Children and Young Person's Wellbeing Advocate

Are you passionate about supporting children and young people affected by sexual violence?

This exciting opportunity sits within our Children and Young People's Service and will support children and young people aged 4-25 who have experienced sexual violence. The role will involve providing short-term, trauma-informed wellbeing advocacy, working closely with survivors, their families and support networks, and helping them navigate health, safeguarding and support systems.

About the Role

Reporting to the Clinical Lead for Children & Young People / Advocacy Service Manager, the successful candidate will:

• Provide specialist wellbeing advocacy and emotional support to children and young people affected by sexual violence.
• Undertake risk and needs assessments and develop support plans.
• Work collaboratively with schools, social care, health services, CAMHS, criminal justice agencies and community partners.
• Support children, young people and families to access appropriate services and resources.
• Manage a caseload, maintain accurate records and contribute to monitoring and evaluation activities.
• Deliver support through face-to-face, online, telephone and outreach settings.
• Contribute to service development, awareness raising and training activities.

Key Areas of Responsibility

The successful applicant will:

• Provide short-term wellbeing advocacy and emotional support to children and young people affected by sexual violence.
• Undertake risk and needs assessments and develop support plans.
• Support children, young people and families to navigate health, social care, education and criminal justice systems.
• Work collaboratively with schools, CAMHS, social care, health professionals, police and community partners.
• Manage a caseload and maintain high-quality records and case notes.
• Deliver support in schools, community settings, remotely and from RCSL premises.
• Contribute to safeguarding processes and multi-agency working.
• Support service development, evaluation, awareness raising and training activities.

What You Bring:

• A qualification in counselling, psychotherapy, youth work, social work or a related discipline.
• Experience of supporting children and young people experiencing trauma, abuse or sexual violence.
• Strong safeguarding and risk assessment skills.
• Experience of working in partnership with multiple agencies.
• A commitment to feminist, anti-oppressive and trauma-informed practice.
• Excellent communication, organisational and case management skills.
• A passion for ensuring the voices of children and young people remain central to decision-making.

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 CYP Clinical Lead, Advocacy Manager and Director of Programmes.

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): Rolling basis

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