Job Description
Specialist Domestic Abuse Support Worker
Locations: Bexhill
Hours: 37 per week, Monday–Friday (day shifts)Duration: 2–3 months (while permanent recruitment takes place)Rate:£16.79 per hour (includes holiday pay)Travel: Required across other East Sussex refuge sites when needed
About the Role
We are urgently recruiting a Specialist Domestic Abuse Support Worker to join our established refuge services across East Sussex. These roles are vital in providing safe, trauma-informed support to survivors of domestic abuse living in residential accommodation.
You will work within a supportive team to ensure residents feel safe, respected and empowered to rebuild their lives. The role involves emotional and practical support, crisis management, and close partnership working with external agencies.
Key Responsibilities
* Deliver trauma-informed, person-centred support to survivors of domestic abuse.
* Conduct needs and risk assessments and create personalised support plans.
* Provide keywork sessions, group work and crisis support.
* Support residents with accessing housing, benefits, external services and community activities.
* Maintain accurate case notes, reports and safeguarding documentation.
* Work collaboratively with local authorities, police, health services and other partner agencies.
* Support residents with daily living tasks to promote independence.
* Manage challenging situations calmly and effectively using de-escalation techniques.
* Uphold health & safety, safeguarding and confidentiality requirements at all times.
What We’re Looking For
Essential:
* Strong understanding of domestic abuse and survivor experiences.
* Experience working with vulnerable or complex individuals (preferably residential).
* Ability to work in a trauma-informed and strengths-based way.
* Good knowledge of safeguarding, risk management and GDPR.
* Strong communication, interpersonal and report-writing skills.
* Ability to prioritise, make decisions and remain calm during crisis situations.
* Understanding of benefits systems, particularly housing-related support.
* First Aid trained or willing to complete training.
Desirable:
* Experience processing benefit claims.
* Knowledge of housing needs for survivors.
* Previous experience within residential services.
* Relevant qualification (e.g. Social Work).
Who This Role Suits
This role is ideal for someone empathetic, resilient and committed to empowering survivors of domestic abuse. You’ll be confident working independently, adaptable across sites, and motivated by supporting individuals to build safer, more independent futures