Domestic abuse jobs

Are you an enthusiastic digital fundraiser with experience of raising income for a charity by building relationships with both individual and corporate donors?

Staying Put is well known for the great care we take with clients and employees alike. We are experts in the domestic abuse field and we continue to develop exciting, new services that are breaking the mould of traditional service provision in this sector.

About the role

The focus of the role will be on digital campaigns and organising and promoting fundraising events to generate new income streams for the charity. These new income streams will allow us to move away from reliance on our core funding and enable us to diversify into areas necessary for us to aim for our strategic goal and reach more clients. 

This role will work closely with the Digital Communications Manager and Service Managers to develop, lead and achieve buy-in on all campaigns and events.

The Fundraiser will build on relationships with existing donors and corporate sponsors and establish further networks of supporters, raising the profile of Staying Put and securing further funding.

Other areas of the role will include identifying and submitting applications for prizes and awards, preparing funding proposals, helping to shape the fundraising strategic plan and reporting on the success of campaigns. 

Part-time, 18.75 hours per week, over 3 days. £30,900 FTE per annum.

About you

We are looking for someone with significant experience in a fundraiser role who has proven knowledge and examples of running and evaluating digital fundraising campaigns. Knowledge of domestic abuse and sexual violence, the impact it has on victims and issues they face, would be an advantage.

Our ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage, influence and persuade new and existing supporters of Staying Put. You will need to be a self-starter with excellent communication skills. Our ideal candidate will be able to problem solve in dynamic situations and have a creative approach to income generation.

We are looking for a passionate and enthusiastic fundraiser who can generate, develop and run fun and interesting campaigns and events that will create buy-in across a range of audiences.

You will be able to work with initiative, have a high level of self motivation with a “can-do” attitude but who can recognise, work with and develop their strengths within a team.

About us

With over 24 years solid experience of helping survivors of domestic abuse, Staying Put are part of an exciting and innovative, multi-agency partnership working together with Family Action and Women Centre, to develop a ‘one system approach’ to families affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence.

We are proud to provide vital support and services to men, women and children of Bradford who are survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence. We help people have better lives – and you can too.

We are looking for enthusiastic, experienced, engaged and highly motivated people to join our expanding team.

Be part of an organisation that makes a difference and where 84% of colleagues agree or strongly agree they feel valued and appreciated.

We want to be a great place to work so have attractive benefits;

• 30 days annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays (pro rata) and Birthday Leave
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Workplace pensions and financial benefit app
• Training and development opportunities
• Enhanced maternity pay after 1 year
• Healthcare scheme after probation
• Flexibility and hybrid working where possible
• Death-in-service benefit
• Employee discount scheme & wellbeing platform
• Free on-site parking at most sites

Closing date: 5pm Monday 6th July 2026

Interview date: Thursday 16th July

Previous applicants need not apply

Who are we?

We are SafeLives, the UK-wide charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse, for everyone and for good.

We work with organisations across the UK to transform the response to domestic abuse. We want what you would want for your best friend. We listen to survivors, putting their voices at the heart of our thinking. We look at the whole picture for each individual and family to get the right help at the right time to make families everywhere safe and well. And we challenge perpetrators to change, asking ‘why doesn’t he stop?’ rather than ‘why doesn’t she leave?’ This applies whatever the gender of the victim or perpetrator and whatever the nature of their relationship.

Last year alone, nearly 13,500 professionals received our training. Over 70,000 adults at risk of serious harm or murder and more than 85,000 children received support through dedicated multi-agency support designed by us and delivered with partners. In the last four years, over 2,000 perpetrators have been challenged and supported to change by interventions we created with partners, and that’s just the start.

Together we can end domestic abuse. Forever. For everyone.

About The Drive Partnership 

The Drive Partnership, established by Respect, SafeLives, and Social Finance in 2015, is working to end domestic abuse and protect victim-survivors by disrupting, challenging, and changing the behaviour of those who are causing harm. The Drive Partnership does this through the development of innovative perpetrator responses and advocating for systems and policy change to develop sustainable, national systems that respond more effectively to all perpetrators to increase the safety and freedom of all adult and child victim-survivors. 

