professionals, police and community partners.
- Manage a caseload and maintain high-quality records and case notes.
- Deliver support in schools, community settings, remotely and from RCSL premises.
- Contribute to safeguarding processes and multi-agency working.
- Support service development, evaluation, awareness raising and training activities.
What You Bring:
- A qualification in counselling, psychotherapy, youth work, social work or a related discipline.
- Experience of supporting children and young people experiencing trauma, abuse or sexual violence.
- Strong safeguarding and risk assessment skills.
- Experience of working in partnership with multiple agencies.
- A commitment to feminist, anti-oppressive and trauma-informed practice.
- Excellent communication, organisational and case management skills.
- A passion for ensuring the voices of children and young people remain central to decision-making.
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.
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 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.
How to apply
Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role in PDF format. Interview date(s): Rolling basis.
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.
Benefits
As per JD Notes. Please submit your CV and cover letter in PDF format.
Child and Young Person's Wellbeing Advocate (female applicants only) in Croydon employer: RAPE CRISIS SOUTH LONDON
Rape Crisis South London is an exceptional employer dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace for its staff. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, the organisation offers unique opportunities to contribute to meaningful work that directly impacts the lives of survivors of sexual violence. The hybrid working model promotes flexibility, while the collaborative culture ensures that every team member feels valued and empowered in their role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Child and Young Person's Wellbeing Advocate (female applicants only) in Croydon
✨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 Child and Young Person's Wellbeing Advocate (female applicants only) in Croydon
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.
