At a Glance
- Tasks: Support survivors of domestic abuse by providing emotional and practical assistance.
- Company: Join Solace Women's Aid, a feminist organisation making a real difference.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous holiday, training opportunities, and employee support programmes.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team dedicated to creating safe, inclusive environments.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in the lives of women and children escaping abuse.
- Qualifications: Compassionate, resilient individuals with strong communication and organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 29385 - 33438 £ per year.
Location: Enfield
Salary: Unqualified: £29,385 - £30,671 per annum Qualified: £30,671 - £33,438 per annum (Please note that applicants are usually appointed at the bottom of the relevant band based on fairness and our pay scales)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: Monday 13th April 2026
Are you looking for a rewarding role working for an intersectional feminist organisation? If so, we have an incredible opportunity for you to join our team as a Refuge Support Worker at Solace Women's Aid. You will be joining a team of committed and inspiring individuals whose dedication has saved the lives of thousands of women, men and children in the capital. We are looking for friendly and diligent individuals to join our services and help us make a difference.
Our core values reflect our history and were developed in consultation with staff and service users. Feminism and intersectionality are key to our work and we are committed to the principles of being survivor-led, trauma-informed, empowering, diverse, anti-racist and anti-discriminatory.
About the Service
The Refuge Service provides emergency accommodation to women and children fleeing domestic abuse and sexual violence. Refuge Support workers provide emotional and practical support; this can include housing support, legal options, reporting to the police, help around child contact, benefits, financial advice and accessing therapeutic support services.
About the Role
As a Refuge Support Worker in our Enfield refuge, you will help create a safe, welcoming environment for women and families escaping abuse. You’ll handle phone enquiries, prepare rooms for new arrivals, support with deliveries, and help maintain clean, safe communal areas. You’ll introduce new residents to Solace services, explain key policies, and ensure they are aware of internal and external support options. Working alongside each resident, you will develop support plans, assist with benefits and housing applications, accompany them to appointments when needed, and help them work towards safe, independent move-on accommodation. The role also includes collecting and recording payments, completing health and safety checks, maintaining accurate records, and building strong working relationships with local authorities and partner agencies. You’ll be part of a supportive team, attend regular meetings and supervision, follow all safeguarding, equality, and organisational policies, and contribute to the smooth and safe running of the refuge. Please note this list is not exhaustive and you will be required to carry out tasks delegated to you by your line manager.
About You
The ideal candidate will be compassionate, practical, and resilient, with a genuine commitment to supporting survivors of domestic abuse. You’re confident working in a busy, varied environment and can balance hands-on tasks with administrative responsibilities. You communicate clearly, build trusting relationships, and work well with residents, colleagues, and external agencies. You are organised, reliable, and able to maintain accurate records and follow safeguarding, health and safety, and organisational procedures. You’re also comfortable supporting service users with practical needs such as benefits, housing, and appointments, and you approach challenges with patience, empathy, and a problem-solving mindset. You’re also able to manage occasional physical tasks, such as helping prepare rooms or assisting with deliveries. Outside of this, you are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment where every resident feels heard, respected, and supported.
What we can offer you
- Flexible working
- Focus on learning and development (internal career progression and training)
- Generous holiday entitlement
- Employer pension contribution
- Family-friendly leave and enhanced maternity pay
- Access to Inclusion Networks
- Daily clinical debriefing
- Employee Assistance Programme providing free 24/7 support and advice
- Employee Benefits Platform offering staff discounts, benefits and savings
- Flow & Restore yoga classes
- Meditation sessions
- Cycle to Work Scheme
How to apply
When applying for this role, kindly highlight in your Supporting Statement how your values, knowledge, transferable skills, and experience align with each point within the following sections of the Job Profile Document: Values, Behaviours & Competencies Knowledge, Experience and Skills. Solace Women's Aid values diversity, promotes equity, and challenges discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, abilities, perspectives, and lived experiences. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay, and benefits. Our Inclusion Networks support staff with protected characteristics and offer inclusive spaces to connect. We are a Disability Confident Employer and committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We anticipate and provide reasonable adjustments as needed and support employees who acquire a disability or long-term health condition, enabling them to stay in work. This service is run by women for women and is therefore restricted to female applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, and Part 1. Section 7(2) e of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 apply. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. As part of safer recruitment practices, we carry out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and right to work in the UK checks.
Refuge Support Worker in Enfield employer: Solace Womens Aid
Solace Women’s Aid is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and compassionate work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and the survivors they assist. Located in Enfield, the organisation provides extensive employee growth opportunities through training and development, alongside a comprehensive benefits package that underscores their commitment to fostering a positive work environment. Joining Solace means being part of a dedicated team that makes a meaningful impact in the community, ensuring that every day at work is rewarding and fulfilling.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Refuge Support Worker in Enfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the sector, attend events, and connect with current employees at Solace Women’s Aid. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info or even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching common questions for Refuge Support Workers. Think about your experiences and how they align with the values of the organisation. We want to see your passion for supporting survivors!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills during the interview! Be ready to discuss how you’ve handled challenging situations in the past. Use examples that highlight your compassion, resilience, and problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and appreciate the opportunity to chat with the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Refuge Support Worker in Enfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Values:Make sure to highlight how your personal values align with those of Solace Women’s Aid. We’re all about feminism and intersectionality, so let that shine through in your application!
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:When writing your supporting statement, directly address the points in the Job Profile Document. We want to see how your skills and experiences match what we’re looking for, so be specific!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that are easy to read. Avoid jargon and make sure your passion for the role comes across!
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, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Solace Women’s Aid.
How to prepare for a job interview at Solace Womens Aid
✨Know Your Values
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on the core values of the organisation. Since they emphasise feminism and intersectionality, think about how your personal values align with theirs. Be ready to share specific examples that demonstrate your commitment to these principles.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in supporting vulnerable individuals or working in similar environments. Highlight any relevant skills, such as handling sensitive situations or providing practical support, and be ready to explain how these experiences have shaped your approach to the role.
✨Practice Empathy and Communication
As a Refuge Support Worker, strong communication and empathy are key. During the interview, practice active listening and respond thoughtfully to questions. Share examples of how you've built trusting relationships in the past, especially in challenging circumstances.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations. Think through potential challenges you might face in the role and prepare responses that showcase your resilience and practical approach to supporting residents.