Purpose

Following a four-year investment from the Home Office announced in July 2025, the Drive Project – the Drive Partnership’s flagship intervention for high-risk, high-harm and serial perpetrators of domestic abuse – will expand across all areas in England and Wales, with the vast majority of funding flowing directly to local perpetrator services and victim-survivor services by nature of the Drive Project’s model. 

To support the safe implementation of the expansion of the Drive Project intervention, we are seeking a proactive, solution focused individual to work with Drive Partnership and SafeLives, and our delivery sites to ensure our Data Protection policies and practice are up to date, and being consistently adhered to.

This is a new role and will spend two days working to support the Drive Partnership and one day to support SafeLives directly. For more information on SafeLives and the Drive Partnership, please see below.

The role is sensitive by nature and involves dealing with highly confidential and complex information.

Position context

This role sits within the Finance Department and is a critical support function across SafeLives and the Drive Partnership . The Data Protection Officer will be managed by the IT and Compliance Manager and will also work closely with the Head of Operations and Practice Advisors in the Drive Partnership, and , Heads and the Leadership Team to ensure the smooth operating of the business.

Responsibilities

• Data Protection
• Relationship Management
• Administration

Person Specification

Experience

Strong working knowledge of UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, PECR, and ICO guidance and with relevant qualifications. Experience managing data protection compliance within a charity, public sector, or safeguarding‑focused organisation. Understanding of safeguarding principles, particularly relating to domestic abuse, confidentiality, and safe data‑sharing protocols.

Skills

• Ability to interpret legislation and communicate requirements clearly to non‑specialists.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with a meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce policies and understand complex procedures.
• Capacity to manage competing priorities and work independently in a part‑time capacity.
• High levels of integrity, discretion, and professional judgement when handling sensitive and data.
• Knowledge of secure data‑handling technologies and cyber‑security principles

Competencies

• Delivering quality
• Teamwork
• Communication & Relationship management
• Influence
• Innovation and creativity
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Communication and relationship management
• Self-management
• Goal orientation

Equality and Inclusion

SafeLives is committed to providing equal opportunities for all, irrespective of age, disability, race, sex, religion/belief, sexuality, gender identity, marital/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and working patterns. We are keen to have staff that appropriately represents all the communities we serve as an organisation.

Lived Experience

We believe there is no ‘them and us’ in domestic abuse, and recognise that applicants may have direct or indirect experience of their own, whether disclosed or not. We are committed to placing lived experience of domestic abuse at the heart of all we do, and colleagues who chose to share their personal expertise can do so openly and with organisational support.

If there is any discussion during the course of the recruitment process regarding a candidate's personal experience of domestic abuse, it will be treated confidentially and will not be shared outside of the interview panel/Human Resources.

West Cornwall Women’s Aid is seeking an inspiring, values-driven Chief Executive Officer to lead our organisation into its next chapter.

This is a unique opportunity to make a profound difference to the lives of women, children, and families affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence.

As CEO, you will provide strategic and operational leadership, working closely with our Trustees to deliver our vision and values. You will guide a passionate team of staff and volunteers, ensuring our services achieve meaningful, lasting outcomes for those who need them most.

This is an exciting opportunity to support and influence the delivery of the service for the future.

We have a new and exciting opportunity within Victim Support to provide Domestic Abuse case management interventions across Cumbria, as part of the Drive Project we are recruiting a Case Manager to cover Westmorland & Furness area.

Drive is an innovative national project that aims to improve the lives and safety of victims and children, by holding high-risk perpetrators to account. The project combines case management of perpetrators with a co-ordinated multi-agency response.

The Drive Partnership, formed by Respect, SafeLives and Social Finance, is working to transform the national response to perpetrators of domestic abuse. They work to end domestic abuse and protect victims by disrupting, challenging, and changing the behaviour of those who are causing harm. Together they have developed the Drive Project to address a gap in work with high-harm, high-risk perpetrators of domestic abuse. They also work to advocate for systems and policy change- to develop sustainable, national systems that respond more effectively to all perpetrators of domestic abuse.

