Housing and welfare benefits advisor jobs

Join Our Team and Help Transform Lives!

We are looking for a compassionate and motivated Benefits Adviser to join our Transitions team, providing personalised benefits advice and support to people in their own homes and communities across West Devon and Torridge. You will help people understand and access the benefits they are entitled to, maximise their household income and navigate what can often be complex and challenging benefit processes. Many of the people we support face barriers to accessing mainstream services, so the ability to build trust, listen and provide patient, practical support is at the heart of this role.

We are looking for someone with strong communication and interpersonal skills, a person-centred approach and a genuine commitment to supporting people experiencing vulnerability or financial hardship. Previous benefits advice experience would be an advantage, but we also welcome applications from people with transferable skills and the right values and aptitude to develop in the role. Full training, support and opportunities for professional development will be provided

About the Role

Working as part of the Transitions Project, you will provide specialist, person-centred benefits advice to people in their own homes and community settings across West Devon and Torridge.

Many of the people we support experience barriers that make it difficult for them to access mainstream advice services, including poor physical or mental health, disability, rural isolation, digital exclusion, low confidence and complex personal circumstances. You will take advice directly to clients, providing the time, flexibility and practical support they need to understand and access their benefit entitlements.

You will complete comprehensive benefit checks, support clients to make and manage claims, identify opportunities to maximise household income and help resolve benefit-related problems. This may include supporting clients with challenging decisions, mandatory reconsiderations and appeals, as well as liaising and advocating with the DWP, local authorities and other agencies.

The role involves regular lone working and travel to clients' homes, so you will need to be confident working independently while remaining closely connected to the wider Transitions team.

This is a rewarding role with the opportunity to make a tangible difference to the financial stability and wellbeing of people who may otherwise struggle to access the support they need.

We are looking for someone who genuinely wants to make a difference, previous money advice experience is not essential - we will provide the training and support required.  If you are a natural problem solver, an excellent communicator, and someone who enjoys helping people overcome personal challenges - this could be the role for you!

The Outreach Money Advice Caseworker will provide specialist money and debt advice to people experiencing financial hardship, with a particular focus on preventing homelessness, sustaining tenancies and supporting residents to achieve long-term financial stability. 

Using a relationship-based, person-centred approach, you will deliver outreach across Devon through home visits, community venues and flexible methods of communication, ensuring vulnerable residents can access the support they need.

We have numerous roles available, two are based in Exeter and surrounding areas and one is based in Torridge and West Devon.

We are recruiting for two Information and Advice Adviser vacancies.
One post is 21 hours (3 days) per week and the other is 28 hours (4 days) per week. Applicants should indicate their preferred working pattern in their application. 

Age UK Kensington and Chelsea is seeking motivated and compassionate Information and Advice Advisers to join our dedicated team. Our Information and Advice service provides high-quality, rights-based information, advice and advocacy to older people across the borough, helping them navigate issues relating to welfare benefits, social care, housing, and other areas that affect their wellbeing and independence.

As an Information and Advice Adviser, you will manage your own caseload, providing person-centred support through a variety of channels including face-to-face appointments, home visits, telephone, email and digital platforms. You will work closely with colleagues, volunteers, statutory services and community partners to ensure older people receive accurate information, practical assistance and tailored support to access their rights and entitlements. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of older people, helping them overcome challenges, achieve positive outcomes and remain connected to their communities.

The successful candidate will be highly organised, able to work independently, and committed to delivering excellent customer service. You will also play an important role in promoting the service, maintaining high-quality records, supporting volunteers, and contributing to the wider work of Age UK Kensington and Chelsea to improve the lives of older people throughout the borough.

We will be interviewing as we receive applicants, please don't hold off applying!

Due to the volume of applications, we will not be able to respond to unsuccessful candidates.

At Release, we believe that expert advice can change lives — especially for people who are pushed to the margins by poverty, stigma, criminalisation and complex legal problems. We are looking for a debt adviser who wants to do more than provide technical advice: someone who shares our commitment to social justice, dignity and practical support, and who wants to be part of a specialist legal team working alongside people at the point they need help most.

This is not a traditional debt adviser role. It is an opportunity to help shape a newly established debt unit within our legal team, creating a holistic service that responds to the full reality of people’s lives rather than treating debt in isolation. You will work alongside legal advisers and solicitors delivering free welfare benefits, debt and housing advice through our outreach services, with referrals coming directly from colleagues supporting clients with overlapping legal and financial problems. You will also provide training and support to colleagues and host centre staff, helping build confidence and understanding around debt, its impact, and how to identify when someone may need specialist advice. Many of the people we work with are facing crisis, exclusion and multiple barriers to support. In this role, you will help ensure they are met with compassion, specialist advice and joined-up support that gives them a clearer route forward.

