Do you have experience supporting vulnerable women, individuals or families and the compassion to help survivors move towards safety, independence and positive change?
If you’ve also worked in the following roles, we’d also like to hear from you: Refuge Support Worker, Women’s Support Worker, Refuge Support Officer, Housing Support Worker, Family Support Worker, Vulnerable Adults Support Worker, Residential Support Worker, Support Worker, Case Worker
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Due to the sensitive nature of this role, we will be considering female applicants only, in accordance with the provision of the Occupational Requirement (Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1).
This role is officially known as a Refuge Support Officer
SALARY: £26,600 per annum + Benefits
LOCATION: Luton, Bedfordshire
JOB TYPE: Full-Time, Permanent
JOB OVERVIEW
The organisation is a dedicated charity supporting women and children affected by gender-based violence, domestic abuse and exploitation.
Working as the Domestic Abuse Support Worker, you will deliver practical and emotional refuge support, helping women make informed choices and access the services they need.
As the Domestic Abuse Support Worker, you will manage a caseload, complete risk assessments and safety plans, provide advocacy and respond to safeguarding concerns.
The Domestic Abuse Support Worker will also maintain accurate records, work with partner agencies and support an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory and trauma-informed service.
DUTIES
Your duties as the Domestic Abuse Support Worker include:
- Practical and Emotional Support: Provide guidance, information, advocacy and support to women in refuge who have experienced domestic abuse
- Risk and Safety Planning: Assess needs and risks, complete individual safety plans and help service users create person-centred support plans
- Caseload Management: Manage an allocated caseload, deliver key-working sessions and support service users across refuge premises
- Safeguarding Response: Raise adult and child safeguarding concerns promptly and attend court or Social Services case conferences when required
- Multi-Agency Working: Work with partner agencies and help service users access housing, health, education, employment, benefits and other support
- Records and Confidentiality: Maintain accurate case records, evaluations and case histories in line with confidentiality, data protection and agreed protocols
- Refuge and Resettlement Support: Support admissions, inductions, house meetings, move-on planning and resettlement support where appropriate
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS
ESSENTIAL
- Relevant Level 3/4 or above qualification in Social Care, Health Care or Community Work
- Good general education, including GCSE or equivalent in Maths and English
- Knowledge and understanding of domestic violence, safeguarding, confidentiality, data protection and professional boundaries
- Knowledge of support interventions for women affected by domestic abuse, substance misuse, alcohol dependency and/or mental ill health
- Demonstrable experience supporting vulnerable individuals and/or families who may have experienced domestic abuse, homelessness, sexual exploitation or mental health issues
- Experience managing caseloads, complex situations, support planning and multi-agency working
- Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, IT and organisational skills, with the ability to maintain accurate case records
- Valid driving licence with access to a car for business use
- Willingness to work outside normal hours if required
- Commitment to anti-racist and anti-discriminatory practice, fundraising and promotional activities, and ongoing professional development
DESIRABLE
- Counselling qualification or counselling skills gained through active practice
- Knowledge of person-centred and trauma-informed working practices
BENEFITS
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Flexible working arrangements
- Comprehensive health coverage, including dental, optical, physiotherapy, chiropractic and more
- Free health coverage for employees’ children under 18
- 24/7 GP advice line and virtual doctor services
- Free counselling, including 24/7 hotline, up to six face-to-face sessions and clinical supervision
- Exclusive discounts on food, cinema, gym, tech, travel and more
- Birth & Adoption Grant for life event support
- Monthly paid wellbeing hour
- A friendly and supportive team
- Training, career development and progression opportunities
This role requires a DBS check
JOB REF: AWDO-P14972
East of England Community Health & Care NHS Trust
#J-18808-Ljbffr…