Domestic Abuse Support Worker - Female Only *

About us

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of adults and children affected by domestic abuse?

Join a trusted, compassionate organisation where your work will directly help survivors rebuild their lives.

Stroud Women’s Refuge is a local, independent charity in Gloucestershire with nearly 50 years’ experience supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse.

We're looking for a compassionate, organised and proactive individual to join our team as a Domestic Abuse Support Worker.

Whether you have experience in domestic abuse, supported housing, social care or have developed relevant or transferable skills through volunteering, community work or lived experience – we want to hear from you.

If this position interests you but you're not sure you meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. We value potential and a willingness to learn alongside relevant experience and qualifications. If you share our values and are committed to supporting survivors of domestic abuse, we would love to hear from you.

About the role

In this rewarding role, you’ll provide practical, personalised trauma-informed support to adults and children with a range of needs, helping them to stay safe, rebuild confidence and regain independence through one-to-one and group-based support.

• Provide personalised strengths-based support in collaboration with individuals and families in refuge and community settings.
• Carry out risk assessments and create tailored safety and support plans.
• Work closelywith partner agencies to ensure long-term wellbeing and independence.
• Support awareness-raising, group work, and community engagement.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to service monitoring and development.

What we offer

We recognise that supporting people affected by domestic abuse can be both rewarding and challenging. We are committed to trauma-informed, person-centred practice and supporting the wellbeing of our team.

Our employee benefits include:

• Competitive salary, pension and Christmas bonus
• Comprehensive induction, ongoing training and support to help you succeed in the role. 
• Opportunities for learning and development
• A supportive team environment with a compassionate and experienced team that values collaboration, reflection, learning and support.
• Comprehensive staff support including regular line management and clinical supervision to support your professional practice and wellbeing. 
• A varied and engaging role where no two days are the same
• A meaningful role where you’ll see the real impact of your work and make a lasting difference
• Access to24 hour Employee WellbeingScheme which includes access to confidential counselling and a wide range of wellbeing, practical and emotional support services and online GP access.
• As a small, independent charity, your ideas, experience and relationships directly shape our services and the support we provide.

About you

To be successful you will bring:

• Experience of supporting people with additional needs (paid or voluntary)
• Commitment to the values of empowerment, equality, respect and survivor-led support.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Emotional resilience and the ability to maintain compassionate, professional boundaries in demanding situations.
• Ability to manage a caseload and maintain accurate records
• Understanding of safeguarding and a non-judgemental, person-centred approach
• A positive, inclusive and flexible approach
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Full UK driving licence and access to a car
• Willingness to participate in an on-call rota (approx. one evening per week and one weekend in five)

Desirable:

• Relevant qualification (e.g. IDVA, ISVA, Health & Social Care, Children’s Workforce)
• Experience in crisis work or with complex needs
• Knowledge of domestic abuse, housing, or benefits systems
• Group work facilitation experience

Additional information

Stroud Women’s Refuge is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

This role is open to women only (as defined under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1) due to a genuine occupational requirement to provide a safe and supportive environment for women who have experienced domestic abuse.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk, and to safer recruitment practices. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check,  satisfactory references and relevant pre-employment checks.

Eligibility to work in the UK is required.

How to apply

Please click on Apply Now and send your CV and a cover letter.

Your cover letter should explain why you are applying for the role and the skills, experience and qualities that make you a suitable candidate.

The full Job Description and Person Specification is available on our website.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis so we encourage early applications.  We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if sufficient suitable applications have been received.

Strictly no agencies please.

Stroud Beresford Group is the operating name of Stroud Beresford Limited, a registered charitable company Registered Charity No. 1132626