Adult Counsellor

RAPE CRISIS ENGLAND & WALES; London Borough of Croydon; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Rape Crisis South London is seeking an Adult Counsellor (Female applicants only) to provide trauma-informed counselling for women affected by sexual violence. This full-time, permanent role is based in East Croydon and forms part of a supportive, survivor-centred service.

The role includes up to 5 hours of client work daily, assessments and group work, with safeguarding and supervision in place. Applicants should hold a Level 4 Diploma or above and have 400 post-qualification hours;

Qualifications

• Qualified counsellor/psychotherapist with Level 4 Diploma or above.
• Minimum 400 post-qualification supervised client hours.
• Membership/eligibility for accreditation with BACP, UKCP or NCPS.
• Experience counselling survivors of trauma and sexual violence.

Responsibilities

• Deliver up to 5 hours of client work per day including one-to-one counselling, assessments and group work.
• Provide specialist trauma-informed counselling to survivors of sexual violence.
• Conduct thorough initial clinical assessments and formulate client needs.
• Maintain accurate, confidential client records and safeguarding practices.
• Work flexibly across hubs, including possible evening sessions; collaborate with colleagues and external professionals.

Skills

Counselling

Trauma-informed practice

Safeguarding

Record keeping

Team collaboration

Education

Level 4 Diploma or above (Counselling/Psychotherapy)

Job description

Vacancy at Rape Crisis South London

Adult Counsellor (Female applicants only)

Salary32,000-£34,000 depending on experience.

East Croydon

Details

Rape Crisis South London are currently looking for a highly skilled and passionate professional Adult Counsellor to join our organisation on a full-time basis (permanent).

The successful candidate will have good knowledge within the Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) movement; experience working with the effects of Trauma, especially Sexual abuse trauma; experience of providing counselling by using an intersectional lens and able to demonstrate an understanding of how overlapping identities shape women’s experiences of trauma, particularly those from Black and minoritised ethnic backgrounds.

You will provide specialist, trauma-informed counselling and group work to women who have experienced sexual violence, offering both short and longer-term therapeutic support. You will work with clients presenting with a range of complex trauma-related needs, providing safe, ethical and effective therapeutic interventions.

You will:

• Deliver up to 5 hours of client work per day, including one-to-one counselling, assessments and group work.
• Provide specialist trauma-informed counselling to survivors of sexual violence.
• Undertake thorough initial clinical assessments and formulate an understanding of individual client needs.
• Work safely and effectively with complex client presentations.
• Maintain accurate, confidential and timely client records.
• Identify and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns and risks.
• Participate in regular clinical supervision and reflective practice.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and, where appropriate, external professionals to provide coordinated support.
• Maintain appropriate professional and therapeutic boundaries.
• Contribute to team meetings, training and wider service development.
• Work flexibly across our hubs, including the ability to provide evening sessions where required.

We’re looking for someone who has:

• A recognised counselling or psychotherapy qualification at Level 4 Diploma or above.
• A minimum of 400 post-qualification supervised client hours.
• Membership of, and eligibility for accreditation with, a relevant professional body such as BACP, UKCP or NCPS.
• Experience providing counselling to people who have experienced trauma, abuse or sexual violence.
• Experience working with the psychological and emotional impact of sexual violence.
• Experience supporting clients experiencing suicidal ideation, active suicidality and self-harm.
• The ability to manage complex client presentations and a high caseload effectively.
• Experience providing both short and longer-term counselling.
• Strong assessment, record-keeping and administrative skills.
• A sound understanding of safeguarding, professional boundaries and ethical counselling practice.
• An understanding of trauma-informed and empowerment-based approaches.
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and an understanding of how intersecting identities and systemic inequalities can shape survivors' experiences and recovery.

Rape Crisis South London is committed to safeguarding survivors and service users. The post holder will contribute to maintaining the organisation’s safeguarding standards.

• 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

• 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.

• 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.

• Alternative interview formats or timings
• Additional time for written tasks
• Accessible documentation
• Support relating to disability, neurodivergence or health needs

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.

Stage one: MS Teams with the Interim Head of Therapeutic Services, Interim Adult Counselling Lead and one other panel member.

The whole process from advertisement to appointment, may take up to 3-4 weeks.

• Safeguarding
• Equality, diversity and inclusion
• Wellbeing and feminist practice
• Trauma-informed therapeutic workLeadership responsibilities relevant to the role

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 will process personal information provided during the recruitment process in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Information submitted as part of your application will be used solely for recruitment, selection, safeguarding, and employment-related checks. For unsuccessful candidates, application data will be retained for up to six months before being securely deleted. By submitting an application, you acknowledge that your personal data will be processed for recruitment purposes. For further information, please contact.

Benefits

Please see the Job Description.