Sanctuary Support Worker

Leeds Women's Aid; Leeds; On-site; GBP 11,000 - 17,000; Part time

Job summary

A community support organization in Leeds is seeking a compassionate Sanctuary Support Worker specializing in LGBTQIA+ support. This role involves providing life-changing one-to-one assistance to individuals facing domestic abuse, particularly those from the LGBTQIA+ community. You'll work collaboratively with partner organizations as part of a dedicated team. Applicants should understand the unique challenges faced by LGBT+ survivors. This is a fixed-term position of 21 hours per week with potential for more hours.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting LGBT+ individuals and families.
• Understanding of discrimination issues faced by LGBT+ survivors.
• Compassionate interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one support to individuals needing sanctuary from domestic abuse.
• Ensure tailored support for LGBT+ victim-survivors.
• Collaborate with other organizations to deliver comprehensive support.

Skills

Experience with LGBT+ needs

Compassionate support skills

Job description

Sanctuary Support Worker – LGBTQIA+ Specialist

Fixed term until March 2028 (with the potential to extend subject to funding)

21 hours per week*

*21 hours available in Sanctuary Support project. However, we welcome applications from those looking for part-time and full-time hours as we may be able to offer additional hours in a very similar role within the wider LDVS provision to make this up to a 35hr role – salary range represents difference in salary between roles.

The Sanctuary Support Team is looking for a compassionate and skilled Sanctuary Support worker to join their dedicated team. 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 – 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 team are Women’s Health Matters, Karma Nirvana, Shantona, PAFRAS, and Asha Neighbourhood Project, all with a different specialism, working closely together to deliver support and safer housing for individuals and families recovering from domestic abuse.

The LGBTQIA+ specialist, based at Behind Closed Doors, will be working with victim-survivors from the LGBTQIA+ community, ensuring they receive tailored one-to-one support to rebuild their lives safely.

There is an essential requirement under the Sexual Orientation Regulations 2003 that the post holder has experience of LGBT+ needs and the impact of discrimination. Candidates should demonstrate a thorough understanding of LGBT+ people’s lives, including awareness of the issues that LGBT+ survivors might face.

For more detailed information about this post, how to apply and to download the application pack please go to the Behind Closed Doors or Leeds Women’s Aid website:

The closing date for applications:Wednesday 25th March 2026 at 4pm

Interviews will be held on: Tuesday 2nd April 2026

For an informal conversation about these posts please contact the Sanctuary Support Team Leader – Lucy Smithson at [e-mail]

LDVS is fully committed to the principles of equality of opportunity and applications are welcome from all sections of the community. LDVS and the wider Sanctuary Support Team is made up of diverse and inclusive organisations. We would particularly welcome applications from members of the LGBTQIA+ community and Black, Asian or Minoritized Ethnic communities .