The new Debt Adviser wil join Release’s multidisciplinary legal services team. The postholder will provide high-quality, non-judgmental debt advice to people experiencing financial hardship alongside issues such as substance use, homelessness, poor mental health, benefit problems and social exclusion. Ideally, you’ll be qualified to Level 3 Certificate in Money and Debt Advice, the Certificate in Money Advice Practice (CertMAP), or the CMA Award in Generalist Debt Advice. Should you not have these or equivalent certifications, the appointee would be required and supported to achieve a certification within an agreed timeframe.

Key Responsibilities:

Deliver specialist debt advice through direct referrals for our legal team who support clients in trusted community and treatment settings.

• Complete financial assessments, income and expenditure work, debt screening, priority-debt triage and casework using clear, accessible and trauma-informed approaches.
• Advise on appropriate debt options, including Breathing Space, Debt Relief Orders, negotiated write-offs, informal and formal repayment arrangements, and referrals where another provider is better placed to help.
• Work closely with legal advisers, drug and alcohol services, keyworkers, peer advocates, volunteers and partner organisations to support warm referrals and coordinated care.
• Record casework accurately on AdvicePro and contribute to monitoring, evaluation, quality assurance, client feedback and learning from the debt advice project.

Essential Requirements:

• At least 12 months’ experience delivering debt advice in a community, advice, legal or outreach setting.
• Strong understanding of UK debt solutions, priority debts, social security, housing-related debt and the impact of financial hardship on people in vulnerable circumstances.
• Ability to provide clear, fair and not misleading advice, based on a full assessment of the client’s financial and personal circumstances.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write accurate case notes, letters and reports in plain English

• Holidays: 29 days + public holidays
• Location: Hybrid - Spitalfields, London / Remote (minimum 3 days in the office)
• Closing Date: Thursday 17 September 2026 at 5.00pm
• Interviews: Week commencing 28 September 2026
• Start Date: As soon as possible

An enhanced DBS check will be required for the successful candidate.

We particularly welcome applications from people from Black and racialised communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people, people from working-class backgrounds, and people with lived experience of the issues we work on. We are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve, and we know that lived experience and diverse perspectives strengthen our legal practice and our work for systemic change.

Release is committed to equal opportunities.

Important Notice: For this job, Release will only consider applications from those who already have the right to live and work in the UK.  See the Home Office Immigration & Nationality Directorate for information on the UK Government's immigration policy. 

Job description

Could you be our next Trainee Housing Adviser?! 

Are you passionate about helping people through difficult situations? Are you a ‘people person’, with good computer skills and a strong attention to detail?

Maybe you’ve lived through housing stress yourself? 

We’re looking for someone with great potential and a commitment to learning. 

Benefits include: 
25 days holiday, flexible/hybrid working, pension scheme, employee wellbeing support. 

We are looking for a Housing and Destitution Caseworker to join our small, impactful team and provide or co-ordinate advice on welfare and housing issues to migrants. 

ABOUT US

Hackney Migrant Centre (HMC) is a community-based charity providing free legal advice, casework support and holistic support services to refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants.

Approximately 50% of the people we support are homeless, and many are experiencing destitution due to precarious immigration status, the No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) restriction or whilst living undocumented in the UK. HMC’s work is informed by our vision of a UK where no one is forced into destitution, exploitation, or vulnerability because of their immigration status.

HMC is currently a small team of 7 employees, including a CEO, Community Manager, Immigration Team Manager, Immigration Caseworker and Access to Justice Coordinator, and an Administrative Support Officer alongside a larger team of up to 60 volunteers.

ABOUT OUR SERVICES

We are based in our office in Stoke Newington, where we provide immigration advice & representation and our housing advice and casework support services. We also offer regular community sessions in a local venue on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month. We call these sessions our ‘Wednesday Service’. The Wednesday Service has historically been the heart and soul of HMC, and it continues to play a key role in our service delivery, accessibility and community presence.

Our Wednesday Service is a multi-functioning hub, offering a warm, welcoming and accessible space for:

• Legal advice appointments with HMC advisors and external specialist partners

• Casework appointments with staff and specialist volunteers

• Holistic advocacy appointments delivered by our volunteers

Our team supports an average of 350 people across all our service areas.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Housing and Destitution Caseworker will provide or co-ordinate advice on welfare and housing issues to migrants. This will include people visiting the Wednesday Service or referred by the Immigration Team. The post holder will assist with follow-up casework, and recruit and develop a small volunteer Housing and Destitution Support Team to support with these tasks. The post-holder will work to build partnerships with external specialist advisers, to expand our diagnostic advice provision and support with successful referrals for onward legal challenges.

Main duties

• Provide casework and advocacy support to homeless and destitute migrants regarding housing, and welfare entitlements including asylum support, Children Act and Care Act duties, mainstream benefits and homeless duties.

• Develop and coordinate partnerships with external specialist housing advisors to deliver housing advice and take on cases where able.

• Recruit and induct volunteers to a small Housing and Destitution Support Team and supervise their work.

• Keep up to date with legislation and practical guidance required to support destitute migrants, including attending relevant training sessions.

• Provide training to HMC’s volunteers on housing and destitution issues.

• Make referrals to public law/community care and housing legal representatives for complex casework and legal challenges such as judicial review.

