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Be Part of Meaningful Change
Rape Crisis South London (RCSL) is entering an exciting new chapter. With a new CEO, refreshed Senior Leadership Team, and an ambitious vision for the future, we are laying the foundations for a bold new organisational strategy.
We are now seeking an Deputy CYP Lead to join our CYP Team at this pivotal time on a permanent basis.
As a specialist charity supporting survivors of sexual violence across twelve South London boroughs, we provide counselling, group therapy, advocacy, prevention education, and professional 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:
We are seeking an experienced and committed Deputy Children and Young People (CYP) Lead to support the development and delivery of our therapeutic services at a pivotal time of growth and transformation.
Reporting to the CYP Clinical Lead, the successful candidate will play a key role in providing day-to-day leadership and guidance to CYP counsellors and therapists. You will help ensure that services for children and young people are consistently safe, effective, trauma-informed, and survivor-centred.
This is a varied and impactful role that combines clinical leadership, safeguarding oversight, service development, and line management. It offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to shaping, strengthening, and expanding high-quality CYP services.
What You’ll Do
- Support the CYP Clinical Lead with assessments, allocations and case distribution across CYP pathways
- Provide clinical guidance and day-to-day support to CYP counsellors and therapists
- Line manage allocated CYP staff and contribute to recruitment, induction and staff development
- Oversee group work programmes, including family support groups
- Undertake the role of Designated Safeguarding Officer for the CYP team
- Deputise as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead as part of the rota when required
- Provide guidance on complex safeguarding concerns and ensure appropriate escalation
- Contribute to service improvement, contract delivery and performance monitoring
- Build and maintain effective relationships with external agencies and partners
- Deputise for the CYP Clinical Lead where required
About You
- Degree-level qualification in counselling or psychotherapy (or equivalent experience)
Professional membership with an accredited counselling/psychotherapy body
Minimum of 200 hours post-qualification supervised client work
At least 3 years’ experience working with children and young people affected by rape and sexual violence
Experience leading or supporting a team
Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation (children and adults)
Completed Level 3 safeguarding training
Experience in the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) sector
Understanding of trauma-informed, survivor-centred and feminist practice
Experience working with diverse communities
Ability to use data and outcomes to support service improvement - Experience working with marginalised or under-served communities
Knowledge of housing, welfare benefits or related legislationn
This role offers the opportunity to:
- Take the next step in your leadership journey
- Gain experience of safeguarding, clinical leadership and service development
- Support and develop a dedicated team of CYP practitioners
- Contribute to the future direction of CYP therapeutic services at RCSL
- Be part of a dynamic, creative and values-led organisation
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
Rape Crisis South London is an equal opportunities employer. We particularly welcome applications from women who are under-represented in leadership roles within the violence against women and girls (VAWG) sector.
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.
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
We are committed to removing barriers and creating an inclusive workplace.
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 Director of Programmes and two other panel members.
The whole process from advertisement to appointment, may take up to 3 -4 weeks.
The role will initially be open for two weeks (until 12:00 noon on Wednesday 16 April 2026). 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.
How to apply
Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to in PDF format to our recruitment inbox.
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
Registered Charity
Providing specialist support to women and girls who have experienced rape and/or childhood sexual violence and abuse.
Thank you!
Main purpose of job:To work in the Navigator team supporting individuals who have or are experiencing sexual violence and or sexual abuse. As a first contact worker, you will act as a gateway to both specialist counselling and advocacy services and additional specialist support services in Essex. You will use your considerable experience to provide a high-quality telephone information and support service.
The support you deliver will help individuals on their pathway to wellbeing, recovery, and social inclusion through building trusting and collaborative relationships. You will guide users to make informed decisions about their own wellbeing, maximising their independence and engaging in appropriate community or clinical resources/interventions.
You will work within a team of first contact navigators under the supervision of a service lead. You will be highly motivated and dedicated, have strong communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills with the ability to work under minimal supervision.
Start date: As soon as possible (subject to Enhanced DBS Check and satisfactory references).
Salary:£26,496 - £28,845 (NJC Scales 12-17) per annum, pro-rata.
