At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide emotional support to survivors of sexual abuse through various communication methods.
- Company: Join a compassionate organisation dedicated to supporting vulnerable individuals.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, training opportunities, and contribute to meaningful change.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of survivors while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with trauma-informed support and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Emotional Support Workers provide valuable support to survivors of sexual abuse and their loved ones, through our helpline service. Last year, around 2,400 people contacted us via this crucial service. Our helpline is a starting point for support, as men and boys take their first steps reaching out for help. We are also integral to the SurvivorsUK eco‑system, providing support to clients on our counselling waiting list and helping survivors navigate the different support options that are available.
Responsibilities
- Provide high‑quality emotional support, information and signposting via webchat, SMS, email, telephone, WhatsApp and other methods.
- Assess risk and safety of callers when necessary.
- Escalate risks and ensure all safeguarding concerns are handled swiftly and in line with SurvivorsUK Safeguarding Policy and the Helpline's Safeguarding procedure.
- Accurately record all helpline contacts on our helpline system for monitoring, and participate in overall service monitoring and evaluation.
- Operate in a private, confidential environment.
- Adhere to the service's remit, all relevant SurvivorsUK policies and procedures, and the BACP Code of Ethics.
- Attend group supervision, team meetings and line management meetings, and participate in ongoing training.
- Ensure all clients are aware of and have access to the organisation's complaints policy and terms of use.
- Support training for newer emotional support workers and any emotional support volunteers.
- Triage non‑helpline enquiries to appropriate colleagues.
- Maintain good working relationships with other support services.
- Collaborate with colleagues and specialist agencies to promote our work, and share learning and best practices.
- Actively contribute towards the development of the service.
- Participate in all staff meetings and team meetings, support the Communication Manager and the Helpline Manager, to provide content for the promotion of the service via the website and social media.
- Assist with research and development of resources and informational material for colleagues, survivors and professionals working with survivors.
- Ensure that the standards of service delivered comply with the organisation's mission statement, values, business plan and other related guiding principles at all times.
- Fully engage with professional development, as required by SurvivorsUK.
- Adhere to company policies, including safeguarding and confidentiality protocols.
- Attend regular general and clinical supervisions.
Qualifications
- Experience of working with survivors of sexual violence.
- Experience supporting vulnerable people with complex needs, including mental health, substance use, and/or disabilities.
- Experience of providing trauma‑informed emotional support, ideally on a helpline.
- Strong understanding of the experiences, needs and impact of rape, sexual abuse or assault on men, boys and non‑binary people aged 13+.
- Compassionate manner: able to empathise and engage with clients who have challenging needs and manage highly emotional and stressful situations.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and proactively.
- Demonstrable commitment to equal opportunities, with a non‑judgmental approach to helping male, trans and non‑binary people.
- Ability to adhere to boundaries and confidentiality policies and practices.
- Good organisational and ICT skills.
- Ability and commitment to maintaining accurate client records and reporting.
- Flexible approach to working with clients and the wider team.
- Positive attitude; willing to contribute to developments, improvements and changes within SurvivorsUK.
- Experience of providing written emotional support (e.g. by web chat).
- Experience of providing information, guidance and signposting to relevant services.
Emotional Support Workers employer: Survivors UK
SurvivorsUK is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for Emotional Support Workers. With a strong emphasis on professional development, employees benefit from ongoing training and supervision, ensuring they are well-equipped to provide high-quality support to survivors of sexual abuse. Located in a compassionate community, the organisation values collaboration and innovation, making it a meaningful place to work for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of others.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Emotional Support Workers
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of emotional support work, especially those connected to SurvivorsUK. Attend relevant events or workshops where you can meet potential colleagues and learn more about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be providing support through various channels, it’s crucial to be clear and empathetic. Try role-playing scenarios with friends or family to get comfortable with different situations you might encounter.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the cause! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, share why supporting survivors is important to you. Your genuine interest can really 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, you’ll find all the latest opportunities there, so keep checking back!
We think you need these skills to ace Emotional Support Workers
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting survivors shine through. We want to see your genuine commitment to helping others and how your experiences align with our mission at SurvivorsUK.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for the Emotional Support Worker role. Highlight relevant experiences and skills that match the job description, especially your background in providing emotional support and working with vulnerable individuals.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon and focus on conveying your message effectively, showcasing your communication skills.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to be part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Survivors UK
✨Know the Mission Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to really understand SurvivorsUK's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their approach to supporting survivors of sexual abuse, as this will help you align your answers with what they stand for.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, be prepared to share examples of how you've provided emotional support in the past. Highlight your ability to empathise with vulnerable individuals and manage challenging situations, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Since you'll be communicating through various channels, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Consider role-playing common scenarios you might encounter on the helpline to showcase your verbal and written communication skills.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the team dynamics, ongoing training opportunities, or how they measure success in the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
