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.

Duties and responsibilities

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

Experience and qualifications

About You

Essential

• 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

Desirable

• Experience working with marginalised or under-served communities
• Knowledge of housing, welfare benefits or related legislationn

Benefits

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

Company culture

Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment

RCSL is committed to safeguarding. The post holder will help maintain safeguarding standards by:

• Promoting safety and wellbeing
• Identifying and reporting concerns
• Following safeguarding policies
• Supporting a safe and respectful culture

Safer recruitment includes:

• Values-based interviews
• Identity, qualification, and employment checks
• References
• Enhanced DBS (where required)
• Safeguarding training and supervision

Equality, Feminist Commitment and Values

Intersectionality and Reasonable Adjustments

We recognise experiences of sexual violence are shaped by 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, centring survivor voices and promoting empowerment, inclusivity, and intersectionality.

Applicants can request reasonable adjustments, such as:

• Alternative interview formats or times
• Extra time for tasks
• Accessible documents
• Support for disability, neurodivergence, or health needs

Learning and Development

As a growing organisation, we support continuous learning and professional development.

Interview Process

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview via MS Teams.

Stage one: MS Teams with the Finance Manager and panel members

The process may take 3–4 weeks from advertisement to appointment.

The post holder will require a Basic DBS check.

The role is open for one month (until 12:00 noon on Thursday 18 June 2026). Due to urgency, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis—early applications are encouraged.

The interview will assess:

• Safeguarding
• Equality, diversity, and inclusion
• Wellbeing and feminist practice
• Trauma-informed work
• Relevant responsibilities

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 us.

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