Contract: This will be a permanent contract.
Hours: 35 hours per week.
Place of work: CARA premises in Colchester and some remote home working if a suitable environment is available. Some travel to other locations in Essex may be required, particularly during the induction period.
Holiday: 25 days per year, pro-rata, plus additional closure days between Christmas and New Year.
To apply: Please complete the application form, which can be downloaded from our website, explaining how your skills and experience relate to the person specification.
Applications must specifically address each essential and desirable criteria, giving evidence from previous experience or qualifications.
Application deadline: 10am Friday 24th July 2026
Interviews: Week beginning 3rd August 2026
Start date: Immediate, subject to receipt of satisfactory references and enhanced DBS check.
Mandatory Training Dates: To be confirmed.
This post is restricted to women applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1
Job Description
The First Contact Navigator posts will play a central role in the CARA team, ensuring that our service users and other agencies receive a high-quality service from the moment of first contact. You will work as part of a wider team of First Contact Navigators across Essex, based at our Synergy Essex Partner centres. The post liaises with clients, the CARA team and external agencies, providing advice, support and information.
The First Contact Navigator will engage with individuals who are experiencing, or who have experienced, sexual violence and or sexual abuse who require information, signposting and short-term support. You will be the first contact and conduct first meetings, managing your own caseload and co-ordinating personalised support for individuals on their pathway to wellbeing. You will have strong communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills with the ability to work under minimal supervision. You will support people who use CARA services to make informed decisions about their wellbeing, maximising their independence and engaging in appropriate community or clinical resources. You will work collaboratively with service users, the CARA team and other professional agencies to navigate and coordinate services.
At the outset, the main responsibilities of the post will be:
- To act as a first point of contact for new referrals and enquiries, providing information, emotional support, advice and signposting.
- To complete first contact calls and assessments with clients over the telephone, assessing client needs and suitabilty for services.
- To ensure information about new referrals/enquiries is accurately recorded on CARA’s database in real time.
- To work collaboratively and build trust with service users, agencies, personal and professional support networks to collate relevant information to effect individualised support requirements.
- To assess and engage service users not currently engaged in appropriate specialist sexual violence services.
- To seek and respond to referrals from a variety of internal and external sources.
- To assist survivors and relatives/supporters of survivors in understanding the range of resources and services available to them.
- To support service users to engage effectively with appropriate services to meet their individual needs and aspirations.
- To identify and respond to any safeguarding concerns
- To work as a link between clients, CARA staff and external agencies, ensuring appropriate information is passed on.
- To work closely with the Essex-wide team of First Contact Navigators and Information and Referral Coordinators to ensure effective referral processes across Essex.
- To act as a point of contact for external agencies making referrals to CARA, answering queries about our referral process.
- To cover the enquiry line and the office phone and deal with enquiries as required.
- To pro-actively promote CARA’s services to external agencies, ensuring they are aware of our referral procedures.
- To contribute to development of promotional information, to ensure information about the referral process is clear and accessible.
- To attend regular team meetings and to work with colleagues to further the objectives of CARA.
- To adhere in full to all CARA’s organisational policies and procedures, including safeguarding procedures.
- To report to the Service Engagement Manager, Head of Operations, CEO and Trustees as required, including the production of regular written reports.
- To be administratively self-servicing.
- To undertake any other related activities as required by the Head of Operations, CEO or the Chair of the Board of Trustees.
About CARA
CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse) works with victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs.
CARA is a registered charity working with adults of all genders, young people and children from across mid and north Essex. We have a head office in Colchester and outreach premises in Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton-on-Sea, Great Dunmow and Harwich. We also provide remote services.
CARA seeks to be an inclusive organisation that actively encourages, supports and values diversity amongst both our service-users and our workers. We wish to create a culture in which discrimination, in all its forms, is recognised and addressed.
You can read more about CARA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion here. We encourage and welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds.
About Synergy Essex
CARA is part of Synergy Essex – the Essex Rape and Sexual Abuse Partnership. We work closely with SERICC Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis) to deliver the contract for the Office for the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex for services for victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse across Essex.
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