What we offer:

At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:

• Flexible working options including hybrid working
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
• An extra day off for your birthday & options to buy or sell annual leave
• Pension with 5% employer contribution
• Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
• High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment & leisure discounts
• Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
• Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
• Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes
• Cycle to work scheme & season ticket loans
• Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression

About the role:

This role is based at Kendal Police Station, West Morland & Furness, Cumbria, and involves regular travel. Due to the location, a driving license and access to a vehicle is considered an essential requirement. If you are unable to drive because of a disability please indicate this in your application in your personal statement so we can explore the feasibility of alternative arrangements.

As a Case Manager, you will strive to make contact and work on a one-to-one basis with perpetrators to pro-actively secure engagement, influence attitudinal and behavioural change and link to complementary services. To do this, you will work alongside existing agencies to design a co-ordinated, intervention plan, addressing identified needs and risks, and promoting understanding of the impact of abusive behaviours.

You will work closely with the IDVA's (integrated partner support) to review risk, develop safety plans, and improve outcomes for all parties involved. You will support individuals to make meaningful changes and contribute to improved quality of life and safer outcomes-helping offenders move away from the criminal justice system.

You will be passionate and committed to working within a multi-disciplinary team and will have a demonstrable track record of working with complex need service users. This may be within the field of domestic abuse, and/or mental health, substance misuse and offending.

We are seeking experienced professionals from domestic abuse, offender rehabilitation, or mental health backgrounds who bring strong case management expertise and a passion for behaviour change. This role involves delivering one-to-one psychosocial interventions with high-risk perpetrators of domestic abuse, aiming to reduce long-term risk to current and future victims/survivors, and children.

These posts will be subject to an Enhanced DBS Disclosure.

About Us:

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

At Victim Support, we're proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We're committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.

How to apply:

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date. If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.

Join For Baby’s Sake in creating safer, healthier futures for babies and families.

We are looking for a compassionate and skilled Therapeutic Practitioner to deliver For Baby’s Sake across the North East of England. This is a home-based role with hybrid working, and applicants must be based in the region and able to travel to deliver a blend of online and face-to-face sessions. This is a meaningful opportunity to support families as they make lasting change during one of the most important stages of life.

For Baby’s Sake is an innovative, therapeutic, trauma-informed programme that works to break the cycle of domestic abuse, starting in pregnancy, to give babies the best possible start in life. We work individually with co-parents, keeping the baby at the centre, and using a therapeutic, recovery-focused framework to address the impact of domestic abuse with care, compassion, and respect. The programme supports parents to explore unresolved and often complex childhood trauma, change harmful patterns of behaviour, and create a home environment in which children can thrive. Our attachment-focused parenting approach helps babies and children feel safe, secure, and connected with parents who are emotionally available and attuned to their needs.

The programme begins during pregnancy, when motivation for change can be strongest. Both parents must want to co-parent their unborn baby, although they do not need to be in a relationship with one another. We can work with families until their baby reaches the age of two, reflecting the importance of this period in child development research.

The For Baby’s Sake Trust multi-disciplinary team is made up of trained therapeutic practitioners who build trusting, respectful relationships and create conditions for meaningful therapeutic change. This work supports co-parents to understand the impact of their own early experiences on their parenting and relationships, and to move towards safer, healthier family lives. To thrive in this role, you will have the skills to build therapeutic relationships, experience of safeguarding children and adults, knowledge of infant development, and a deep understanding of domestic abuse, attachment, and the effects of unresolved trauma.

Trauma-informed practice is at the heart of For Baby’s Sake. We have achieved Silver Accreditation for Trauma-Informed Practice with One Small Thing. We understand that trauma can shape an individual’s neurological, biological, psychological, and social development, and we are committed to responding in ways that are thoughtful, compassionate, and rooted in hope. In this role, you will help support the continued development of the programme while upholding the ethos, values, and integrity of The For Baby’s Sake Trust.

This is a full-time, permanent position. Full details, including the job description, person specification, and background briefing information, can be found in the relevant attachments. Occasional travel to locations across the UK will be required.

At The For Baby’s Sake Trust, we care about the wellbeing of our staff as well as the families we support. We offer flexible working arrangements, rest and reflect days, clinical supervision, and access to an Employee Assistance Programme.

If this opportunity feels like the right fit for you, we'd love to hear from you.

To apply, please submit your application form and an up-to-date CV via the 'Apply' button by midnight on 29 June 2026.

