At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dedicated team to support survivors of domestic abuse in a safe environment.
- Company: Join Stonewater, a leading housing provider committed to making a difference.
- Benefits: Empowering work culture, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a diverse team that values equality, inclusion, and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the lives of survivors and help them thrive.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing domestic abuse services and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
This post is restricted to female applicants only under the provisions of the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1. The role is based within a female-only domestic abuse refuge, where the provision of services requires a female worker to ensure the privacy, dignity, and safety of residents.
Are you a passionate leader with a deep commitment to supporting survivors of domestic abuse? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, values-driven environment where your work truly makes a difference? At Stonewater, we believe everyone deserves a place to feel safe, supported, and empowered. Our Domestic Abuse Support team is at the heart of this mission, and we’re looking for a Refuge Service Manager to lead and inspire our dedicated team.
Our Refuge in South Hampshire provides an excellent opportunity for you to become a Domestic Abuse Refuge Manager, where you will be empowered and encouraged to support survivors to reach their full potential and work with a team of specialist domestic abuse case workers. Your unique skills and attributes will be used to support survivors on a day-to-day basis, allowing them to gain the tools to live a life free from abuse.
What we’re looking for:
- Significant experience managing domestic abuse or similar support services.
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding, housing law, and person-centred support.
- Proven ability to lead high-performing teams and deliver impactful services.
- A commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Excellent communication, IT, and report-writing skills.
- Availability to work 40 hours per week Mon-Fri with a requirement to be available for the out of hours service on a rota basis.
Appointment to this role will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check, satisfactory references and possession of a valid Right to Work document.
Stonewater is a leading housing provider. We manage around 40,000 homes, serving 93,000 customers across our portfolio of affordable properties for general rent, shared ownership and sale, alongside specialist accommodation, with an ambitious house-building programme. Our mission is to provide quality homes and services for people whose needs are not met by the open market.
We’re looking for like-minded people to join our team of over 900 talented colleagues who embody our values of being ethical, ambitious, passionate, agile and commercial, as well as people who want to make a difference and transform people’s lives.
We are a Disability Confident Employer and working towards accreditation for becoming a Disability Confident Leader, which allows us to record and report on disability, mental health and wellbeing in the workplace to better support our colleagues. We have also achieved accreditation for being an Advanced Employer for Investing in Ethnicity Maturity Matrix. We are committed to being a Menopause Friendly employer and working towards accreditation our Menopause Friendly accreditation.
Stonewater reserve the right to bring the closing date forward should enough quality applications be received prior to the current closing date.
Refuge Service Manager – Domestic Abuse Services in Southampton employer: Stonewater
Stonewater is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of both its employees and the vulnerable children they serve. With a strong commitment to professional development, our team enjoys a supportive work culture that fosters collaboration and creativity in a nurturing environment. Working in Southampton, you will have the unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people affected by domestic abuse while being part of a dedicated and compassionate team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Refuge Service Manager – Domestic Abuse Services in Southampton
✨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 Stonewater.
✨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 Stonewater!
✨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 Stonewater, 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 Stonewater 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 Refuge Service Manager – Domestic Abuse Services in Southampton
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 Stonewater:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Stonewater! 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 Stonewater
✨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.
