At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide emotional and practical support to women and children in a refuge environment.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at FCWA making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for training and professional development.
- Why this job: Empower survivors of domestic abuse and help them rebuild their lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in providing support to women and strong communication skills required.
- Refuge Family
- Support
- Worker
Salary: £13.39 per hour Hours of work 18.5 hours per week, evenings and weekends.
This also includes (1 week in 4) rota out of hours on call. 25 days + Bank Holidays (pro rata) + Birthday Responsible to:
- FCWA Board of Trustees
- CEO
- Refuge Manager Closing date: 16/08/26 Function The Support Worker's role includes providing proactive practical and emotional support to victims and survivors of domestic abuse.
You will work as a member of our dedicated team providing regular support to women and children within a refuge environment.
To do this you will engage in a supportive and empathic manner working sensitively with residents, helping them to achieve independent lives free from harm and abuse.
This role supports refuge and residents in a communal setting.
You will encourage residents to engage in support and wellbeing activities that can help to reduce isolation and encourage residents to feel part of the refuge community Main Duties
- To ensure that women and children are provided with a high-quality service.
- To conduct key work sessions regularly and keep casework records up-to-date and per FCWA’s requirements.
- To assess the practical and emotional support needs of residents and to ensure appropriate support for that resident.
- To assess welfare benefit requirements of women and assist in making applications when necessary.
- To assist in helpline cover.
- To welcome new arrivals, complete all necessary paperwork. Ensure the family has what they need to make them comfortable.
- To maintain knowledge of local services and signpost to specialist agencies where appropriate.
- Use the DASH risk assessment to assess risk and refer to MARAC where necessary.
- Undertake appropriate training to maintain expertise in domestic violence/abuse,
- Maintain house security and ensure all house rules are adhered to by residents – communicate any breaches to the line manager.
- To ensure good practice in safeguarding children and young people and follow policies and procedures.
- To ensure a good standard of hygiene is maintained in the refuge. Clean and prepare vacant rooms. Carry out cleaning when required and other light manual duties as needed.
- To develop and maintain positive, collaborative working relationships with all FCWA’s staff, including colleagues at other sites and the police health and social services.
- To work within the confines of confidentiality and ensure that professional boundaries are always maintained when working with residents, staff, and external bodies and to work within FCWA’s Code of Conduct.
To ensure that the security of sensitive information is maintained.
- To be available for On call service on a rota basis
- To attend any meetings or training either internal or external as requested by the line manager and to attend regular supervision sessions.
- Advocate on behalf of residents where necessary.
- To carry out any other duties that may be required by the Line Manager and work at any of its other sites when required to do so.
Whilst this job description attempts to cover the main duties of the post, it is not exhaustive.
The potholder is, therefore, expected to undertake any other reasonable duties within their capabilities and the scope of the post as specified by their line manager.
This role is subject to successful references and an enhanced DBS check.
This post is exempt under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9 and Part 1 – female applicants only.
- Person
- Specification
Essential
- Excellent literary and administrative skills including ability in information technology, data collection, and report writing
- At least two direct years’ experience in providing emotional and practical support to women.
- Experience in assisting women in applying for benefits.
- Demonstrable understanding of the diverse needs of women and children experiencing domestic violence and the discrimination issues as they relate to women escaping domestic violence.
- Evidence of up to date knowledge of housing, criminal, civil and welfare rights legislation relating to domestic violence.
- The ability to develop appropriate, professional, supportive relationships with abused women and their children, maintaining professional boundaries with residents, staff etc.
- Evidence of strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Demonstrable ability to work effectively within a team setting and within a line management structure.
- The ability to work within a residential setting and to work on own initiative with minimal supervision.
To Apply If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for FCWA, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application
Refuge Family Support Worker in Blackpool employer: FCWA
FCWA is an exceptional employer dedicated to supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse, offering a compassionate work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, and opportunities for training in domestic violence expertise, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of women and children within a supportive refuge environment. Located in a community-focused area, FCWA fosters collaboration among staff and local services, ensuring a fulfilling and rewarding experience for all team members.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Refuge Family Support Worker in Blackpool
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like FCWA, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at FCWA. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through FCWA's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Refuge Family Support Worker in Blackpool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at FCWA. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at FCWA.
How to prepare for a job interview at FCWA
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with FCWA.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Refuge Family Support Worker at FCWA.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show FCWA that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Refuge Family Support Worker role.