After submitting your application, you will receive an Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form. Completion of this form is voluntary, confidential, and separate from the selection process.

Interviews for the Therapeutic Practitioner role are scheduled to take place on 10 July 2026.

You can find further information about The For Baby’s Sake Trust on our website.

Yellow Door is an amazing charity that is quite literally changing lives for the better across the Hampshire area, with a team of around 100 staff and volunteers, working together to prevent and respond to domestic and sexual abuse. We provide a diverse and innovative range of services to local people of all ages and genders. Last year we engaged with over 4,500 clients to provide crucial support, information, and in some cases a lifeline. Right now, our services have never been more in demand, so our volunteers and supporters are absolutely critical to us. 

Would you like to be part of our amazing team that is changing lives for the better in the Southampton area?

The Diversity and Inclusion Advocacy Service (est. 2016) works to address barriers and improve access to services by promoting equality and inclusion, for those who are marginalised or disadvantaged. Would you like to be part of an innovative and dynamic team committed to making a difference by supporting people affected by domestic and sexual abuse?

Yellow Door is recruiting a Diversity & Inclusion Advocate to join our team in Southampton. You will provide person-centred advocacy support to service users affected by domestic abuse who have intersectional needs such as gender, disability, mental health, ethnicity. You will raise awareness of the support available through community outreach, educational sessions and professional training. You will liaise with local agencies to develop partnership working.

You will have experience of safeguarding and risk assessment alongside advocating for service users with additional needs. We actively encourage applicants from all parts of our diverse communities. 

For further information and to apply for the role, please visit our website. 

Suzy Lamplugh Trust

Hybrid (40% office-based)
Full-time (35 hours)

Permanent
£47,124
Start: ASAP

Lead and shape services supporting victims of stalking and abuse

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust is seeking a Head of Operations to provide strategic leadership across our services, ensuring they are safe, effective, compliant, and sustainable.

This is a senior leadership role, responsible for overseeing service performance, infrastructure, and delivery at an organisational level. You will play a key role in shaping strategy, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring our services meet the needs of victims and funders alike.

About the role

You will:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across all services, ensuring high-quality and compliant delivery
• Lead on organisational performance, including KPIs, quality standards, and reporting frameworks
• Oversee contract and grant delivery, ensuring all obligations and compliance requirements are met
• Hold senior relationships with commissioners, funders, and external stakeholders
• Lead service development, mobilisation of new contracts, and organisational change
• Ensure effective systems, infrastructure, and processes are in place to support delivery
• Provide leadership across safeguarding, risk, and organisational compliance
• Work as part of the Senior Management Team to shape and deliver organisational strategy

This role focuses on service infrastructure, performance, and strategic oversight, rather than direct frontline management

About you

You will be an experienced senior leader with a strong track record in operational and strategic service delivery within a safeguarding or related environment.

You will have:

• Significant experience leading multiple frontline services within a safeguarding or VAWG-related sector
• Experience operating at senior leadership level, contributing to organisational strategy
• Strong experience of performance management, KPIs, and quality assurance frameworks
• Experience managing statutory contracts or grant-funded services
• Proven ability to lead organisational change, service mobilisation, or transformation
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, compliance, and information governance
• Experience working with commissioners and senior external stakeholders

Desirable:

• Experience within stalking, domestic abuse, or VAWG services
• Experience in a charity or commissioned service environment
• Experience in organisational restructuring, service redesign, or systems implementation

Why join us

• Lead and shape services that support victims of stalking and abuse
• Join a collaborative and mission-driven senior leadership team
• Play a critical role in organisational strategy, growth and impact

How to apply

Please submit your CV and a supporting statement demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria detailed within the person specification.

Applications will not be considered without a supporting statement

Additional information

• This is a senior leadership role reporting to the CEO
• Initially office-based (London) for 3 months to support a meaningful induction, moving to a blended working model (40% office / 60% home)

Service Manager 

The Specialist Practitioner role sits under the direction of the Clinical Manager and within the Therapy Team. The role is multifaceted which includes professional liaison, other types of support and direct client work through therapy and Initial Meetings. This role has been developing since 2023 to meet the needs of the service and the children and families that TGH supports. 2026 will see further change to this role as TGH aims to support children and young people within a new pathway. The post holder must be self-governing as lone working may be required within sites across BNSSG and BANES, which upholds TGHs mission to more accessible to families, meeting them where they live.

