At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide life-changing support to individuals and families affected by domestic abuse.
- Company: Join a compassionate team at Behind Closed Doors, dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, well-being time, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a city-wide consortium focused on safer housing and recovery from domestic abuse.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in people's lives while supporting their journey to safety.
- Qualifications: Compassionate individuals with a desire to help others and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
21 hours are available in the Sanctuary Support project. There is potential to offer additional hours with a similar role in another Leeds Domestic Violence Service team at Behind Closed Doors to make this a 35 hour/week post. The salary range represents difference in salary between roles. Domestic abuse is always unacceptable. We support people affected by it regardless of age, gender, race or sexual orientation, and we act to prevent it.
The Sanctuary Support Team is looking for a compassionate and skilled Sanctuary Support Worker to join their dedicated team on a 12‑Month Fixed Term Contract. This role is all about providing life‑changing one‑to‑one support for individuals and families who need ‘sanctuary’ to keep them safe from domestic abuse. This post is held at Behind Closed Doors, one of the partner organisations involved in the Sanctuary Support Team. The team is a city‑wide consortium led by Leeds Women’s Aid and employed by Leeds Domestic Violence Service partner organisations, dedicated to helping individuals stay safe in their homes.
Other organisations established in the Sanctuary Support Team are Women’s Health Matters, Karma Nirvana, Shantona, PAFRAS, and the Asha Neighbourhood Project. Each has a different specialism, but all work closely together to deliver support and safer housing for individuals and families recovering from domestic abuse.
Our new Sanctuary Support Worker, based at Behind Closed Doors, will be working with victim‑survivors of all genders. They will help to ensure our service users receive tailored one‑to‑one support to rebuild their lives safely. This post will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Benefits include:
- Hybrid office/home working
- 2‑hours well‑being time each month (pro‑rata)
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Continued professional development opportunities
How to Apply: Please download and complete our application and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion form. Once complete, send them to us by emailing info@behind-closed-doors.org.uk. If you have any questions, or would like an informal chat about the role, please contact the Sanctuary Support Team Leader, Lucy Smithson: LucyS@ldvs.uk.
Sanctuary Support Worker in Leeds employer: Volunteer Centre
At Behind Closed Doors, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by domestic abuse. Our supportive work culture fosters compassion and collaboration, offering employees opportunities for professional growth through continued development and well-being initiatives. With flexible hybrid working arrangements and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we empower our Sanctuary Support Workers to provide vital one-to-one support while ensuring their own well-being is prioritised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sanctuary Support Worker in Leeds
✨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 Volunteer Centre.
✨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 Volunteer Centre!
✨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 Volunteer Centre, 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 Volunteer Centre 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 Sanctuary Support Worker in Leeds
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 Volunteer Centre:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Volunteer Centre! 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 Volunteer Centre
✨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.
