Are you methodical, highly organised, great at juggling ten plates and glasses at the same time whilst still solving a problem that hasn’t even arisen yet? Then come and join us at the Mary Ward Settlement as our Access to Services Manager!
You are a proactive, people-focused manager with a passion for delivering exceptional service. You will lead a high-performing team that ensures a welcoming, inclusive, helpful and efficient experience for all students, staff, and visitors.
In this pivotal role, you will oversee a dynamic advice and guidance team, ensuring that every interaction is informed, supportive and aligned with our commitment to excellence. You will be a ‘go-to’ person who ensures that activity runs smoothly with the right resources and support in place all whilst demonstrating a calm and professional approach.
You will be joining an organisation who is genuinely warm and welcoming, who thrives on nurturing people and their growth. You will work closely with staff who are skilled and passionate people who are a pleasure to work with.
We are a multi service charity who offer adult learning, access to free legal advice and community services that work with the most vulnerable and disadvantaged groups to build stronger communities. Based over three sites in Stratford, Southwark and Holborn.
This is a wonderful opportunity for an individual who wants to immerse themselves in a successful, interesting and inspiring organisation.
We very actively encourage applications that are representative of the diverse communities that we serve.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job Description: Peer Support Coordinator (Lotus Blossom Project)
No recruitment agency applications - Individuals only please.
Are you passionate about recovery, empowerment, and the power of peer support?
Lotus is seeking a skilled and compassionate Peer Support Coordinator to lead our thriving Lotus Blossom Project, which provides online peer support groups for women recovering from domestic abuse. These groups are co-facilitated by trained Peer Support Mentors – all of whom are ex-clients.
This role is at the heart of what we do: championing trauma-informed practice, investing in our volunteers, and supporting women to rebuild independence, purpose and fulfilment after abuse.
Please note:
We are only accepting applications from candidates who complete an application form, the form can be found on our website.
Job Title: Peer Support Coordinator
This post is open to women only under the Equality Act 2010 Schedule 9, Part 1, Section 7 as a genuine occupational requirement.
Project: Lotus Blossom
Reporting to: Lotus Families Service Manager
Hours: 15 hours per week
Salary: NJC Scale Points 18-22: £30,559-£32,654 FTE (£12,389-£13,238 pro rata for 15 hours/week). Starting salary: £30,559 FTE (£12,389 pro rata) for an unqualified IDVA (Point 18); £31,067 FTE (£12,595 pro rata) for a qualified IDVA (Point 19) pay award pending.
Location: Primarily home based with occasional in-person meetings or training in Newhaven or East Sussex
Contract: Permanent although as with all posts, reliant on ongoing funding
Job Purpose:
To lead the co-ordination, delivery and ongoing development of a safe, inclusive and empowering peer support group for women recovering from domestic abuse through the Lotus Blossom Project. This role ensures that support is:
- Trauma-informed and grounded in the six principles of trauma-informed practice: safety; trustworthiness and transparency; peer support; collaboration and mutuality; empowerment, voice and choice; and cultural, historical and gender awareness.
- Informed by the Investing in Volunteers quality standards.
- Delivered through a team of trained volunteer Peer Support Mentors, all of whom are ex-clients.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead the Lotus Blossom Project, ensuring it’s trauma-informed, inclusive and responsive to client and volunteer needs.
- Recruit, train, support and supervise a team of Peer Support Mentors with lived experience.
- Co-produce themed peer sessions and use your IDVA expertise to guide safe, engaging group facilitation.
- Monitor, evaluate and evolve the project using client and volunteer feedback, and report on its impact.
- Act as an ambassador for Lotus and support wider organisational goals.
You’ll bring:
- IDVA qualification (or willingness to obtain one with support)
- Experience supporting victim-survivors of domestic abuse
- Understanding of trauma-informed approaches and barriers faced by marginalised groups
- Skills in leadership, reflective practice, safeguarding, and data/confidentiality management
- A deep commitment to inclusion, empowerment and collaborative working
Desirable:
- Lived experience of domestic abuse
- Experience in peer support coordination or volunteering roles
- Facilitation of group or online support spaces
- IDVA qualification (completed)
This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check. The job description is not exhaustive and may be subject to change in line with service needs and strategic development.
Benefits
- Primarily home-based role, reducing the need for travel and supporting work-life balance (Safety; Trust).
- Flexible working: As a family-centred charity, we understand the importance of family life – whether it’s attending a school assembly or caring for a loved one. As long as service delivery is not impacted, we support flexibility (Empowerment; Collaboration).
- Regular quality supervision in line with SafeLives Leading Lights quality standards.
- Two-monthly clinical supervision, supporting emotional resilience and reflective practice (Peer Support; Safety).
- Access to a 24/7 employee counselling helpline for confidential emotional support (Trust; Safety).
- Salary aligned to NJC scale points 18–22.
- Pension scheme with employer contributions matched up to 6% (Trustworthiness; Empowerment).
- 25 days holiday per year (or pro rata for part-time roles), plus bank holidays (Empowerment).
- Travel to and from any work-related meetings, training, or in-person activities is fully reimbursed (Trust; Mutuality).
How to Apply
- Deadline 9am 14 July via Application Form
- Interview will be via Teams on 17 July
Lotus Families is a women-centred, trauma-informed charity supporting women and their children to recover and rebuild after abuse.

