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- Tasks: Support women and children fleeing domestic violence with emotional and practical assistance.
- Company: Join a compassionate team dedicated to making a difference in Tower Hamlets.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, free DBS, and exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the lives of survivors while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in domestic abuse support and risk assessments is essential.
- Other info: Fixed term contract until March 2027 with potential for extension.
The predicted salary is between 18400 - 25600 £ per year.
We are looking for a kind, empathetic and resilient Female Refuge Support Worker to join our Homelessness and Complex Needs Service in Tower Hamlets. The role is 32 hours per week.
We work with a trauma-informed, survivor-led framework with intersectional feminism at the core. The Tower Hamlets Domestic Abuse Service provides emergency accommodation to women and children fleeing domestic and sexual violence. As a Refuge Support Worker, you will provide emotional and practical support, such as legal options, housing, benefits and signposting. You will risk assess and develop safety and support plans with survivors at the centre.
The post is restricted to females only due to the nature of the role. The occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (Part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.
The ideal candidate will have in-depth knowledge of domestic abuse and its impact on women and their children, as well as experience of providing emotional and practical support to victims of domestic and sexual violence. Experience of risk assessments and case management is essential. You will have a working knowledge of the available legal remedies, housing and welfare benefits. The role will also involve housing management such as health and safety checks, living standard checks and reporting repairs.
This is a fixed term contract until March 2027 with the possibility of extension.
What you’ll do:
- Manage customer referrals, completing Dash Risk Assessments and obtaining and maintaining all relevant paperwork.
- Build supportive, trusting relationships with customers and create a positive atmosphere.
- Oversee On Track implementation from an operational perspective during the initial upload of cases to ensure that any issues are highlighted to management.
- Conduct regular Keyword sessions with each survivor.
- Work proactively with other members of the team to handle the service caseload and administrative responsibilities.
- Support customers to set personalised goals in the form of a Safety and Support Plan.
- Assist in the recording and reporting of customer incidents.
- Safety planning with customers.
- Develop productive relationships with partner organisations to improve service outcomes.
- Adhere to lone working protocols and maintain high levels of awareness in relation to the health and safety of yourself and colleagues.
About you:
- Knowledge of the impact of domestic and sexual abuse on women and children.
- Exudes a warm friendly presence and open behaviour.
- Experience conducting risk assessments and safety plans.
- Ability to keep on top of casework admin and prioritise tasks.
What you’ll bring:
Essential:
- Experience working with survivors of domestic abuse.
- Understanding of the impact of domestic abuse on survivors and their children.
- A trauma-informed approach to support.
- Experience conducting risk assessments and producing person-centred safety and support plans.
Desirable:
- Experience of working in a residential setting.
- Experience of delivering domestic abuse recovery programmes.
- Experience of coproducing delivery outcomes and gathering evidence in accordance with them.
Refuge Support Worker employer: Look Ahead Care and Support
Contact Detail:
Look Ahead Care and Support Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Refuge Support Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the sector, attend events, and connect with organisations that align with your values. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to domestic abuse support. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the role. We want you to shine, so rehearse your answers and be ready to showcase your empathy and resilience!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for the cause! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, let them know why you care about supporting survivors of domestic abuse. Your genuine interest can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Refuge Support Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Empathy: When writing your application, let your kindness and empathy shine through. Use examples from your experience that demonstrate how you've supported others, especially in challenging situations. We want to see your genuine passion for helping survivors.
Be Specific About Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience with domestic abuse and risk assessments. We’re looking for candidates who can clearly articulate their background in providing emotional and practical support, so don’t hold back on the details!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to tailor your application to our values and the specific role. Mention how your approach aligns with our trauma-informed, survivor-led framework. This shows us you understand what we’re all about and how you fit into our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our mission and values while you’re at it!
How to prepare for a job interview at Look Ahead Care and Support
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of domestic abuse and its impact on women and children. Familiarise yourself with the trauma-informed approach and be ready to discuss how you've applied this in your previous roles.
✨Show Your Empathy
As a Refuge Support Worker, empathy is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've built trusting relationships with clients. Think about how you can demonstrate your warm and friendly presence during the interview.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to conduct risk assessments and develop safety plans. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making skills in these scenarios, as they are crucial for the role.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
This role involves working closely with other team members and partner organisations. Be prepared to share examples of how you've collaborated effectively in the past, and how you can contribute to a positive team atmosphere.