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- Tasks: Advocate for survivors of church-related abuse and support their needs.
- Company: First Light, a compassionate organisation dedicated to safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, wellbeing resources, and annual pay reviews.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of those affected by abuse.
- Qualifications: Experience in crisis support and strong interpersonal skills required.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 24956 - 26925 £ per year.
Salary: £24,956 per annum rising to £25,350 per annum on successful completion of probation, and £26,925 after successful completion of ISVA accreditation.
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (09:00 - 17:00 Monday to Friday)
Holiday: 25 days annual holiday entitlement increasing to 30 days after 5 years’ service per annum plus bank holidays
Base: Plymouth, Swindon or Gloucester with a mixture of office and home working.
Contract: Permanent
About the Role
Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal, and safe space for anyone who has been abused by someone in the Church or as a result of their relationship with the Church of England, the Catholic Church in England and Wales or the Church in Wales.
The Survivor Advocate will work pro-actively to risk assess and support client needs and develop a comprehensive support plan to help keep victims safe. This role will use advocacy and partnership working skills to ensure victims are supported throughout any internal church processes or criminal justice processes.
The post holder will manage a busy caseload and have excellent partnership skills and an understanding of Adult and Vulnerable people Safeguarding procedures.
Key responsibilities:
- Advocate on behalf of victims and survivors of church related abuse
- Contribute to addressing situations where there is risk of danger, harm or abuse
- Assess the needs of, and risks to victims/survivors of church related abuse
- Communicate with people from vulnerable groups
- Recognise and respond to suspected abuse of people from vulnerable groups
- Support the safeguarding and protection of people from vulnerable groups
- Work in partnership with agencies to address church related abuse
- Support victims and survivors of church related abuse through the court process
- Manage working relationships with victims and survivors
- Promote understanding of the various forms of abuse including domestic abuse, sexual violence and abuse and spiritual abuse
- Establish requirements for special measures at court
Essential requirements:
- Experience of working with people in crisis
- Experience of risk assessments and decision making
- Well-developed interpersonal skills (written and oral)
Added benefits:
- A comprehensive induction and training programme, with a hybrid working policy for a better work/life balance.
- A wellbeing day per financial year (1st April to 31st March)
- Access to external supervision to discuss personal or emotional responses to traumatic cases, to ensure emotional and psychological wellbeing.
- Health and wellbeing resources including our staff Wellbeing Group, Staff Consultation Committee, and active participation in our employee engagement platform.
- Access to an Employee Assistance Programme which includes a 24/7 telephone helpline offering medical, emotional, and financial support.
- Working for an organisation committed to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. We encourage applications from all sections of the community, and all backgrounds regardless of age, race, faith, disability, neurodiversity's, genders, gender expression or sexuality. First Light are a Disability Confident Committed Employer and have an LGBTQIA+ Staff Network.
- Annual pay review and employer contribution pension scheme.
Additional Information: The successful applicant will be subject to a Disclosure & Barring check, and a social media check conducted by a third-party organisation as part of our Safer Recruitment process. Any future offer of employment is contingent on the satisfactory completion of these checks, as well as the receipt of two satisfactory employment references, with one being from your current or most recent employer. Please note that in some roles staff may be required to work from a home/office base in accordance with our Hybrid Working policy.
Deadline for receipt of applications: 09:00 23rd February 2026
Expected date for interviews: To be arranged with the candidate
If you do not hear from us within 10 working days of the deadline for receipt of applications, please assume you have been unsuccessful at this time. We reserve the right to withdraw this advert early for the right candidate, so we encourage early applications.
To apply: Due to Safeguarding requirements we are unable to accept CVs as part of your application or employ any candidate who has been a client of First Light within the last two years.
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for First Light, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application. Please complete the application form on the top right of the advert on our website. Ensure that you outline your relevant experience and evidence suitability for the role against the role profile, which is a combined job description and person specification.
Safe Spaces Survivor Advocate employer: First Light
Contact Detail:
First Light Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Safe Spaces Survivor Advocate
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research First Light and their mission. Understanding their values and the work they do will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips about the interview process and what it’s really like to work there, which can give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how your experience aligns with the role of a Survivor Advocate. Be ready to discuss specific situations where you've supported vulnerable individuals or managed crises.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email. It shows appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Safe Spaces Survivor Advocate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When filling out your application, let your true self shine through! We want to see your personality and passion for the role. Share your experiences that relate to supporting vulnerable individuals and how you can make a difference.
Tailor Your Responses: Make sure to align your answers with the key responsibilities and essential requirements listed in the job description. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that demonstrate your ability to advocate for victims and manage complex situations.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t hold back on showcasing your interpersonal skills! Whether it’s written or oral communication, we want to know how you connect with people, especially those in crisis. Use examples that illustrate your ability to support and empower others.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, the best way to apply is through our website! It’s super straightforward, and ensures your application gets to us directly. Plus, you can easily reference the job description while completing your application form.
How to prepare for a job interview at First Light
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Safe Spaces Survivor Advocate inside and out. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, especially around risk assessment and advocacy. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Show Empathy and Understanding
This role involves working with vulnerable individuals, so it's crucial to demonstrate your interpersonal skills. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported someone in crisis or navigated sensitive situations. This will highlight your ability to connect with clients on a personal level.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific situations related to safeguarding and support. Think through potential scenarios and how you would approach them, focusing on your decision-making process and the importance of collaboration with other agencies.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready about the organisation's approach to safeguarding or their training programmes. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values and career goals.
