Trauma‑Informed Domestic Abuse Support Worker

AWD online; Bexhill-on-Sea; On-site; Full time

Job description

Domestic Abuse Support Worker

Make a real difference supporting women who have experienced domestic abuse, helping them rebuild their lives, increase independence and move towards safer, more secure futures.

If you’ve also worked in the following roles, we’d also like to hear from you: Specialist Domestic Abuse Support Worker, Refuge Support Worker, Women’s Refuge Support Worker, Complex Needs Support Worker, Supported Housing Support Worker, Outreach Support Worker, Vulnerable Adults Support Worker, Key Worker

Specialist Domestic Abuse Support Worker

PLEASE NOTE: This role is open to women only. This occupational requirement is applied in accordance with the Equality Act 2010 and includes women whose legal gender is female, including those who hold a Gender Recognition Certificate.

SALARY: £29,000 per annum + Benefits

LOCATION: Bexhill, East Sussex

JOB TYPE: Full-Time, Permanent

WORKING HOURS: Average of 40.25 Hours per Week, working 08:00 to 20:00 hours, 4on / 4off shift pattern, 12 hours per shift, including 0.5 hours unpaid lunch break

JOB OVERVIEW

This is a rewarding opportunity for a Domestic Abuse Support Worker to provide trauma-informed, person-centred support to women with multiple and complex needs.

As a Domestic Abuse Support Worker, you will work within a refuge and local community setting, supporting women affected by domestic abuse, mental health difficulties, homelessness, substance misuse and offending behaviour.

The Domestic Abuse Support Worker will help women access housing, healthcare, benefits and specialist services, while promoting safety, resilience, recovery and independence.

DUTIES

• Risk and Needs Assessments: Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify vulnerabilities, safety concerns and support requirements
• Support and Care Planning: Develop individual plans that encourage recovery, rehabilitation, independence and long-term stability
• Key Work and Interventions: Deliver one-to-one key work sessions, structured interventions and group support programmes
• Access to Services: Support women to access housing, healthcare, benefits and specialist services
• Partnership Working: Work with local authorities, housing providers, police and partner agencies to coordinate effective support
• Housing Support: Assist with housing benefit claims and help women secure long-term accommodation
• Safeguarding and Risk Management: Implement safeguarding procedures and use professional de-escalation techniques
• Records and Reporting: Maintain accurate records, incident reports and case notes in line with GDPR requirements
• Practical and Emotional Support: Help women build confidence, resilience and life skills
• Outreach and Follow-On Support: Provide support to women transitioning from refuge accommodation

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

• Experience supporting survivors of domestic abuse and/or vulnerable adults with complex needs
• Knowledge of issues including mental health, homelessness, substance misuse and offending behaviour
• Experience within residential support, community services, supported housing or similar settings
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, risk assessment and public protection
• Knowledge of housing-related benefits and support systems
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to maintain accurate records and produce clear reports
• Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and anti-discriminatory practice
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as part of a 24/7 service

DESIRABLE

• Experience working within a women’s refuge or domestic abuse service
• Experience supporting benefit applications and claims
• Knowledge of housing pathways and accommodation options for survivors
• First Aid qualification or willingness to obtain one

BENEFITS

• 217.35 hours annual leave per annum, increasing with service plus Bank Holidays
• Birthday Day off and option to buy additional annual leave
• 2 paid Volunteer Days each year5% employer pension contribution, matched 5% employee contribution
• Healthcare Cash Plan and Life Assurance, 3 x salary
• Annual salary review
• Refer a Friend scheme
• Access to Benefit Hub with retail discounts, Cycle to Work scheme and additional voluntary benefits

This role requires an Enhanced DBS Check

JOB REF: AWDO-P15006