Refuge Worker (Part Time)

Refuge is the UK’s largest provider of specialist services for victims of all forms of gender-based violence (domestic, sexual, so called ‘honour’ violence, modern slavery and human trafficking, prostitution, forced marriage, stalking and FGM). Every day we support over 6,000 women and children in our national network of services.  These include Independent Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Advocacy services (IDVAs/ISVAs and IGVAs), community outreach, specialist refuge accommodation, sanctuary services, culturally-specific services and the Freephone 24 Hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline. We advise Government and lobby hard to keep violence against women and girls high on the public agenda. We run award-winning prevention and public education campaigns, manage a busy press office and website, and we are an accredited training provider. We give a voice to the voiceless. This role requires an exceptional individual who wants to make a difference. As a Refuge Worker, you will be responsible for providing high quality practical and emotional support to survivors of domestic violence and their children living in our refuges. You will ensure the smooth running of the refuge, including the admission of survivors of domestic violence to the refuge. You will also assess and advise on their entitlement to welfare and housing benefits and housing management. You will develop support plans for each resident and aid them to obtain permanent accommodation. The successful candidate will have evidence of strong casework management skills, good written and verbal communication, and an understanding of the importance of maintaining professional boundaries. You will be required to bring safeguarding children or vulnerable adults to the immediate attention of the service manager, or if unavailable another manager. Direct experience of providing support to women is essential as is a current understanding of legislation relating to domestic violence including civil/criminal legislation and welfare rights. The ability to work as part of an on-call rota is essential and occasional evening work in emergency situations. All candidates must demonstrate a commitment to the feminist values of empowerment and equality which underpin all of our work. Successful applicants will be expected to work within Refuge’s Values and Behaviour Framework and demonstrate these in their everyday work. Competitive salary offering annual progression within points of the salary grade, 28 days annual leave increasing to 30 days, pension scheme with People’s pension that includes a 6% Employer contribution, comprehensive EAP. Refuge is proud to be a leader in its field and an employer of choice with leading edge systems for supervision, quality management and development. We offer the first Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) accredited qualification for our profession.  Please visit Refuge’s website for further details and other opportunities. Closing Date: 5th April 2020 An enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) certificate will be required for this role. Refuge is committed to quality, equality and diversity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. This post however is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies. No agencies please - as a charity we work hard to keep our costs down.