Violence Against Women & Girls -- Support Worker

BCHA; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

BCHA in Bournemouth is seeking a Violence Against Women & Girls Support Worker to join our Domestic Abuse Services team. You will provide practical and emotional support to women who have experienced domestic abuse, exploitation or homelessness, using trauma-informed approaches to help them feel safe and move towards independent living.

The role operates on a 4-week rolling rota with early and late shifts, across Bournemouth sites.

Qualifications

• A Level 2 English and Maths and NVQ Level 2 or equivalent are essential.
• A Level 3 qualification is desirable.
• Experience with homelessness, domestic abuse or social exclusion is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Providing practical and emotional support to women who have experienced domestic abuse, sexual violence and exploitation.
• Building trusting relationships using a trauma-informed, person-centred and strengths-based approach.
• Supporting women with safety planning, risk assessments and safeguarding.
• Helping customers access housing and move-on accommodation.
• Supporting individuals to develop independent living skills and work towards their personal goals.
• Advocating for customers and helping them access appropriate services, including housing, health, mental health and substance misuse support.
• Working closely with partner agencies, including housing, police and social care.
• Delivering one-to-one support sessions and facilitating group activities.
• Maintaining accurate records, support plans and risk assessments.
• Supporting the day-to-day running of the service, including preparing rooms for new residents.

Skills

Trauma-informed approach

Person-centred care

Safeguarding knowledge

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

A Level 2 English and Maths

NVQ Level 2 or equivalent

A Level 3 qualification desirable

Job description

Violence Against Women & Girls -- Support Worker

BCHA

Location: On site / Bournemouth, UK
job type: Permanent / Full-time
Sector and subsector: Medical & Healthcare | Social Care / Social Worker
Annual Salary range:from £ 25,029.00 to £ 25,861.00

Are you passionate about supporting women who have experienced domestic abuse, exploitation and homelessness?

We are looking for a compassionate, resilient and motivated VAWG Support Worker to join our Domestic Abuse Services team.

You will be working within BCHA's Respite Rooms, providing short-term accommodation and specialist support to women who are rough sleeping or at risk of homelessness and have experienced, or are at risk of, violence, abuse, trafficking or exploitation.

The service supports women with a range of complex needs, including mental health difficulties and substance use. You will play an important role in helping women feel safe, rebuild their confidence and take positive steps towards recovery and independent living.

What Will You Be Doing?

• Providing practical and emotional support to women who have experienced domestic abuse, sexual violence and exploitation.
• Building trusting relationships using a trauma-informed, person-centred and strengths-based approach.
• Supporting women with safety planning, risk assessments and safeguarding.
• Helping customers access housing and move-on accommodation.
• Supporting individuals to develop independent living skills and work towards their personal goals.
• Advocating for customers and helping them access appropriate services, including housing, health, mental health and substance misuse support.
• Working closely with partner agencies, including housing, police and social care.
• Delivering one-to-one support sessions and facilitating group activities.
• Maintaining accurate records, support plans and risk assessments.
• Supporting the day-to-day running of the service, including preparing rooms for new residents.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a genuine passion for supporting vulnerable women and making a difference.
• Has experience working with people who have experienced homelessness, domestic abuse or social exclusion.
• Understands the impact of domestic abuse, sexual violence and exploitation.
• Is compassionate, patient, non-judgemental and able to build positive relationships.
• Has good communication, organisational and IT skills.
• Can work independently and as part of a team.
• Is resilient and able to manage challenging situations.
• Has an understanding of safeguarding and professional boundaries.
• Can work flexibly to meet the needs of the service.

A Level 2 qualification in English and Maths and an NVQ Level 2 or equivalent are essential. A Level 3 qualification is desirable.

Working Pattern

This role operates on a 4-week rolling rota, including:

• Early shifts: 7.45am – 3.45pm
• Late shifts: 2.15pm – 10.15pm
• Every other weekend.

You will be required to work across both Bournemouth locations and must be able to travel between sites during your shifts.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to be part of a dedicated team making a real difference to women experiencing some of the most challenging circumstances.

You will have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships, support women on their journey towards recovery and help them move towards a safer, more independent future.

If you are passionate about helping others, resilient and committed to delivering high-quality support, we would love to hear from you!

Join us and help build better lives, better homes and better communities.

BCHA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults and expects all employees to share this commitment. An appropriate DBS check will be required for this role.