• Identify where visitors need to access mental health or specialist support and escalate safeguarding concerns in line with HMC’s safeguarding procedures.

• Maintain records on all casework, regularly review progress during the casework journey, and ensure that cases are closed when support has ended.

Partnerships

• Develop links and partnerships with other organisations to enable effective joint working.

• Collect information, statistics and case studies on destitute migrants and the issues they face for the purposes of improving service quality and to meet the requirements of funders.

• Contribute case studies and statistical data to relevant policy/strategic legal work carried out by HMC and other partner organisations.

• Attend forums of organisations working in the sector to share best practice and evidence from HMC’s frontline work.

Additional responsibilities

• Administrative tasks relevant to the post

• Help to cover the work of the team during absences

• Contribute to HMC’s housing and destitution guides and signposting materials

• Support with the wider work of the organisation as needed, including assisting with the set-up and pack-down of the Wednesday Service and associated events.

• Implement sensitively HMC’s policies and procedures, especially with regards to confidentiality

• and diversity, equity and inclusion

• Work collaboratively with other HMC staff, volunteers and professional advisors

• Participate actively in staff meetings, and other meetings as may reasonably be required

• Attend HMC Trustees’ meetings as required

HOW TO APPLY

If you would like to apply for this position, please submit a Covering Letter (no more than 1 page) and CV, demonstrating how you meet the requirements in the person specification (below) via the Charity Job website.

Two professional references will be requested if successful at interview. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an appropriate level of DBS check.

We know that women and people from marginalised or under-represented groups- including people of colour- tend to apply only for roles where they meet 100% of the criteria. We encourage you to apply if you have an interest in the role even if you do not meet all the criteria below, particularly if you have lived experience of migration.

Please note that we can only accept applications from candidates who have the right to work in the UK. If you do not have the right to work in the UK but you are interested in supporting HMC, please see our website for opportunities to volunteer with us.

The application deadline is 23.30 on Saturday 19th September, and we expect to hold interviews in the week beginning 5th October 2026.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

E = Essential, D = Desirable

Experience

E – Experience providing advice and casework support to destitute migrants and/or experience of providing housing advice and casework support to people facing homelessness.

E – Experience of providing support, supervision and training to volunteers

E- Experience communicating clearly and professionally with a range of audiences, including the public and statutory services.

E – Track record of working in a team in a highly pressurised, front-facing environment.

D – Experience of maintaining effective working relationships with a wide range of agencies

D – Experience of recording and reporting outcomes to funders

Knowledge / Skills

E - Knowledge of the rights of migrants seeking housing, and community care support in the UK and the UK’s housing and homelessness services and support provision.

E – Understanding of the UK asylum support provisions.

E – Knowledge of refugee, migrant and homelessness organisations and other relevant organisations to support referrals and signposting.

E - Excellent IT skills, including Outlook, Microsoft Office, Sharepoint, CRM databases (HMC uses Lamplight).

D - Working knowledge of UK immigration legislation affecting refugees and migrants and the impact of the hostile environment on migrants.

D – Experience of recognising and responding to safety and safeguarding concerns, and supporting members of the public in a trauma-informed way.

Personal

E - Highly effective communication and interpersonal skills.

E - Ability to work with vulnerable migrants with sensitivity and cultural awareness.

E - Demonstrable commitment to the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion and of advancing the rights of migrants in the UK.

E - Commitment to ongoing learning and development and keeping up to date with legislative developments which will have an impact on migrants.

E - Ability on occasion to work outside of normal office hours (e.g. evening meetings).

Join Navigate CIO and Make a Real Impact!

Are you passionate about making a difference in people's lives?

Do you have strong communication and problem-solving skills?

Whether you're experienced in money advice or looking for a career change, we provide full training and development opportunities to help you succeed in this role. At Navigate CIO, we are a registered charity dedicated to providing free, impartial, and confidential money and debt advice across Devon and Somerset.

Our work supports individuals and families facing financial hardship, helping them build financial resilience and regain control of their lives. This is more than just a job—it's an opportunity to transform lives and strengthen communities.

This role is funded by the British Gas Energy Trust (BGET), allowing us to provide specialist energy and money advice to those who need it most.

Why Join Us?

• Full training provided – no prior experience in debt advice needed.

• A rewarding role – support vulnerable individuals to improve their financial wellbeing.

• Career development opportunities – ongoing training and professional growth.

• Flexible working environment – work across various locations, including home visits and remote support.

• Supportive team culture – be part of a dedicated and passionate team that values collaboration.

About the Role

We are looking for a compassionate Debt & Energy Adviser to provide money, debt, and benefits advice to individuals who are often in crisis and face multiple barriers to accessing the support they need. The role primarily involves face-to-face home visits, supported by telephone, video, email, and digital advice. You will be at the forefront of delivering essential money and debt advice to clients with high level needs, helping them navigate their financial challenges.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assess and review client needs to ensure appropriate support.
• Identify and address barriers preventing clients from accessing money advice.
• Provide comprehensive, caseworker-level advice on money management, debt solutions, and financial capability.
• Develop individual action plans tailored to client needs, ensuring dignity and respect.
• Maintain accurate case records and documentation. 
• Deliver high-quality money advice services in partnership with key stakeholders.

