Sanctuary Support Worker

Sanctuary Support Worker

Part-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Leeds Women's Aid

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 a 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 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Fixed term until March 2028 (with the potential to extend subject to funding) 21 hours per week. 21 hours available in Sanctuary Support project. However, we welcome applications from those looking for part-time and full-time hours as we may be able to offer additional hours in a very similar role within the wider LDVS provision to make this up to a 35hr role – salary range represents difference in salary between roles.

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 employer: Leeds Women's Aid

At Leeds Domestic Violence Service, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. Our Sanctuary Support Team offers meaningful opportunities for professional growth while making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families affected by domestic abuse, particularly within the LGBTQIA+ community. With a strong commitment to diversity and equality, we provide flexible working hours and a collaborative culture that empowers our staff to thrive both personally and professionally.
Leeds Women's Aid

Contact Detail:

Leeds Women's Aid Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Sanctuary Support Worker

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the LGBTQIA+ community and organisations related to domestic abuse support. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can give you insider info about the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for your interview by researching the Sanctuary Support Team and its partner organisations. Show us that you understand their mission and how your skills align with their goals. Tailor your responses to highlight your experience with LGBTQIA+ needs.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your answers to common interview questions, especially those related to compassion and support work. We want to see how you handle real-life scenarios, so think of examples from your past experiences that showcase your skills.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the Sanctuary Support Team and making a difference.

We think you need these skills to ace Sanctuary Support Worker

Compassion
Understanding of LGBT+ needs
Knowledge of discrimination impact
One-to-one support skills
Crisis intervention
Communication Skills
Empathy
Teamwork
Cultural Competence
Problem-Solving Skills
Awareness of domestic abuse issues
Adaptability
Confidentiality
Advocacy Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting the LGBTQIA+ community shine through. We want to see your commitment to making a difference in the lives of those affected by domestic abuse.

Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have that aligns with the role. We’re looking for candidates who understand the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals, so don’t hold back on sharing your insights!

Be Authentic: We value authenticity, so be yourself in your application. Share your personal journey and how it connects to the work we do at StudySmarter. This helps us get to know the real you!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and the application process there.

How to prepare for a job interview at Leeds Women's Aid

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you understand the specific needs of the LGBTQIA+ community and the challenges they face. Research the organisations involved in the Sanctuary Support Team, like Leeds Women’s Aid and Behind Closed Doors, so you can speak confidently about their missions and how you can contribute.

✨Show Your Compassion

This role is all about providing support to those in need. Be prepared to share examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated empathy and understanding, especially in sensitive situations. Highlight your ability to connect with individuals on a personal level.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the role and the team dynamics. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you too.

✨Be Yourself

Authenticity is key! Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through during the interview. Being genuine will help you build rapport with the interviewers and demonstrate that you’re a good cultural fit for the Sanctuary Support Team.

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