At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide person-centred support to women overcoming domestic abuse and help them achieve independence.
- Company: Join Hestia, a diverse and inclusive organisation making a real difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, professional development, and be part of a supportive team.
- Other info: Open to female applicants only; we value lived experience and commitment to learning.
- Why this job: Empower women and make a positive impact in your community while developing essential skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in support roles and a passion for helping others is essential.
We are Hestia. We make a difference. At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Refuge Worker to play a pivotal role in our Domestic Abuse service in Brent.
Sounds great, what will I be doing? This job involves providing intensive, person-centered support to women through regular casework, key sessions, and everyday interactions. The role requires developing supportive relationships and working collaboratively with women to create tailored Support and Safety Plans, focusing on their strengths and personal goals. Support includes guidance on safety issues, particularly around domestic abuse, and fostering skills for independent living.
The role also entails a strong safeguarding responsibility, ensuring any concerns are promptly communicated with relevant statutory bodies, such as Social Services, and following Hestia's safeguarding procedures. A key part of the work is helping women secure appropriate housing and supporting their transition to independent accommodation, as well as promoting empowerment through social activities and workshops.
Aligned with 'The Hestia Approach', the role emphasizes co-production and recovery, encouraging service users to actively shape the services they receive, such as through peer support or local events. The position also involves building relationships with external agencies to improve outcomes for service users, and ensuring the safe management of accommodation and finances in accordance with organizational policies and quality standards.
What do I need to bring with me? You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.
Here's what the team will be looking for: The ideal candidate will have experience providing high-quality floating or outreach support to individuals with diverse needs, aspirations, and associated risks, including mental health and substance misuse issues. They will possess strong knowledge of welfare benefits, housing legislation, and safeguarding practices, along with health and safety standards related to working in service users' homes. Skilled in client-focused support planning, key working, and risk assessments, they are committed to promoting independence, equality, and the rights and dignity of service users. The role requires effective collaboration with external professionals, accurate record-keeping using computer systems, a commitment to ongoing professional development, and the ability to travel across the Borough.
This position is open to female applicants only, as permitted under Schedule 9 (1a) of the Equality Act 2010.
Interview Steps: We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.
- Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
- Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.
Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.
We are a disability confident employer: Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.
Safeguarding Statement: Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.
Refuge Worker (Domestic Abuse) in Brent employer: Hestia Housing and Support
Hestia is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals facing domestic abuse. Located in Hackney, we foster a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth through training and development opportunities. Our commitment to diversity, alongside our focus on co-production and empowerment, ensures that every team member can contribute to our mission while feeling valued and supported.
Contact Details:
Hestia Housing and Support Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Refuge Worker (Domestic Abuse) in Brent
✨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 Hestia Housing and Support.
✨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 Hestia Housing and Support!
✨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 Hestia Housing and Support, 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 Hestia Housing and Support 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 Refuge Worker (Domestic Abuse) in Brent
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 Hestia Housing and Support:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Hestia Housing and Support! 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 Hestia Housing and Support
✨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.
