Adult Counselling Clinical Lead (Fixed Term – 9 months) Female only applicants

Salary : 41,000 – £43,000 (dependent on experience and qualification)

Location : East Croydon with option of hybrid working

Application Deadline : 30/09/2026

Be Part of Meaningful Change

Rape Crisis South London (RCSL) is entering an exciting new chapter. With a strengthened leadership team and an ambitious vision for the future, we are building on our foundations to deliver a bold and impactful organisational strategy.

We are now seeking an Adult Counselling Clinical Lead to join our Adult Counselling Team at this pivotal time. This opportunity is available as either a fixed‑term appointment or a secondment opportunity within the Alliance (9 months).

As a specialist charity supporting survivors of sexual violence across twelve South London boroughs, we provide counselling, group therapy, advocacy, prevention education, and qualified training. With an annual income of approximately £4 million, we are growing and strengthening our infrastructure to better serve survivors and communities.

About the Role

This is a key leadership role providing clinical, operational and strategic oversight of our Adult Counselling service.

You will play a central role in ensuring safe, effective and high‑quality support for survivors, while driving continuous improvement and contributing to organisational strategy.

What You’ll Do

- Lead the clinical delivery and governance of the Adult Counselling service
- Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
- Oversee risk, safeguarding and complex case management
- Manage, support and develop a multidisciplinary team
- Drive service improvements through data, insight and evaluation
- Contribute to strategic planning and service development
- Manage budgets and ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks




- Represent RCSL externally and build strong partnerships

About You

You are a compassionate, experienced clinical leader with a strong commitment to feminist, trauma‑informed practice.

Person Specification

Essential

- Qualification in counselling/psychotherapy and membership of a recognised UK professional body (e.g. BACP, UKCP)
- Significant experience supporting survivors of sexual violence
- Minimum 600 hours post‑qualification supervised practice
- Strong safeguarding and risk management expertise
- Experience of leading teams and managing services

Desirable

- Accredited membership
- Clinical supervision qualification
- Experience within the VAWG sector
- Additional language skills

What You Bring

- Deep understanding of trauma‑informed practice and the impact of sexual violence
- Strong leadership, decision‑making and communication skills
- A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
- The ability to foster a safe, supportive and high‑performing team culture

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.

- 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

Safer Recruitment Processes

- 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

Intersectionality and Reasonable Adjustments

- 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.

- Stage one: MS Teams with the Interim Head of Therapeutic Services 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 Enhanced DBS.

Equal Opportunities

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.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Adult Counselling Clinical Lead (Fixed Term – 9 months) Female only applicants (Croydon Shire)
🏢 Women's Aid Federation of England
📍 Croydon Shire