At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a pioneering initiative supporting women in the military facing bullying and harassment.
- Company: Join SSAFA, a trusted charity dedicated to the Armed Forces community.
- Benefits: Make a real difference while receiving ongoing support and professional development.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to making a positive impact.
- Why this job: Shape a vital service for women in the military and advocate for their safety.
- Qualifications: Qualified social worker with experience in trauma support and military environments.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
This post is open to female applicants only as being female is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement in accordance with the Equality Act 2010 (Schedule 9, Part 1).
As the Specialist Social Worker, you will lead the “Serving Women, Never Battle Alone” initiative. This pioneering project provides personalised, confidential advice, practical and emotional support, and advocacy for serving women in the military who are experiencing bullying, harassment, or sexual abuse. The service is available across the UK and open to women in both the Regular and Reservist Armed Forces.
The project is a brand-new service and will be a UK wide first for the Armed Forces. You will have the ability to shape a service that offers a specific service to females in the military, using data and ongoing casework to enhance support structures and ensure that women are truly ‘Safe to Serve’.
The role will involve travel to deliver in-person support to individuals accessing the service, which may include emotional and physical assistance in engaging with relevant authorities, in line with their wishes.
As the Specialist Social Worker, you will be responsible for delivering support and guidance through a Single Point of Contact (SPOC), responding to serving women who reach out to the service, and raising awareness and understanding of the initiative both within SSAFA and among external stakeholders.
The role sits within the Social Care Directorate, under the broader Safeguarding Team, and reports directly to the Principal Safeguarding Officer (PSO). While you will be the sole practitioner delivering the project, you will have ongoing support from the PSO. Additionally, the Specialist Social Worker will sit on SSAFA’s Safeguarding Board who meet quarterly.
The role involves collaboration with a range of stakeholders, including the Ministry of Defence (MOD), individual service branches, wider SSAFA teams, and other charitable organisations.
We are seeking a qualified and experienced social worker to take on this important role within SSAFA. Ideally, you will have a background in supporting individuals affected by trauma, experience within military environments or safeguarding teams, and a solid understanding of relevant legislation, policies, and best practice in these areas.
Strong communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills are essential, along with a positive, adaptable, and creative approach to problem-solving.
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is a trusted source of support for the Armed Forces community in their time of need. In 2024 our trained teams of volunteers and employees helped more than 54,000 people, including veterans, serving personnel (regulars and reserves) and their families.
SSAFA understands that behind every uniform is a person. And we are here for that person and their family, any time they need us and in any way, they need us.
SSAFA exists to support a diverse range of beneficiaries within the armed forces community, and we believe diversity within our teams is key to ensuring we can deliver our services effectively. We thrive on differences and believe it is critical to our success as a worldwide charity. SSAFA is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace that seeks to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We therefore encourage applications from all genders, races, religions, ages and sexual orientations, as well as parents, veterans, people living with disabilities, and any other groups that could bring diverse perspectives to our business.
SSAFA is committed to using the Disclosure & Barring Service to ensure we, as an employer, safeguard those we serve.
If you have any queries or would like to speak to someone about this role, please contact Heather Hammett for an informal discussion. No agencies please. Any unsolicited submissions from agencies will be accepted as a direct application from the candidate and no fees will be payable.
For more information and to apply, please click on the Apply button. If you need any adjustments to support you with the application process, please contact us.
Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 16 November 2025. SSAFA reserves the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Interviews: Week Commencing 23 November 2025.
Women\'s Safe to Serve Specialist Social Worker employer: SSAFA
SSAFA is an exceptional employer dedicated to supporting the Armed Forces community, offering a unique opportunity for a Specialist Social Worker to lead a pioneering initiative aimed at empowering serving women in the military. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, SSAFA fosters a collaborative work culture that values every team member's contributions, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Located across the UK, this role not only allows you to make a meaningful impact but also offers the chance to shape vital support services for those who serve our country.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Women\'s Safe to Serve Specialist Social Worker
✨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 SSAFA.
✨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 SSAFA!
✨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 SSAFA, 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 SSAFA 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 Women\'s Safe to Serve Specialist Social Worker
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 SSAFA:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to SSAFA! 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 SSAFA
✨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.
