Navigator Project Worker

About Us

SOS Rape Crisis (SOSRC) is an independent specialist sexual violence charity providing support for adults (regardless of gender), young people and children who have experienced sexual violence and/or child sexual abuse, in Southend, Castle Point and Rochford.

We are part of Synergy Essex, a partnership of three Rape Crisis Centres (SOSRC, SERICC and CARA), funded by the Office for the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex to provide a countywide ISVA service.

The Opportunity

This is an opportunity to join a dedicated team providing vital support to survivors of sexual violence and abuse. As a Navigator Project Worker, you will be the first point of contact for individuals accessing Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis services. You will offer compassionate, trauma-informed, and needs led support, helping survivors feel heard and understood from the outset. Through careful assessment and informed referrals, you’ll play a key role in connecting survivors with the most appropriate services.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide a professional and empathic first point of contact for survivors of sexual violence and/or abuse.

• Offer one-off emotional and practical support, and provide information, signposting and onward referrals.

• Complete initial assessments to identify their needs and most appropriate next steps.

• Keep accurate, timely and confidential records on the case management system.

• Work in partnership with SOSRC colleagues including the Counselling and ISVA Teams.

• Attend team meetings, one-to-ones, clinical supervision, line management and other meetings as required.

• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to data protection legislation and guidelines.

• Contribute to monitoring and evaluation and meet administrative requirements.

• Work in accordance with all SOSRC policies and procedures.

• Attend regular training and maintain a good working knowledge of sexual violence and its impact.

• Promote a trauma-informed and survivor-centred approach in all aspects of the role.

• Actively contribute to the delivery of a safe, effective and high-quality service.

About You

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Experience of delivering support and/or information to vulnerable people.

• Experience of working in a voluntary organisation, public sector or health and social care setting.

• Experience of maintaining accurate and confidential records.

• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and risk management.

• Excellent communication skills.

• Understanding of trauma-informed practice.

• Ability to work on own initiative.

• Proficiency in IT including Microsoft Office and online systems.

• Commitment to working within an anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive framework.

Desirable:

• Experience of working with people affected by sexual violence or other forms of trauma.

• Experience of working in partnership with other services.

• Experience of monitoring and evaluation.

• Understanding of sexual violence and its impact.

• Knowledge of the criminal justice system and statutory services.

• Driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Additional Information

• Salary: £28,624 per annum (pro-rata)

• Hours: 30 hours per week

• Contract: Fixed term

• Start Date: August 2025

• Location: Southend-based, with travel across Mid, South and West Essex

• Leave: 28 days annual leave plus additional gift days over the Christmas period

• Charity No: 1194207

Join Us

SOSRC is committed to ensuring equity, diversity and inclusion within the organisation and we actively encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities.

If you meet even some of the criteria, we would strongly encourage you to apply. We value the skills and experiences you may bring and welcome applicants from underrepresented groups and those with lived experience.

Please refer to the job description and person specification attached to this post for full details.