At a Glance
- Tasks: Support women and families affected by domestic abuse in a safe, professional environment.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at Edinburgh Women’s Aid, committed to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, generous leave, and training opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Women only need to apply; we value diversity and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the community while supporting those in need.
- Qualifications: Experience in social care and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Support the provision of a safe, professional and supportive service for women in the Community Refuge accommodation who have experienced or are at risk of domestic abuse.
Responsibilities:
- Provide advice, advocacy and support to children, young people and families who have experienced domestic abuse.
- Work as part of a team and cover on-call hours when required (additional payments).
- Deliver high-quality, trauma-informed services that are safe, effective and responsive to the needs of our clients.
- Support and supervise other practitioners as part of the management team.
Qualifications:
- A satisfactory Disclosure Scotland Adult and Child PVG scheme membership check.
- At least SVQ Level III or equivalent in childcare or a related subject, or equivalent experience with a willingness to work towards a qualification.
- Experience providing support in a relevant social care setting.
- Excellent communication, problem-solving and motivational skills.
Benefits:
- Flexible working hours (where appropriate).
- Pension salary sacrifice scheme.
- 7% employer’s pension contributions.
- 6 weeks annual leave and public holidays.
- Training and personal development opportunities.
Location and Closing Date:
Based in Kilmarnock, providing services throughout East Ayrshire. Closing 6th March 2026.
Application Notes:
Women only need to apply under Schedule 9 (Part 1) of the Equality Act 2010. Edinburgh Women’s Aid is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Fife Women’s Aid and East Ayrshire Women’s Aid provide competitive terms and conditions.
To find out more about our services, join the online session at 6.30pm on Tuesday 10th February 2026. Confirm your attendance to and we will send you the Zoom details.
Community Refuge Support Worker in Edinburgh employer: Edinburgh Women's Aid
Edinburgh Women’s Aid is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for Community Refuge Support Workers. With flexible working hours, generous annual leave, and a strong commitment to training and personal development, employees are empowered to grow both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact in the lives of women and families affected by domestic abuse in Kilmarnock and East Ayrshire.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Refuge Support Worker in Edinburgh
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Edinburgh Women's Aid.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Edinburgh Women's Aid!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Edinburgh Women's Aid, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Edinburgh Women's Aid or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Refuge Support Worker in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Edinburgh Women's Aid:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Edinburgh Women's Aid! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Edinburgh Women's Aid
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