• Offer tailored support, in clients homes, online and via telephone

What We’re Looking For:

We are looking for individuals with the right skills and attributes, even if you don’t have direct experience in money and debt advice. If you are passionate about helping others and eager to learn, we encourage you to apply!

Essential Skills & Attributes:

• Strong people skills – ability to build rapport and communicate effectively.
• Ability to support vulnerable individuals with multiple and complex needs.
• Empathy and a non-judgmental approach.
• Understanding of confidentiality, GDPR, and safeguarding policies.
• Ability to prioritise tasks and manage workloads effectively.
• IT proficiency (Word, Excel, email, case management systems).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willing and able to travel across Somerset for client appointments.
• A full DBS check will be required.

Desirable Skills & Experience:

• Experience in advice, advocacy, or support work (paid or voluntary).
• Knowledge of welfare benefits, housing, and debt advice.
• Experience in sectors such as mental health, addiction, housing, or social prescribing.
• Willingness to train as a DRO (Debt Relief Order) Intermediary.

Ready to Make a Difference? If you’re looking for a career where you can grow professionally while transforming lives, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Apply today and start your journey towards empowering individuals and communities through financial resilience! 

Are you passionate about helping people experiencing domestic abuse to feel safer, regain control and move forward with their lives? Join Calan DVS as an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate and make a meaningful difference to individuals and families at the point they need it most.

As part of the Dal I Godi service, you will provide specialist, trauma-informed support and advocacy to victims of domestic abuse who have been assessed as being at high risk of serious harm. Working alongside each individual from the point of crisis, you will assess risk, develop personalised safety plans and help them understand and access the options available to protect themselves and their children.

You will manage a varied caseload and work closely with partner agencies, including the police, housing providers, social services, health professionals and the criminal and civil justice systems. You will also represent and advocate for victims through processes such as MARAC, ensuring their voice, choices and safety remain central throughout.

We are looking for someone with at least two years’ experience of providing high-level domestic abuse support, strong risk assessment and crisis-management skills, and a compassionate, non-judgmental approach. You should hold a recognised IDVA qualification or be willing to work towards one. A full driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential.

In return, you will become part of an experienced and supportive specialist team committed to delivering high-quality services to people affected by domestic abuse across Wales.

Key details

• Salary: £25,100 per annum

• Hours: 35 hours per week

• Base: Ammanford/Powys, with travel across the region

• Contract: Fixed term until 31 March 2027

• The role includes participation in a planned duty rota covering some weekday evenings and weekends

If you share our commitment to improving safety, amplifying victims’ voices and supporting lasting change, we would love to hear from you.

Advice Service Manager

Do you have a passion for helping people and a solid understanding of the current welfare benefits system? Do you have excellent Microsoft Excel skills (to efficiently manage, analyse and visualise data)?

We're looking for highly motivated, committed and experienced individual to join the existing Management Team as an Advice Service Manager.

If this sounds like you, then apply today!

Position: Advice Service Manager

Location: Chesterfield or Ilkeston (hybrid mix of home and office working)

Salary: £36,887.00 per annum, pro rata

Hours: Full-Time (37 hours per week)

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: 31st August 2026

About the Role

In this role you will take the lead on managing assigned advice services, projects and the staff working on these, as well as contributing to the running of the wider organisation and working in collaboration with Service Managers and Supervisors. You will be responsible for monitoring and improving the performance of the services, including oversight of KPIs and quality metrics.

Main areas of responsibility include:

• Service Management
• Performance and Quality
• Stakeholder Engagement and Development
• Data, Reporting, and Compliance
• Staff and Team Leadership
• Training and Development
• Teamwork and Relationships

There is flexibility in this role which allows for some irregular shift patterns and remote or home working where appropriate, as well as travel to the offices when required.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. The organisation is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and hold the Derbyshire LGBT+ Rainbow Accreditation.

About You

We are looking for someone with strong and wide-ranging advice knowledge, an understanding of the holistic services offered by the organisation, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidates will have:

• Excellent communication skills
• A non-judgemental, empathetic approach to people
• Strong IT and digital skills, with the ability to learn new systems quickly
• Strong, demonstrable Microsoft Excel skills with the ability to efficiently manage, analyse, and visualise data
• A commitment to working to performance targets and KPIs
• A solid understanding of the current welfare benefits system

With experience of:

• Managing, recruiting, motivating, and developing staff.
• Supervising or managing an advice service or project.
• Monitoring and managing performance against quality standards and KPIs.
• Using case management systems and producing performance reports.
• Leading teams, prioritise workloads, and make decisions in a high-demand environment

About the Organisation

Join a local charity that provides free, confidential, independent and impartial advice to everyone across Amber Valley, Chesterfield, Derbyshire Dales, Erewash and High Peak.

