Overview
Rape Crisis Midwest (RCM) works for the protection of all people from all forms of sexual violence and abuse. It primarily supports survivors of sexual abuse and violence through free, confidential, and non-judgmental support and counselling, working from an intersectional feminist framework. RCM delivers services utilising a survivor-centred and trauma-informed model. RCM operates from the knowledge that survivors have the capacity to grow and heal and that they are the experts in what they need. Survivor-identified indicators of recovery and healing inform the way in which services are delivered and developed. A trauma-informed model means services are offered with the understanding that a survivor’s reactions are a normal response to trauma. RCM believes that responding to sexual violence in our society and holding perpetrators to account starts with supporting survivors in ways that are respectful of their dignity, healing and choices. RCM works to hold perpetrators accountable for their behaviour and counteract victim blaming. The headquarters for Rape Crisis Midwest services is in Limerick with outreach centres in both Ennis and Nenagh. Our service delivery includes crisis counselling, long term psychotherapy; Garda and court accompaniment; advice, to both survivors, and their supporters; and sexual violence training to individuals and organisations. We work nationally in partnership with Cuan – the Domestic, Sexual & Gender Based Violence Agency and Rape Crisis Ireland.
Purpose of the Role
Rape Crisis Midwest provides free, confidential support to survivors of sexual violence across the Mid-West region. The Trustee Board Member with a Psychotherapy background will bring specialist expertise to strengthen the organisation’s governance in clinical and therapeutic practice, ensuring that our services are trauma-informed, ethically delivered and aligned with our mission and values.
Responsibilities
* Contribute actively to the Board of Trustees in shaping Rape Crisis Midwest’s strategic direction, policies and governance.
* Provide expert insight on clinical and therapeutic matters, including service delivery models, safeguarding and ethical standards.
* Support the development, review and monitoring of policies related to counselling, psychotherapy and client support to ensure compliance with professional standards and best practice.
* Advise on training and support for staff and volunteers delivering therapeutic services.
* Help the Board assess risks related to clinical governance and the wellbeing of service users, staff and volunteers.
* Champion trauma-informed practice, safeguarding, diversity and inclusion across Rape Crisis Midwest’s services.
* Participate in sub-committees, working groups or panels relating to clinical practice, service development or quality assurance, as required.
* Act as a sounding board for the Executive Director on therapeutic matters while maintaining appropriate governance boundaries
Qualifications
Essential:
* Significant professional experience as a psychotherapist, counsellor or in a related clinical role.
* Knowledge of professional standards, ethics and best practice in psychotherapy (e.g. IACP, IAHIP, PSI or equivalent).
* Commitment to the values and mission of Rape Crisis Midwest and to supporting survivors of sexual violence.
* Ability to take a strategic view and to challenge constructively.
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Desirable:
* Previous experience of serving on a board or governance committee.
* Familiarity with the charity or not-for-profit sector.
* Supervisory, training or clinical governance experience.
Time Commitment
Attendance at approximately 10 board meetings per year typically held on the last Tuesday of each month. Participation in clinical/service quality sub-committee meetings or working groups as required. Occasional attendance at organisational events, training or away days.
Term of Office
Trustees are appointed for a term of 3 years and may be re-appointed in line with Rape Crisis Midwest’s constitution.
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