To provide high-quality and comprehensive advice, information, practical and advocacy support relating to violence against women and girls (VAWG) perpetrated against black and minoritised women and children. To work predominantly with women who are deemed standard or medium risk, across West London. To assist with educational, developmental, policy and campaigning work arising from advice and casework, with a particular emphasis on those residing across West London boroughs.

Why work with Southall Black Sisters?

Southall Black Sisters is committed to providing a supportive working environment, where team members feel valued, empowered and safe. To that end, we provide an excellent package of employee benefits including:​

• Generous annual leave entitlement 
• Hybrid working 
• Enhanced pension contribution
• Enhanced sick pay
• Subsidised public transport season ticket
• A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, including access to confidential support from MBACP therapists 
• Clinical supervision with an MBACP therapist to explore issues arising from casework
• A focus on continued learning and development through accredited training delivered by experts in their field
• Organisation-wide away days
• Career development pathways and support
• The opportunity to learn and grow within an organisation renowned for inspiring political activism and campaigning successes
• Employer eye care scheme

To Apply

Submit a completed application form along with the optional equal opportunities monitoring form by the application deadline. Please do not send us your CV as this will not be considered.

Please note, incomplete applications will not be considered.

Join GMWSA and help women build positive futures after prison

The Greater Manchester Women’s Support Alliance (GMWSA) is looking for a passionate and motivated Link Worker to support women who have experienced multiple recalls to custody and are preparing for release from HMP Styal.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a specialist, women-centred organisation committed to delivering trauma-responsive, gender-specific support to women facing multiple disadvantage.

Working directly with women in custody, you will support them to overcome barriers to successful resettlement, reconnect with services in their local communities, and build the foundations for a more stable future.

About the Role

As the HMP Styal Link Worker, you will provide one-to-one support to women from Greater Manchester who have been recalled to custody. Many of the women you will work with will have experienced trauma, domestic abuse, poor mental health, homelessness, substance misuse, family separation, and other complex challenges.

You will:

• Build trusting relationships with women whilst they are in custody.
• Assess individual needs and develop person-centred support plans.
• Support women to prepare for release and reintegration into their communities.
• Link women into local Women’s Centres, housing providers, and specialist support services.
• Work closely with prison staff, probation, housing providers and community organisations.
• Provide practical and emotional support before and immediately after release where required.
• Advocate on behalf of women to ensure they can access the services and support they need.

This role requires someone who can combine empathy, resilience and strong professional boundaries while working in a challenging but highly rewarding environment.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is passionate about supporting women and understands the challenges faced by those involved in the criminal justice system.

You will ideally have:

• Experience of supporting vulnerable adults with complex needs.
• Experience in advocacy, support work, case management or related roles.
• An understanding of trauma-responsive and strengths-based approaches.
• Knowledge of issues affecting women involved in the criminal justice system.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to work independently and manage a varied caseload.
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

We welcome applications from women with lived experience of the criminal justice system and will support successful candidates through the required vetting processes.

Why Join GMWSA?

GMWSA is a partnership of Women’s Centres and specialist organisations working across Greater Manchester to support women facing multiple disadvantage.

We believe in:

• Trauma-responsive and evidence-led practice
• Women’s voices shaping services
• Partnership and collaboration
• Equality, diversity and inclusion
• Empowerment, dignity and respect

You’ll be joining a team committed to helping women overcome barriers, reduce reoffending and create lasting positive change.

Important Information

This post is open to women only and is exempt under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010 (occupational requirement).

The successful candidate will be required to undertake:

• Enhanced DBS check
• BPSS clearance
• HMPPS prison vetting and barring processes (Enhanced Check Levels 1 and 2)

A full driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes are essential.

How to Apply

Please download and complete the application form and return it by 12 noon on Thursday 2nd July 2026.

The recruitment pack and application form can be accessed via our website by clicking the "Redirect to Recruiter" button.

Please note that we do not accept CVs or covering letters in place of an application form.