This advice can help people find a way forward with their problems, whoever they are, whatever the problem.

What is on offer:

The charity offers a comprehensive benefits package that supports your wellbeing, work-life balance, and professional growth:

• Generous annual leave: 35 days per year (pro rata), including all bank holidays and Christmas
• Buy/sell leave scheme: Flexibility to buy or sell up to one week of leave each year (pro rata)
• Employee Assistance Programme: Includes wellbeing support, free counselling, and lifestyle perks
• Contractual sick pay: depended on length of service
• Long service rewards: Extra leave and gift cards after five years of service and beyond
• Workplace pension: Auto-enrolment into our pension scheme
• Hybrid working: the option to work from home, if it works for you and for the team

Successful candidates will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and provide proof of Right to Work. Please note that the organisation does not hold a sponsor licence.

Other roles you may have experience of include Welfare, Benefits, Housing, Welfare Advisor, Benefits Advisor, Housing Advisor, Welfare Officer, Benefits Officer, Housing Officer, Advice, Advisor, Caseworker.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client, Not For Profit People. #INDNFP

Citizens Advice Milton Keynes is a local charity that helps people to resolve their legal, money and personal problems. We have been providing free, confidential, and impartial advice since 1972 and helped over 8000 local people last year.

As a Specialist Adviser within the Macmillan Money & More SWS Service, you will provide high-quality, confidential information, advice and support to people affected by cancer and their families across a region spanning from Milton Keynes to Cornwall. Working as part of a coordinated team of advisers across multiple Citizens Advice locations, you will take a person-centred approach to understand each client’s individual circumstances and provide tailored guidance on welfare benefits, financial support, debt, energy costs, employment issues and other practical challenges arising from a cancer diagnosis. You will help clients navigate complex systems, access available support, and improve their financial wellbeing during a difficult and often overwhelming time. Through compassionate and holistic advice, you will empower people affected by cancer to make informed decisions, build confidence, and feel supported throughout their cancer journey.

The ideal candidate will provide advice and support in person, via telephone, email and video call to patients undergoing treatment for cancer. Macmillan Project Caseworkers will assist clients with complex welfare benefits and housing enquiries. This requires a good foundation knowledge of each advice area, so competence in these subjects is desirable, but full and ongoing training will be provided to support successful candidates in their professional development.

This is a challenging role, managing a demanding caseload and working with people at every stage of their cancer journey. All our advice work is carried out to the strictest quality standards, and we are committed to ensuring that all our advice work complements the wider services provided by both Citizens Advice and Macmillan Cancer Care.

Applicants need to be:

• Computer-literate, although training on our case recording systems will be given.
• Confident in working to performance targets.
• Able to show good communications skills, both written and verbal. These are essential in the role, as are excellent customer service skills with a non-judgemental approach.
• Prepared to work independently, sometimes remotely and also from a variety of community-based locations.

A minimum of 12 months’ experience in an advice agency or similar setting is desirable.

The successful Applicant/s will be asked to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Closing date:Sunday 20th September 2026

We have an exciting opportunity for an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate who is passionate about supporting victim/survivors of abuse within the Criminal Court.

Do you want to join a committed and inspiring team? Do you want to help make a real difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improve the quality of lives of male survivors of domestic abuse?

Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on safety and customer service and care?

If yes, then we'd love to hear from you.

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.
• Generous Annual Leave: 28 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 33 days plus Bank Holidays, with options to buy or sell annual leave.
• Birthday Leave: An extra day off for your birthday.
• Pension Plan: 5% employer contribution.
• Enhanced Allowances: Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity payments.
• Exclusive Discounts: High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment, and leisure discounts.
• Financial Wellbeing: Access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary-deducted finance.
• Wellbeing Support: Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
• Inclusive Networks: Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes.
• Sustainable Travel: Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans.
• Career Development: Ongoing training and support with opportunities for career progression.
• Practice Support: Clinical supervision and group reflective practice

About the role:

As an IDVA you will:-

• Provide a pro-active, high quality, frontline service to victims of domestic abuse through on-going risk assessment, individual safety planning, advocacy, emotional and practical support.
• Work within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC and local partnership responses to domestic abuse to keep safety central to all services for victims of domestic abuse
• Promote the service and raising awareness of issues arising, minimising barriers and improving access to support

You will need:

• Experience of providing support those affected by domestic abuse
• An understanding of the principles of risk assessment, safety planning and risk management for victims of domestic abuse and their children
• Knowledge of safeguarding issues, and the legal responsibilities surrounding these issues.
• A good understanding of Housing Law to be able to provide up to date advice and information on housing related needs
• A strong knowledge of Criminal Courts and the Criminal Justice Service
• Strong communication, negotiation and advisory skills, both written and verbal when interacting with a range of agencies and individuals.
• An understanding of commitment to equal opportunities and diversity issues in policy and practice.
• Strong crisis management skills and the ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations.

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

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.

