217 Counselling jobs

Be Part of Meaningful Change
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.

About the role
Are you an experienced counsellor or psychotherapist who is passionate about supporting women who have experienced sexual violence?
 

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.

Key responsibilities include:
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.

About You
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.

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.

Intersectionality and Reasonable Adjustments

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.

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.

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.

GDPR Statement

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.

How to apply
Please submit:

• Your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to in PDF format
• Interview date(s): This opportunity will remain open until filled. However, due to the urgent need to recruit to this role, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may be arranged before the closing date. We therefore encourage early applications.

Thank you for your interest in RCSL. If you have not heard from us within one month of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.
We encourage you to follow us on LinkedIn @rapecrisissouthlondon for future opportunities and updates.

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