Refuge Key Worker

Torus Group; St Helens; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Torus Group in St Helens is seeking a compassionate Refuge Key Worker to join our Supported Housing team. You will manage a caseload of clients in refuge accommodation, complete needs and risk assessments, and develop personalised support plans to help individuals achieve safe, independent living.

The role operates on a three-week rolling rota including weekends, requires safeguarding knowledge, crisis management, and the ability to collaborate with partner agencies.

Qualifications

• GCSE Grade 3 or above (or equivalent qualification, training or relevant experience).
• CIH Level 3 qualification or willingness to work towards obtaining it.
• Experience supporting individuals affected by domestic abuse and/or those with complex needs.

Responsibilities

• Complete needs and risk assessments, support reviews, and deliver outcome-focused support that promotes independence.
• Develop, plan and deliver one-to-one support sessions within the Refuge, customers' homes, or within the community.
• Support customers to access external services and resources that meet their individual needs.
• Assist clients with resettlement into the community, including completing home visits and liaising with partner agencies.
• Manage a caseload of clients, developing SMART support plans and reviewing progress against agreed outcomes.
• Act as an advocate for clients, working collaboratively with professionals and external organisations to achieve positive outcomes.
• Provide assistance, information and support through the 24-hour helpline and complete emergency admissions when required.
• Maintain accurate case records, contact sheets, safeguarding logs and support documentation.
• Facilitate Domestic Abuse Awareness training and tenant engagement activities.
• Attend and contribute to multi-agency meetings, including Family Action Meetings, Core Groups and Case Conferences.
• Ensure safeguarding concerns relating to vulnerable adults and children are identified, reported and managed appropriately.
• Promote a safe environment for customers, ensuring health and safety procedures are followed and understood.
• Contribute to effective service delivery by sharing information, supporting colleagues and maintaining timely handovers.
• Keep up to date with relevant legislation, policies and organisational changes to provide accurate advice and guidance to customers.

Skills

Compassionate

Crisis management

Safeguarding

Excellent communication

Caseload management

Relationship building

Education

GCSE 3+ (or equivalent)

CIH Level 3

Experience in domestic abuse support

Job description

We are looking for a compassionate and resilient Refuge Key Worker to join our Supported Housing team in St Helens. This is a rewarding opportunity to support individuals and families affected by domestic abuse, helping them to increase their safety, build independence, and successfully move on to independent living. This is a fixed-term contract until March 2027, offering the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a vital support service.

Reporting to the Supported Housing Team Leader, you will manage your own caseload of clients residing within refuge accommodation and provide tailored support throughout their stay and resettlement journey. Working closely with partner agencies and professionals, you will complete needs and risk assessments, develop support plans, advocate on behalf of clients, and help individuals achieve positive outcomes.

This role is ideal for an experienced support professional who is passionate about empowering vulnerable individuals, skilled in crisis management and safeguarding, and committed to delivering person-centred support services.

Working Pattern:

This role is based at our Refuge service in St Helens and operates on a three-week rolling rota, including working one in every three weekends. Flexibility is essential, as you may be required to support shift cover during periods of staff absence in line with business needs.

What you'll be doing:

• Complete needs and risk assessments, support reviews, and deliver outcome-focused support that promotes independence.
• Develop, plan and deliver one-to-one support sessions within the Refuge, customers' homes, or within the community.
• Support customers to access external services and resources that meet their individual needs.
• Assist clients with resettlement into the community, including completing home visits and liaising with partner agencies.
• Manage a caseload of clients, developing SMART support plans and reviewing progress against agreed outcomes.
• Act as an advocate for clients, working collaboratively with professionals and external organisations to achieve positive outcomes.
• Provide assistance, information and support through the 24-hour helpline and complete emergency admissions when required.
• Maintain accurate case records, contact sheets, safeguarding logs and support documentation.
• Facilitate Domestic Abuse Awareness training and tenant engagement activities.
• Attend and contribute to multi-agency meetings, including Family Action Meetings, Core Groups and Case Conferences.
• Ensure safeguarding concerns relating to vulnerable adults and children are identified, reported and managed appropriately.
• Promote a safe environment for customers, ensuring health and safety procedures are followed and understood.
• Contribute to effective service delivery by sharing information, supporting colleagues and maintaining timely handovers.
• Keep up to date with relevant legislation, policies and organisational changes to provide accurate advice and guidance to customers.

GCSE Grade 3 or above (or equivalent qualification, training or relevant experience).

• A commitment to ongoing personal and professional development.
• CIH Level 3 qualification or willingness to work towards obtaining it.
• Experience supporting individuals affected by domestic abuse and/or those with complex needs.
• Ability to engage effectively with customers and build positive, professional relationships.
• Experience carrying out assessments and developing support plans focused on achieving positive outcomes.
• Experience managing a caseload and working effectively with multiple agencies and stakeholders.
• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding practices and procedures.
• Experience providing practical support, including budgeting advice and tenancy sustainment.
• Ability to manage challenging situations, make sound decisions and effectively minimise risk.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
• Excellent communication skills and the confidence to represent the service at meetings and with partner organisations.
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and delivering services that meet individual needs.
• A positive, proactive and self-motivated approach to work.

Interview Process:

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a competency-based interview, providing an opportunity to demonstrate how their skills, experience and values align with the role and the support needs of our customers.

Additional Information:

Each successful applicant will be required to complete the following pre-employment checks prior to a start date being agreed:

• Right to work verification.
• Qualification certificate check (where applicable).
• Two satisfactory references.
• Occupational Health questionnaire.
• Enhanced DBS check.