Application deadline: 12 noon, Thursday 2nd July 2026

Interview Date: TBC

The Talent Set are delighted to partner with a brilliant social welfare charity in their search for a newly created Senior Philanthropy Manager role at a pivotal time for the organisation.

Already generating 7-figures annually from HNWIs and trusts and foundations, the team has built a strong foundation and is now investing in the next phase of its growth. Taking a relationship-first approach, they are focused on building meaningful, long-term partnerships that deliver lasting impact and transformational support.

As Senior Philanthropy Manager, you will lead a blended portfolio of donors and prospects, stewarding some of the charity's most significant relationships while unlocking new six and seven-figure opportunities. Working closely with the Head of Philanthropy, you'll have the chance to influence strategy, develop innovative funding propositions and help drive the continued growth of a high-performing programme.

This role would suit an ambitious and entrepreneurial fundraiser who is excited by the prospect of genuine ownership, enjoys leading from the front and is motivated by the opportunity to make a significant contribution to both the organisation's mission and the future success of its philanthropy programme.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Head of Philanthropy to develop and deliver a 3-year philanthropy strategy focused on continued income growth
• Manage and grow a portfolio of major donors, trusts and foundations building lasting relationships that deliver sustainable support
• Design thoughtful and engaging stewardship plans that inspire donors and strengthen long-term engagement
• Collaborate with colleagues across the organisation to create compelling proposals, impact reports and bespoke donor communications
• Undertake strategic prospect research to build a strong pipeline of opportunities and confidently lead cultivation and solicitation activity
• Spearhead the development of an exciting new philanthropic proposition with the potential to unlock increased unrestricted and flexible funding

Person Specification

• Experience in a philanthropy role with a relationship-first approach to major donors and/or trusts/foundations at the 6-figure+ level
• Demonstrable experience of successfully managing the full donor cycle, from prospect research and pipeline development, to cultivation, solicitation and long-term stewardship
• A natural relationship-builder, with excellent verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels
• Creativity, curiosity and commercial awareness, with a genuine passion for delivering outstanding donor experiences
• A self-starter who enjoys taking ownership, spotting opportunities and helping to shape the future of a growing programme

What’s on Offer

Salary: c. £55,000

Hybrid, London – 2 days a week

Full-time, permanent (open to a 0.8 working pattern or compressed hours)

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role by clicking the 'apply now' button (please do not apply via email). We aim to get back to all successful candidates within 48 working hours.

Commitment to Diversity

The Talent Set are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, or age. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process.

Respond's Young People's Service meets the emotional and psychological needs of children and young people who are autistic and/or have a learning disability who have experienced abuse or trauma. The specific remit is to make psychological and emotional support as accessible as possible. We do this by providing therapy in our clinic and in special schools, supporting the whole system to consider the impact of trauma and abuse.  

As a qualified creative arts therapist, counsellor, or psychotherapist you will have experience in working with children and young people who have a learning disability and/or autism and who have experienced abuse and/or trauma.

We are committed to the furthering of human rights, equality, and positive social change through our therapeutic and advocacy work and are committed to anti-racism and other forms of anti-discriminatory practice. We recognise that we need to continually keep this as a focus in our work and as an integral part of our organisational strategy. 

We celebrate diversity as an employer and as a provider of services to people who often experience multiple discriminations because of (but not limited to) being autistic or having a learning disability and experiences of trauma. 

If you’d like to find out more about this role, please read through the job description and our person specification. Please send in your CV with your supporting statement of no more than 2 sides of A4.  When you apply, please make sure that you address the points in the person specification in your statement.

Main purpose of job:To work in the Navigator team supporting individuals who have or are experiencing sexual violence and or sexual abuse. As a first contact worker, you will act as a gateway to both specialist counselling and advocacy services and additional specialist support services in Essex. You will use your considerable experience to provide a high-quality telephone information and support service.

The support you deliver will help individuals on their pathway to wellbeing, recovery, and social inclusion through building trusting and collaborative relationships. You will guide users to make informed decisions about their own wellbeing, maximising their independence and engaging in appropriate community or clinical resources/interventions.

You will work within a team of first contact navigators under the supervision of a service lead. You will be highly motivated and dedicated, have strong communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills with the ability to work under minimal supervision.

Start date: As soon as possible (subject to Enhanced DBS Check and satisfactory references).