Job Title: Trainee or Qualified Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) working predominantly in the Cherwell and West Oxfordshire area

Locality: Cherwell and West Oxfordshire

Salary: £27,000 - £29,000

Hours of work: 37 hrs per week

Notice: 2 calendar months 1 month during the Probationary period. Probationary 6 months

Accountable to: Service Manager of Reducing the Risk of Domestic Abuse, CEO ultimately the Board of Trustees

Context of post

Reducing the Risk of Domestic Abuse is a company and charity set up to:

• provide inclusive services that reduce the risk of domestic abuse and promote the safety, choices and welfare of those affected
• enhance awareness of the nature and prevalence of domestic violence and help to foster good practice and an integrated multi integrated approach.
• The postholder will work in the high-risk team and be managed by the Service Manager with support from the Senior IDVA.
• A structured training and induction programme is in place to ensure new staff members are knowledgeable, confident and comfortable with the role.
• After 6 months of experience, the applicant will attend the Safelives IDVA training.
• Workload will be adjusted and study time will be given for attendance at training.
• Salary will be uplifted on successful completion of the course.

The trustees collectively have expertise in domestic abuse, child protection, criminal justice, voluntary sector governance, local authority community safety, training and quality assurance. While primarily a local charity the trustees anticipate that, with a focus on quality, some of the work of the charity may contribute to broader good practice development. The charity participates in a number of multi agency partnerships responsible for aspects of the county’s integrated domestic abuse strategy.

Function

The first priority of the charity is to provide an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor Service for the county. The post holder will be a member of the IDVA team and provide a pro-active service to victims of domestic violence to keep them safe and promote their wellbeing. They will use their skills to assess the risk a client is in, deliver a service appropriate to the level of risk and have a particular focus on providing an intensive service to those at high risk. The post holder will have the skills to act as lead professional, working to ensure an integrated service and co-ordinating multi agency work to keep people safe, in addition to working with victims and signposting to other services.

Responsibilities:

• Work as part of the Oxfordshire IDVA team to provide pro-active service and advice to victims at high risk of harm from domestic abuse to keep them and their children safe
• Risk assess and deliver service in keeping with the result
• Undertake safety planning with clients
• Develop individual service plans to meet the specific risks clients face
• Where relevant also support victims in their role as primary carers for their children
• Manage a caseload
• Maintain and update records of all cases
• Participate in champion networks and work closely with outreach workers and any other dedicated DA services as appropriate
• Participate in MARAC framework: refer clients to, attend and participate in meetings, follow-up on actions agreed in MARAC
• Keep other relevant services informed about important changes in client’s situation
• Support clients through the criminal justice system, explaining the procedures and their role and rights within that system
• Ensure that clients are immediately informed of any CJS developments and advised on any aspect affecting their safety
• Explain housing, civil and criminal legal options to clients
• Ensure that clients access the services to which they are entitled
• Refer on and arrange meetings with other agencies/services as necessary e.g. solicitors, benefit agencies, etc.
• Note and feedback to other agencies any consistent difficulties clients are having accessing their service
• Help clients develop their own support network
• Follow procedures and protocols so that the safety of the clients is kept central to any process
• Ensure Reducing the Risk fulfils its responsibilities in relation to safeguarding children
• Understand the legal framework relating to the protection of children, and the policy and procedures of Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children’s Board – including specific guidelines applied to the voluntary sector
• Participate in supervision and support systems for the service, and in training and professional development
• Bring casework issues and regular difficulties clients are having to the attention of the manager; contribute to efforts to improve Reducing the Risk practice and procedures and/or to work through multi agency partnerships to improve multi agency practice
• Any additional responsibilities as reasonably requested by the manager or trustees

The nature of this post will require flexibility to meet work needs as they arise. This may occassionally entail some work outside normal office hours. The post holder will be expected to adopt a flexible attitude to their duties. These may have to be varied after discussion, subject to the needs of the service and in keeping with the general profile of the post. There will also sometimes be a necessity to work effectively under pressure.

Appointment to the post will be subject to full enhanced DSB checks.

Full drivers licence with the use of a car for work

Ability to travel around the county

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: £27,000.00 to £29,000.00 per year depending on experience

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence (required)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person

Job Title: Helpline Advocacy Coordinator 

Location: Homeworking with a requirement to occasionally work at Head Office (Vauxhall, London)
Salary: £29,701.36 per annum (Inclusive of London Weighting, which may not be applicable depending on your home location and any agreed permanent homeworking arrangement)

Contract type: Full Time, Permanent 

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

This is an exciting opportunity to join Refuge as a Helpline Advocacy Co-ordinator.

The Helpline Advocacy Co-ordinator – London (HAC) provides short-term, targeted advocacy to victim/survivors of domestic abuse based in London, who present with complex or additional barriers to accessing safe accommodation and support services.

The role builds on initial helpline contact to deliver enhanced, focused support, including proactive follow-up and advocacy with statutory and voluntary agencies to secure safe outcomes. This includes working closely with housing departments across London boroughs, refuge providers, and specialist services to overcome barriers and facilitate access to accommodation and support.

