Outreach Worker

Volunteer Centre; Leeds; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated outreach worker to enhance access to vital counseling services for women and nonbinary individuals affected by sexual violence and exploitation. This role involves developing supportive relationships, addressing barriers to access, and collaborating with various stakeholders to create effective referral pathways. With a focus on trauma-informed care, the position offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of marginalized individuals. Join a passionate team committed to fostering a safe and empowering environment for those in need.

Benefits

25 days annual leave pro rata

Statutory Bank Holidays

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Experience working with trauma survivors, particularly in sexual violence contexts.
• Ability to develop supportive relationships with marginalized groups.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver a pilot project to support women and nonbinary individuals.
• Provide information and support around trauma and sexual violence.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Counseling techniques

Community outreach

Crisis intervention

Interpersonal communication

Education

Degree in Psychology or Social Work

Relevant certifications in counseling

Tools

Case management software

Data protection protocols

Job description

Support After Rape and Sexual Violence Leeds

Improving access to SARSVL’s Counselling Service for those who identify as women and nonbinary* and work in the sex industry, are sexually exploited and/or are street homeless
*This includes cis women, trans women and nonbinary people who align with our women-centred approach

Job Description

Hours: 3 days per week (21 hours), Wednesday – Friday, with occasional evening hours and/or hours on other days by agreement

Location: Various locations within the Leeds area with a primary base at SARSVL’s city centre office

Annual leave entitlement: 25 days per annum pro rata plus statutory Bank Holidays

Nature of contract: 12-month fixed term (in the first instance, with the possibility of future permanence dependent on funding, satisfactory performance and outcomes of pilot project)

Responsible to: Counselling Service Manager/s

Primary purpose of the role

To develop and deliver a pilot project with the aim to increase access to SARSVL’s specialist services, especially counselling and therapeutic services, for those who identify as women and nonbinary and work in the sex industry, are sexually exploited and/or are street homeless. To provide information and support around the impacts of trauma, sexual violence and abuse to women and nonbinary people who are sex workers or street homeless and have experienced trauma in a sexual context. To develop links and referral pathways with other services who support the client group. To work collaboratively with the Outreach Counsellor, Counselling Service Managers, partner agencies and service users to develop the pilot project.

Main responsibilities

1. To work alongside SARSVL’s Counselling Service Managers, other colleagues, partner organisations and service users to develop this role.
2. To develop trusting professional relationships with people who identify as women and nonbinary and work in the sex industry, are sexually exploited and/or are street homeless.
3. To identify barriers to accessing counselling at SARSVL for these people and work towards addressing and overcoming them.
4. To provide information on issues related to trauma in a sexual context, and sexual violence and its impacts, in flexible formats depending on clients’ needs (e.g. individual, group, informal conversations, structured sessions etc.).
5. To offer support that is confidential, that doesn’t judge, and that recognises the many different experiences of people in the sex industry.
6. To develop streamlined links into SARSVL’s counselling and other services.
7. To provide a safe and empowering space through an intersectional feminist, client-focused, holistic approach, rooted in in-depth knowledge and understanding of trauma.
8. To assess what support interventions are suitable for clients (e.g. psychoeducation, stabilisation, group work, referral to other services, practical support, counselling etc.).
9. To maintain records of all service users with maximum confidentiality.
10. To be fully aware of the myths and facts around sexual violence and abuse and of its short- and long-term impacts on survivors.
11. To be fully aware of the myths and challenges experienced by women and nonbinary people working in the sex industry and those who are street homeless.
12. To monitor services proactively to ensure they consistently meet the aims of the pilot and the needs of service users, and are shaped by service users’ feedback.
13. To attend and participate in group supervision, case management, line management and appraisal with the SARSVL Counselling Service Managers as required.
14. To attend external clinical supervision.
15. To keep up to date with good practice when working with trauma.
16. To reflect on own history, internal and interpersonal processes and how they impact on working relationships and the role of an outreach worker.
17. To manage own workload and admin.
18. To adhere to all organisational policies and procedures, and to any partnership agreements and arrangements put in place with other organisations.
19. To contribute to the development of policies, protocols and strategies as needed, ensuring survivors’ needs, rights and safety remain central.
20. To attend and participate in staff meetings and other internal meetings as needed.
21. To work with everyone at SARSVL to ensure all our activities include and meet the needs of the diversity of Leeds women, girls and nonbinary people, particularly those most marginalised and minoritised by society.
22. To identify and take up training and continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities.
23. To adhere to and promote SARSVL’s values and ethos in all areas of work.
24. To take on other tasks as agreed.

Expectations of a SARSVL employee

1. SARSVL employees have a broad knowledge and understanding of sexual violence and abuse, and of the wider political and economic context in which they are working.
2. SARSVL employees prioritise the good of the organisation, of the Rape Crisis movement, and of women, girls and nonbinary people who have experienced sexual violence, actively promoting SARSVL’s values in all aspects of their work.
3. SARSVL employees are flexible and responsive to the changing needs of the organisation as it develops and grows.
4. SARSVL employees communicate openly and honestly. They are professional and approachable and make efforts to understand the viewpoints of others.
5. SARSVL employees actively seek out training and development opportunities to enable them to take on a range of roles and tasks.
6. SARSVL employees take responsibility for their own work and share responsibility for the work of the organisation as a whole. They are self-motivated and can self manage, but at the same time are committed to working as an equal and valued member of a team.
7. SARSVL employees are enthusiastic about problem-solving. They understand that there will be tough times and problems but they are willing to find and be part of the solutions.

Here you will find the application pack and online form. Please read through the whole application pack as it outlines the role, person specification and the process for applying.

Please submit your application form by the deadline of 9am on Monday 19th May.

Interviews will take place on the 5th and 6th of June. If you have any questions about applying please contact our office on [e-mail].

Support After Rape and Sexual Violence Leeds