At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide vital support to victims of sexual assault and manage crisis situations.
- Company: Join a compassionate team at Swindon SARC, dedicated to helping those in need.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, emotional support resources, and a commitment to your wellbeing.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for professional growth and training.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Must have a clean driving licence and be able to respond quickly to call-outs.
The predicted salary is between 13.1 - 13.1 £ per hour.
Salary: £45.84 per 12 hours on call shift, £14.62 hourly rate for those hours attending a call out to the SARC and supporting a client through the forensic examination (minimum 4 hours paid), £13.10 per hour for admin support, attending all relevant meetings and training.
Base: Local SARC: Swindon SARC, The Gables, Shrivenham Road, South Marston Swindon SN3 4RB
Hours of work: 12 hour on-call shift, either 07:00 - 19:15 or 19:00 to 07:15. The SARC is open 365 days per year.
Contract: BANK contract
To work as part of the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) as a bank Crisis Worker. Working as a member of a small, dedicated team, providing on call services to victims of rape and sexual assault. There may be instances where travel to other sites in Wiltshire is required to support clients, for example in a hospital setting.
As a Crisis Worker you will be providing specialist trauma support (training provided) and working within a forensically clean environment, supporting the victim, offering a forensic medical examination (carried out by a trained Sexual Offence Examiner) and providing the victim with information for onward support services.
As part of your induction process, the role requires a commitment from the successful candidate to attend the office one weekday per week for the first month of employment from 09:00 - 17:00. It is expected that all Crisis Workers will attend the monthly team meeting on the third week of each month from 17:30 - 19:00.
Key responsibilities:
- To provide support and crisis management to individuals who have experienced rape or sexual assault who have reported to the police or who may not wish to report to the police.
- Must be able to answer the SARC Crisis Line at any time during their on-call shift.
- To attend the SARC and offer support through the forensic medical process, acting as an advocate on behalf of the victim.
- To provide support and information to clients accessing the service.
- To make onward safeguarding referrals to the appropriate services where required.
- Creating client records on the SARC Client Management System.
- Assume responsibility for the client during examination and act wholeheartedly in their best interests, taking decisions to protect their wellbeing at all times.
- To liaise with the on-duty Sexual Offence Examiner (SOE) on behalf of client.
- This may include assisting the Sexual Offence Examiner with collection of DNA and Early Evidence Kits (EEKs).
- To work as part of the Crisis Worker Team and with forensic nurse/medical examiners in the delivery of high standards of service and clinical care.
- You will provide vital information to assist the clients in making informed decisions about their care and choices.
- To attend/complete all training associated with the role, whether in person or online within agreed timeframe.
- To perform a forensic clean of the SARC suite after each case (training and equipment will be provided).
- To provide support at outreach and engagement events with the Swindon SARC team in communities across Wiltshire.
- To provide cover for the Swindon SARC admin team during times of staff shortages.
Essential requirements:
- Due to the nature of the role the post holder will be required to provide a DNA sample for process elimination with the forensic provider for both the Swindon and Gloucester SARC's.
- They will also be required to be Police vetted.
- Full clean driving licence, use of a car and business insurance are essential.
- The successful candidate will need to be able to reach the Swindon SARC within 90 minutes of call out or Gloucester SARC within 2 hours of call out - this is inclusive of busy summer periods when traffic flow is higher than usual.
- There is a requirement to adhere to the GDPR Policy always whilst in the SARC.
- You will be exposed to highly sensitive information and your engagement should be within the context of a non-judgmental and confidential service.
- There may be a requirement to work outside of the set working hours due to length of time supporting a victim in the SARC. Any additional hours will be paid.
Added benefits:
- 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 welcome applications from all sections of the community, and all backgrounds regardless of age, race, faith, disability, sex, gender identity or sexuality.
- First Light are a Disability Confident Committed Employer.
- Annual pay review and employer contribution pension scheme.
Additional Information:
- If you are shortlisted for interview you will be subject to a social media check as part of our Safer Recruitment process.
- Any potential future offer of employment will be contingent on the satisfactory result of this social media check, conducted by a third party organisation.
- The successful applicant will also be subject to a Disclosure & Barring check as part of our Safer Recruitment process.
- Deadline for receipt of applications: 09:00 30th November 2026.
- Expected date for interviews: To be arranged with successful candidates.
- If you do not hear from us within 5 working days of the closure, please assume you have been unsuccessful at this time.
Swindon SARC Crisis Worker - BANK employer: First Light
First Light is an exceptional employer dedicated to providing meaningful support to individuals experiencing domestic abuse in the Plymouth area. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we offer comprehensive training, access to external supervision, and a supportive work culture that prioritises equality, diversity, and inclusion. Our employees benefit from generous holiday entitlements, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth, making First Light a rewarding place to build a career in health and social care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Swindon SARC Crisis Worker - BANK
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to First Light, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Swindon SARC Crisis Worker - BANK
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of First Light. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at First Light. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at First Light
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with First Light.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Swindon SARC Crisis Worker - BANK role at First Light, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show First Light that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