This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

Closing Date: 09:00am 1 September 2026

Interview Date: 10 and 11 September 2026

We are looking for a person with an understanding of working with a values-driven team of people, in the charity or not-for-profit sector.

The person appointed will have an appreciation of the aims and values of the Sustain alliance and be excited by supporting our organisation in effective ways of working, whilst freeing up senior leaders and spokespeople to undertake influencing, communication, partnership development and fundraising activities.

The Operations and People Manager will help Sustain function effectively as an organisation and be a great place to work. This is a senior, trusted role working closely with the Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team (SLT), Senior Management Team (SMT), line managers and Trustees to strengthen our people, operational and governance systems.

The post-holder will lead practical improvements in HR, people processes, line management standards, staff development, onboarding, offboarding, organisational culture and compliance. They will combine sound judgement, strong systems thinking and a people-centred approach, helping Sustain keep processes clear, proportionate and well-managed, while supporting colleagues to focus on effective delivery.

The mission of the Sustain alliance is to catalyse systemic change in the UK’s food and farming system – securing a healthy, fair, and sustainable future for all people, nature and a stable climate. Working in collaboration with our alliance members and others, we run a range of advocacy work, projects and campaigns to achieve permanent changes in policy and practice; and to engage more people, organisations and communities in being food system change-makers.

As with all senior roles at Sustain, the person appointed to this role will work mainly at the Sustain office in London during their probationary period, and thereafter at least half of working hours at our office, whilst benefiting from the flexibility offered to all colleagues. This is part of senior role-modelling of the creativity, support, engagement and well-being benefits that in-person working cultivates between colleagues. This will be managed in coordination with other senior colleagues to enable good in-person coverage and connectivity across the week and across common holiday periods.

Role and responsibilities
•Strengthen Sustain’s people, HR, operational and governance systems so that the charity works effectively, fairly and well.
•Help Sustain be a great place to work, with clear standards, supportive line management, good staff development and a positive, inclusive culture.
•Lead on high standards and practical improvements in recruitment; induction; probation; appraisals; people and HR processes; line management skills, knowledge and tools; staff consultation; and organisational policies and practices.
•Support senior leaders, line managers and Trustees with clear advice, reliable processes, good records and proportionate and effective risk management.
•Develop and maintain systems that are simple, useful and appropriate for Sustain’s size, values, resources and legal responsibilities
 

Tasks and responsibilities:

Organisational operations and systems
•Lead on managing and developing the charity’s operational activities.
•Ensure that senior management actions that support operational effectiveness are managed and carried out in a timely way, via an accessible and accountable process.
•Lead and/or participate in a range of internal groups that support operational effectiveness.
•Support the Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and other relevant staff with governance matters, including:
oReporting to the Council of Trustees on operational and people matters;
oPerformance of the ‘Company Secretary’ role on behalf of Trustees;
oTrustee recruitment, induction and management of necessary information and processes;
oAppropriate compliance with the Charity Governance Code.
•Working with the Chief Executive and Chair of the Council of Trustees, help prepare and coordinate the agendas and the running of the quarterly board meeting and occasional (at least annual) staff and Trustees strategy day, as well as the Sustain AGM, Annual Report and Trustee elections (annual), as one of the key links in communication with and between Sustain’s Council of Trustees.
•Lead on development and implementation of one or more relevant chapter of Sustain’s Organisation Development Plan (ODP).

•Support the planning and running of events, working with Sustain team leads, partners, venues and contributors.
•Work with the Head of Finance, Head of Digital and Design and external suppliers to help ensure office, IT and operational arrangements are appropriate and support effective working.
 

People, HR and employment processes
•Lead development and implementation of HR processes, practical actions and transactions, using external HR and/or legal advisors for authoritative support and advice where needed.
•Lead on full lifecycle support for Sustain staff including:
oEffective and inclusive recruitment, onboarding and offboarding – implementing Sustain’s commitment to recruitment for diversity – working with SMT, finance and admin leads;
oCreating, grading, reviewing and updating job descriptions, working with line managers and the senior leadership team;
oManaging employment contract variances; funding precarity; end-of-contract and risk-of-redundancy processes, working with senior managers, line managers, affected employees and HR/legal advisors;
oCreating or supporting a range of opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds and identities to get involved.
•Act as first point of contact for HR queries, taking ownership of policies and process, culture and employee relations; informed by HR advice, consultation and annual staff survey, including overseeing an action plan to embed areas of good practice, and to pursue improvements in an accountable way.
•Regular review of job descriptions, grades, progression and staff benefits within Sustain to ensure we remain competitive within the sector.
•Provide or commission sector benchmarking data, analysis and recommendations to inform decision-making, using a methodology agreed with Trustee oversight, on matters such financial and non-financial staff benefits.
•Maintain and improve the Staff Handbook, Recruitment Handbook, and related policies, guidance, advice and other support.

Line management standards, learning and staff development
•Lead the development and implementation of clear, practical standards for line management at Sustain, working with SLT, SMT, the Line Managers Forum and external advisers where appropriate.

