Domestic Abuse Refuge Project Worker (Women) – Female Applicants Only

Location: Basingstoke
Salary: £26,805 – £27,464 per annum
Hours: 37 hours per week
Working Pattern: Monday – Thursday, 9:30am – 5:30pm | Friday, 9:30am – 5:00pm
Contract Type: Full-Time
Reporting to: Deputy Service Manager
On-Call Requirement: Applicable

About the Role

This rewarding opportunity involves supporting women and families affected by domestic abuse within refuge accommodation and through resettlement support services.

The successful candidate will provide emotional and practical support, advocacy, safety planning, and resettlement assistance to help women and children move towards safe, independent living free from abuse.

Working as part of a specialist refuge team, you will support residents referred through the Front Door Service and work collaboratively with statutory and voluntary agencies to ensure families receive high-quality, holistic support.

Key Responsibilities

Supporting Women & Families

• Provide one-to-one support, advocacy, and safety planning for women affected by domestic abuse
• Support families in maintaining safety and rebuilding independence
• Deliver parenting and family support interventions
• Organise and facilitate support groups and group work sessions
• Provide emotional and practical support to women entering refuge accommodation
• Support residents with housing, benefits, finances, and resettlement planning
• Assist women in accessing education, healthcare, legal services, and community support
• Support children and young people to access and maintain education
• Accompany residents to appointments, court hearings, or housing meetings where appropriate
• Assist women in identifying healthy coping strategies and understanding the dynamics of domestic abuse

Refuge & Accommodation Support

• Support the smooth day-to-day running of the refuge service
• Ensure refuge accommodation is maintained to a safe and high standard
• Support residents in maintaining communal living areas and preparing rooms for new residents
• Assist with health and safety responsibilities within the refuge
• Support clients in securing move-on accommodation and resettlement support
• Help identify alternative safe accommodation when refuge spaces are unavailable

Partnership & Multi-Agency Working

• Work collaboratively with:
  • Social Services
  • Housing teams
  • Police
  • Health services
  • Education providers
  • Job Centres
  • Voluntary and community organisations
• Participate in MARAC and other multi-agency meetings where required
• Advocate on behalf of women and families with external agencies and professionals
• Build strong partnership relationships to improve outcomes for service users
• Promote awareness of domestic abuse and available support services within the community

Safeguarding & Professional Practice

• Ensure safeguarding and child protection procedures are followed at all times
• Work within confidentiality, data protection, and information-sharing requirements
• Carry out risk assessments and safety planning tailored to each client’s circumstances
• Escalate safeguarding or risk concerns appropriately to management
• Promote equality, diversity, inclusion, and anti-discriminatory practice
• Follow lone working procedures and safe working practices
• Maintain professional standards and remain up to date with legislation and best practice relating to domestic abuse

Administration & Record Keeping

• Maintain accurate and confidential records using case management systems
• Write clear reports, support plans, and case notes
• Assist with administrative and financial tasks, including:
  • Housing and benefits applications
  • Rent and service charge collection
  • Licence agreements
  • Monitoring and evaluation data
• Participate in case reviews and contribute to service evaluation processes
• Deliver presentations and information sessions to external agencies where required

On-Call Responsibilities

This role includes participation in a 24-hour out-of-hours on-call rota.

Responsibilities may include:

• Responding to emergencies outside normal service hours
• Providing telephone support and safety advice
• Supporting clients to access refuge accommodation
• Processing referrals into services
• Admitting families into refuge accommodation
• Attending refuge properties when required
• Supporting professionals working with individuals affected by domestic abuse

When on call, staff must:

• Have access to a vehicle
• Hold a valid driving licence with business insurance
• Be available and fit to drive when required

Essential Requirements

• Full UK Driving Licence, business insurance, and access to a vehicle
• NVQ Level 3 qualification (or equivalent)
• Experience supporting and advocating for vulnerable individuals
• Experience facilitating support groups and targeted interventions
• Experience working within a multi-agency environment
• Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures
• Understanding of housing and legal issues affecting families escaping domestic abuse
• Awareness of the benefits system and support services
• Strong crisis management and problem-solving skills
• Good written, verbal, and IT skills
• Ability to work independently and manage a varied caseload
• Flexible approach to working hours, including some unsocial hours
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and anti-oppressive practice
• Enhanced DBS check required

Additional Information

This post is open to female applicants only, in accordance with Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010, as being female is considered a genuine occupational requirement for this role.

The successful candidate will be expected to maintain high standards of safeguarding, confidentiality, and professional conduct at all times.

Apply Now

If you are passionate about supporting women and families affected by domestic abuse and want to make a meaningful difference within a specialist refuge service, Joneshouse Recruitment would love to hear from you.

Apply today or contact us for a confidential discussion.

Ref: 850