At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide trauma-informed counselling to survivors of sexual violence, primarily in evening sessions.
- Company: Join Solace Women's Aid, an intersectional feminist organisation making a real difference.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous holiday, training opportunities, and wellness programmes.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to equity and anti-discrimination.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on the lives of survivors while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Diploma-level qualification, 250 hours of counselling experience, and BACP accreditation or working towards it.
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 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 experience any form of sexual violence or abuse at any point in their lives. The post holder 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 be ensuring 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 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 aged 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: We provide a comprehensive benefits package to all our employees, including:
- 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, transferrable 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 London 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 employee growth through comprehensive training and development opportunities, as well as a commitment to diversity and inclusion, Solace fosters a culture where every team member can thrive. Located in Islington, the organisation offers flexible working arrangements, generous benefits, and a unique chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of survivors of sexual violence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Counsellor (Sexual Violence Services) in London
✨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 during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Role-playing common interview questions can help you articulate your experience and demonstrate your empathy and trauma-informed approach, which are crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to share specific examples from your past work that highlight your skills and knowledge about sexual violence and its impact on survivors. This will show that you’re not just talking the talk but have real-life experience to back it up.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to join our amazing team at Solace Women's Aid.
We think you need these skills to ace Counsellor (Sexual Violence Services) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Values:Make sure to highlight how your personal values align with our mission at 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 and share relevant experiences that showcase your skills and knowledge related to sexual violence services.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that are easy to read. Avoid jargon and make sure your passion for the role shines through!
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 info 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 how your personal values align with those of Solace Women's Aid. Be ready to discuss your commitment to feminism, intersectionality, and trauma-informed care, as these are core to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your understanding of sexual violence and its impact on survivors. Highlight any relevant counselling experience, especially with diverse groups, to show you can meet the unique needs of all clients.
✨Practice Empathy
During the interview, convey your empathetic approach to counselling. Use role-play scenarios or share stories that illustrate your ability to connect with survivors and provide support in a compassionate, person-centred manner.
✨Be Tech-Savvy
Since the role requires using Microsoft Office and an online case management system, brush up on your tech skills. Be prepared to discuss your proficiency with these tools and how they can enhance your counselling practice.
