At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide life-changing support to individuals and families escaping domestic abuse.
- Company: Join a compassionate team dedicated to helping the LGBTQIA+ community.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive salary, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Empower LGBTQIA+ survivors and help them rebuild their lives safely.
- Qualifications: Experience with LGBT+ needs and understanding of discrimination issues.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Fixed term until March 2028 (with the potential to extend subject to funding) 21 hours per week. The Sanctuary Support Team is looking for a compassionate and skilled Sanctuary Support worker to join their dedicated team. This role is all about providing life-changing one-to-one support for individuals and families who need ‘sanctuary’ to keep them safe from domestic abuse.
This post is held at Behind Closed Doors, one of the partner organisations involved in the Sanctuary Support Team – a city-wide consortium led by Leeds Women’s Aid and employed by Leeds Domestic Violence Service partner organisations, dedicated to helping individuals stay safe in their homes. Other organisations established in the team are Women’s Health Matters, Karma Nirvana, Shantona, PAFRAS, and Asha Neighbourhood Project, all with a different specialism, working closely together to deliver support and safer housing for individuals and families recovering from domestic abuse.
The LGBTQIA+ specialist, based at Behind Closed Doors, will be working with victim-survivors from the LGBTQIA+ community, ensuring they receive tailored one-to-one support to rebuild their lives safely. There is an essential requirement under the Sexual Orientation Regulations 2003 that the post holder has experience of LGBT+ needs and the impact of discrimination. Candidates should demonstrate a thorough understanding of LGBT+ people’s lives, including awareness of the issues that LGBT+ survivors might face.
For more detailed information about this post, how to apply and to download the application pack please go to the Behind Closed Doors or Leeds Women’s Aid website. The closing date for applications: Wednesday 25th March 2026 at 4pm. Interviews will be held on: Tuesday 2nd April 2026.
For an informal conversation about these posts please contact the Sanctuary Support Team Leader – Lucy Smithson at LucyS@ldvs.uk. LDVS is fully committed to the principles of equality of opportunity and applications are welcome from all sections of the community. LDVS and the wider Sanctuary Support Team is made up of diverse and inclusive organisations. We would particularly welcome applications from members of the LGBTQIA+ community and Black, Asian or Minoritized Ethnic communities.
Sanctuary Support Worker in Leeds employer: Leeds Women's Aid
Join a compassionate and dedicated team at Leeds Domestic Violence Service, where your role as a Sanctuary Support Worker will make a meaningful impact in the lives of LGBTQIA+ individuals and families seeking safety from domestic abuse. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration among diverse partner organisations, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development while ensuring that every team member feels valued and supported. With flexible working hours and a commitment to equality, we are proud to offer a rewarding environment for those passionate about making a difference in their community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sanctuary Support Worker in Leeds
✨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 Leeds Women's Aid.
✨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 Leeds Women's Aid!
✨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 Leeds Women's Aid, 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 Leeds Women's Aid 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 Sanctuary Support Worker in Leeds
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 Leeds Women's Aid:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Leeds Women's Aid! 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 Leeds Women's Aid
✨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.