•Develop and oversee implementation of key processes such as annual appraisals, annual planning and objective-setting, and a suitable performance management process.
•Help ensure objective-setting, personal development and progression conversations are undertaken routinely, and that these and performance management are handled consistently, fairly and in line with Sustain’s values and legal responsibilities.
•Support line managers to run effective 1-to-1s, probation reviews, appraisals, workload conversations, development conversations, and difficult conversations where needed.
•Ensure suitable and sufficient ongoing learning opportunities and training for the staff team and the Line Managers group, driving the charity’s approach to consistent standards, personal development and career progression.
•Maintain and improve the Line Managers Handbook and related tools, templates and guidance.
Culture, EDI, staff voice and union liaison
•Manage and develop Sustain as a great place to work, with a working culture and practices that support effective delivery, as well as health, wellbeing and personal development.
•Serve as an active member of the Diversity Group, to implement and innovate on equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism, and to gather data to measure and report on impact and progress.
•Working with the CEO, provide a route for requests and suggestions from the Health and Wellbeing Group to be properly considered and actioned as appropriate.
•Develop and support ways for staff voices to be heard and influence policies, practices and organisational culture, and for staff to be able to raise ideas and concerns confidently and see actions taken as a result.
•Support structured staff consultation and union liaison processes, helping ensure they are well-organised, transparent, well-documented and conducted in line with Sustain's policies and recognition arrangements.

Governance, compliance and risk management
•Develop and update key resources, contributing to useful reference sets such as the Staff Handbook, Recruitment Handbook and Line Managers Handbook, including overseeing production, maintenance and updating of all policies, procedures and guidance relevant to operations and people.
•Ensure Sustain complies with all employment, health and safety, data protection, charity legislation and statutory guidance including filing at Companies House and maintaining organisational records with the Charity Commission, and managing the risk register and internal policies tracker.

•Ensure adherence to health, safety, diversity and safeguarding procedures in the office, in hybrid working and for events and activities; undertaking comprehensive risk assessments for events and activities; and ensuring appropriate risk mitigation, staff communication and updates to guidance.
Other
•Potential for this role to line-manage one or more member of staff, volunteer, paid intern and/or external consultant, offering 1-to-1 support for objective-setting, work delivery, coaching and pastoral matters.
•Any other reasonable tasks and duties, agreed with the Chief Executive, consistent with the nature and level of the role.

Person specification / What we’re looking for:

Qualifications and requirements
•Significant experience operating at a senior level in a people, HR, operations or an organisation development role, including responsibility for organisational systems and staff management. [E]
•Experience of working in a charity, not-for-profit, campaigning, membership, alliance or other values-led organisation. [D]
•Demonstrable commitment to the operations and people role through a relevant qualification, training or other continuing professional development (CPD). [D]
 

Experience
•Significant experience leading organisational, people or operational improvement and advising senior decision-makers. [E]
•Developing skills and learning plans, and commissioning and/or delivering learning opportunities including training, workshops, facilitation and/or coaching. [E]
•Managing employment contracts to improve employee information and job security, especially where funding is short-term and project-based, with insights into good practice. [D]
•Delivering training and/or guidance to improve people-related functions to be delivered by line managers. [D]
•Working in a unionised organisation. [D]
Skills, abilities and attitudes
•Confidence and experience to take a leadership role on operational and people matters, working with the Chief Executive, Trustees and senior managers. [E]
•Strong problem-solving skills, and negotiation skills and the ability and confidence to provide insightful and constructive proposals and advice. [E]
•Excellent project management skills. [E]
•Aptitude for managing financial information and budgets. [D]
•Ability to communicate clearly and sensitively in writing and verbally, including on complex, confidential or contentious matters. [E]
•Proficiency with computer software and records management. [E]

Knowledge
•Knowledge and experience of end-to-end management of staff team members and their development: recruitment, induction and probation; learning experiences, skills and training; personal and career development; performance management; support for health and wellbeing; and HR processes. [E]
•Sound knowledge of UK HR and employment rules and statutory guidance, and their implementation in good practice. [E]
•Knowledge of IT, online and practical systems for improving processes and efficiency. [D]
 

Attitudes and personal qualities
•Highly organised and self-motivated, with the ability to work flexibly, independently and meet deadlines; whilst having the judgment to know when and who to consult before proceeding. [E]
•High integrity, with a professional, diplomatic, values-led, solutions-focused and collaborative approach to working with individuals and a wider team. [E]
•Commitment and ability to work at our office in East London regularly. [E]
•Demonstrable commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and racial justice. [E]
•Commitment to the mission and values of Sustain, and an interest in healthy and sustainable food and farming. [D]

Application closing date: Monday 14 September at 5pm (BST)

First stage interviews will take place (via Zoom) on: Wednesday 23 September 2026

Second stage interviews to take place in-person (London office) on: Wednesday 30 September 2026

Early applications are encouraged.

For any queries, please contact our recruitment team.