Interim Adult Counselling Clinical Lead (Fixed Term - 12 months) Female only applicants

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 Interim Adult Counselling Clinical Lead to join our Adult Counselling Team at this pivotal time on a Fixed Term 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
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

• 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
• 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.

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 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
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.

How to apply
Please submit:

• Your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to in PDF format
• Interview date(s): W/C 15th June 2026

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.

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