Specialist Support Worker / Refuge Advocate in Birmingham

A rewarding opportunity for a compassionate professional with experience supporting vulnerable people. Join a frontline service delivering trauma-informed support, safeguarding, advocacy, risk assessment and case management for victims of modern slavery within residential safehouse accommodation.

We have a fantastic new job opportunity for a Specialist Refuge Support Worker who is passionate about supporting vulnerable adults and families affected by exploitation and trafficking. As a Specialist Refuge Support Worker you will provide trauma-informed support within residential safehouse accommodation, helping clients access specialist services while promoting independence, safety and recovery. The role involves safeguarding, advocacy, risk assessment and support planning.

Working closely with partner organisations and multi-agency professionals, the Specialist Refuge Support Worker will manage a caseload, support clients through the National Referral Mechanism process and help them access health, wellbeing and community services.

DUTIES

• Provide Client Support: Deliver practical, emotional and advocacy support to victims of modern slavery and human trafficking living in safehouse accommodation.
• Risk and Needs Assessment: Carry out safeguarding, risk assessments and develop person-centred support and recovery plans.
• Case Management: Manage a caseload, maintain accurate case records and monitor client progress through regular reviews.
• Advocacy and Service Access: Support clients through the National Referral Mechanism and help them access health, wellbeing and specialist support services.
• Multi-Agency Collaboration: Work closely with partner organisations including safeguarding teams, housing providers and support agencies.
• Safehouse Management: Help maintain safehouse standards including health and safety, fire safety and adherence to licence agreements.
• Client Wellbeing and Independence: Support residents to build independence, manage shared accommodation and prepare for move-on.
• Safeguarding and Incident Management: Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns, conflicts or incidents within the accommodation.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

• Educated to Level 3 / A Level or equivalent (Level 2 may be considered with strong relevant experience).
• Previous experience supporting vulnerable adults or families in a support, advocacy or social care setting.
• Experience undertaking risk assessments, support planning and safeguarding processes.
• Ability to build trusting relationships with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Strong communication and advocacy skills when working with partner agencies and professionals.
• Ability to manage a caseload and prioritise tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Competent in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams.
• Understanding of trauma-informed practice and person-centred support.
• Full driving licence with access to a vehicle and willingness to travel across sites.
• Eligibility to work in the UK.

DESIRABLE

• Experience supporting victims of modern slavery, trafficking, exploitation or domestic abuse.
• Knowledge of the National Referral Mechanism and systems supporting victims of trafficking.

BENEFITS

• Mileage allowance.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Access to group clinical supervision with a BACP trained counsellor.
• 25 days annual leave (pro rata), plus bank holidays. Opportunities for this to be extended after 3 years of service.
• 1 wellbeing day (pro rata).
• Annual leave buy back scheme for those who want to purchase additional annual leave days.
• Bi-annual staff away days.
• Regular internal newsletter created by staff.
• Time off in lieu (TOIL) when overtime is required.
• 5% employer contribution to pension.

This role requires a DBS check.