At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide trauma-informed counselling to survivors of sexual violence in a supportive environment.
- Company: Join Solace Women’s Aid, an intersectional feminist organisation making a real difference.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous holiday, training opportunities, and wellness support.
- Other info: Empower survivors in a dynamic, inclusive team dedicated to social justice.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while supporting diverse survivors in their healing journey.
- Qualifications: Diploma-level qualification and 250+ hours of counselling experience required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Are you looking for a rewarding role working for an intersectional feminist organisation? If so, we have an incredible opportunity for you to join our team as a Counsellor (Sexual Violence Services) at Solace Women's Aid.
You will be joining a team of committed and inspiring individuals whose dedication has saved the lives of thousands of women, men and children in the capital. We are looking for friendly and diligent individuals to join our services and help us make a difference. Our core values reflect our history and were developed in consultation with staff and service users. Feminism and intersectionality are key to our work, and we are committed to the principles of being survivor-led, trauma-informed, empowering, diverse, anti-racist and anti-discriminatory.
About the Service
The London Survivors Collective is comprised of seven organisations (The four London Rape Crisis Centres, Galop, Survivors UK, and Respond) working together to provide comprehensive support to victim/survivors of sexual violence across London. Our alliance model enables us to draw on each member’s expertise and provide all victims/survivors with the specific care that is tailored to their needs. Services are tailored for women, men, non-binary, LGBTQ+, disabled, neurodiverse victim/survivors addressing intersectional and unique needs. North London Rape Crisis at Solace supports women and girls, transwomen, and non-binary people aged 11+ who have experienced sexual violence at any point in their lives.
About the Role
This is an exciting time to join Solace Women's Aid and North London Rape Crisis (NLRC). The NLRC Counselling Service provides specialist trauma-informed counselling to survivors of sexual violence and abuse. The postholder will hold 1:1 counselling sessions with survivors aged 11+ who have experienced any form of sexual violence or abuse at any point in their lives. The postholder will provide this service primarily in the evening hours, with a minimum of 1 evening a week in person at our Islington office.
The postholder will ensure diversity and equity is at the centre of the service and service delivery, and that the service continues to be responsive to, and meet the needs of all survivors in a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive way.
About You
Successful applicants will have knowledge of sexual violence and its impact on victim/survivors. You will have strong time management and organisational skills, excellent collaborative working skills and knowledge of the impacts of sexual violence on survivors. You will also be empathetic and work from a trauma-informed, person-centred framework. While experience of working with children 11+ is desirable, we welcome applicants who have experience of working with survivors aged 13+. It is essential that you have experience of using Microsoft Office packages and the ability to use an online case management system. You will also have excellent verbal and written communication skills. You will hold a Diploma-level qualification and have completed at least 250 hours of post-qualification one-to-one counselling experience. Successful applicants will be BACP accredited (or hold an equivalent qualification), or be actively working towards accreditation.
What we can offer you
- Flexible working
- Focus on learning and development (internal career progression and training)
- Generous holiday entitlement
- Employer pension contribution
- Family-friendly leave and enhanced maternity pay
- Access to Inclusion Networks
- Daily clinical debriefing
- Employee Assistance Programme providing free 24/7 support and advice
- Employee Benefits Platform offering staff discounts, benefits and savings
- Flow & Restore yoga classes
- Meditation sessions
- Cycle to Work Scheme
How to apply
When applying for this role, kindly highlight in your Supporting Statement how your values, knowledge, transferable skills, and experience align with each point within the following sections of the Job Profile Document: Values, Behaviours & Competencies Knowledge, Experience and Skills.
Solace Women's Aid values diversity, promotes equity, and challenges discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, abilities, perspectives, and lived experiences. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay, and benefits. Our Inclusion Networks support staff with protected characteristics and offer inclusive spaces to connect. We are a Disability Confident Employer and committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We anticipate and provide reasonable adjustments as needed and support employees who acquire a disability or long-term health condition, enabling them to stay in work. This service is run by women for women and is therefore restricted to female applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, and Part 1. Section 7(2) e of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 apply. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. As part of safer recruitment practices, we carry out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and right to work in the UK checks. No agencies.
Counsellor (Sexual Violence Services) in Islington employer: Solace Womens Aid
Solace Women's Aid is an exceptional employer dedicated to creating a supportive and empowering work environment for its staff. With a strong focus on learning and development, generous benefits, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees are encouraged to grow both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact in the lives of survivors of sexual violence in London. The organisation's intersectional feminist values and trauma-informed approach ensure that every team member feels valued and equipped to contribute to vital services in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Counsellor (Sexual Violence Services) in Islington
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation inside out! Research Solace Women’s Aid and the London Survivors Collective. Understanding their values and mission will help you connect your experience to what they stand for during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Set up mock interviews with friends or mentors. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing sensitive topics like sexual violence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! Be ready to share why you’re drawn to this role and how your personal values align with the feminist and intersectional approach of the organisation. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows professionalism and keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Counsellor (Sexual Violence Services) in Islington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Values:Make sure to highlight how your personal values align with the core principles of Solace Women’s Aid. We want to see your commitment to feminism, diversity, and anti-discrimination in your application.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:When writing your supporting statement, be specific! Address each point in the Job Profile Document directly. This helps us see how your skills and experiences fit perfectly with what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured responses that make it easy for us to understand your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Solace Womens Aid
✨Know Your Values
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your own values and how they align with those of Solace Women’s Aid. Be ready to discuss how your personal beliefs about feminism, diversity, and trauma-informed care can contribute to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your experience with survivors of sexual violence. Highlight your counselling techniques, your understanding of trauma-informed practices, and any relevant training or qualifications you possess.
✨Practice Empathy
During the interview, it’s crucial to convey your empathetic approach. Use active listening skills and respond thoughtfully to questions. This will show that you understand the sensitive nature of the role and are committed to providing compassionate support.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing training opportunities, or how they measure the success of their counselling services. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