Salary:£26,496 - £28,845 (NJC Scales 12-17) per annum, pro-rata.

Contract: This will be a permanent contract.

Hours: 35 hours per week.  

Place of work: CARA premises in Colchester and some remote home working if a suitable environment is available.  Some travel to other locations in Essex may be required, particularly during the induction period.

Holiday: 25 days per year, pro-rata, plus additional closure days between Christmas and New Year.

To apply: Please complete the application form, which can be downloaded from our website, explaining how your skills and experience relate to the person specification.

Applications must specifically address each essential and desirable criteria, giving evidence from previous experience or qualifications. 

Application deadline:  10am Friday 24th July 2026 

Interviews:  Week beginning 3rd August 2026

Start date: Immediate, subject to receipt of satisfactory references and enhanced DBS check.

Mandatory Training Dates: To be confirmed.

This post is restricted to women applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1

Job Description

The First Contact Navigator posts will play a central role in the CARA team, ensuring that our service users and other agencies receive a high-quality service from the moment of first contact. You will work as part of a wider team of First Contact Navigators across Essex, based at our Synergy Essex Partner centres. The post liaises with clients, the CARA team and external agencies, providing advice, support and information.

The First Contact Navigator will engage with individuals who are experiencing, or who have experienced, sexual violence and or sexual abuse who require information, signposting and short-term support.  You will be the first contact and conduct first meetings, managing your own caseload and co-ordinating personalised support for individuals on their pathway to wellbeing. You will have strong communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills with the ability to work under minimal supervision. You will support people who use CARA services to make informed decisions about their wellbeing, maximising their independence and engaging in appropriate community or clinical resources. You will work collaboratively with service users, the CARA team and other professional agencies to navigate and coordinate services.  

At the outset, the main responsibilities of the post will be:

• To act as a first point of contact for new referrals and enquiries, providing information, emotional support, advice and signposting.
• To complete first contact calls and assessments with clients over the telephone, assessing client needs and suitabilty for services.
• To ensure information about new referrals/enquiries is accurately recorded on CARA’s database in real time.
• To work collaboratively and build trust with service users, agencies, personal and professional support networks to collate relevant information to effect individualised support requirements.
• To assess and engage service users not currently engaged in appropriate specialist sexual violence services.
• To seek and respond to referrals from a variety of internal and external sources.
• To assist survivors and relatives/supporters of survivors in understanding the range of resources and services available to them.
• To support service users to engage effectively with appropriate services to meet their individual needs and aspirations.
• To identify and respond to any safeguarding concerns
• To work as a link between clients, CARA staff and external agencies, ensuring appropriate information is passed on.
• To work closely with the Essex-wide team of First Contact Navigators and Information and Referral Coordinators to ensure effective referral processes across Essex.
• To act as a point of contact for external agencies making referrals to CARA, answering queries about our referral process.
• To cover the enquiry line and the office phone and deal with enquiries as required.
• To pro-actively promote CARA’s services to external agencies, ensuring they are aware of our referral procedures.
• To contribute to development of promotional information, to ensure information about the referral process is clear and accessible.
• To attend regular team meetings and to work with colleagues to further the objectives of CARA.
• To adhere in full to all CARA’s organisational policies and procedures, including safeguarding procedures.
• To report to the Service Engagement Manager, Head of Operations, CEO and Trustees as required, including the production of regular written reports.
• To be administratively self-servicing.
• To undertake any other related activities as required by the Head of Operations, CEO or the Chair of the Board of Trustees.

About CARA

CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse) works with victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs. 

CARA is a registered charity working with adults of all genders, young people and children from across mid and north Essex.  We have a head office in Colchester and outreach premises in Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton-on-Sea, Great Dunmow and Harwich.  We also provide remote services.

CARA seeks to be an inclusive organisation that actively encourages, supports and values diversity amongst both our service-users and our workers.  We wish to create a culture in which discrimination, in all its forms, is recognised and addressed.

You can read more about CARA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion here. We encourage and welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds.

About Synergy Essex

CARA is part of Synergy Essex – the Essex Rape and Sexual Abuse Partnership. We work closely with SERICC Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis) to deliver the contract for the Office for the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex for services for victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse across Essex.