At a Glance
- 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.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and inclusion.
- 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.
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
First Light UK is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and trauma-informed work environment for Health and Social Care IDVAs in Plymouth. With a strong focus on employee well-being, comprehensive training, and opportunities for professional growth, staff are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those experiencing domestic abuse. The organisation fosters a collaborative culture, ensuring that employees have access to vital resources and support systems, making it an ideal place for those seeking rewarding and purposeful employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Safe Spaces Survivor Advocate
✨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 First Light.
✨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 First Light!
✨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 First Light, 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 First Light 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 Safe Spaces Survivor Advocate
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 First Light:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to First Light! 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 First Light
✨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.
