257 Social support work jobs

This is an exciting opportunity to join Bede Starfish as we deliver the Women's Safety Alliance (WSA) on behalf of Southwark Council.

Working alongside specialist partners, the WSA provides co-ordinated, trauma-informed support to women, children, young people, families and male victims affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence and other forms of VAWG.

You will be working for Bede, a trusted Southwark charity that has been supporting local communities since 1938.

About the role

As our VAWG Service Co-ordinator, you'll be at the heart of a busy, fast-paced frontline service. You'll be the first point of contact for many clients and professionals, ensuring people receive a welcoming, professional and trauma-informed response from the moment they reach out for support. This is a varied role where no two days are the same.

The service is a busy environment where you will need to manage multiple competing priorities, support senior managers, coordinate a large team, respond to urgent referrals and maintain accurate records.

Please note: This is a fully office-based role in Southwark. Due to the nature of the service and the importance of face-to-face collaboration with colleagues, clients and partner agencies, this role is not hybrid or remote working.

How to apply

1 – Download a copy of our standard application form.

2 – Return a completed copy to the email or by post to the address on the form.

3 – Include a covering letter answering the following question:

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Imagine it is 10am and:

· 18 new referrals have arrived in the shared inbox.

· Two referrals contain potential safeguarding concerns.

· A senior manager requires performance information for a meeting in one hour.

· Two practitioners are off sick, and appointments need rearranging.

· A partner agency has complained about a delayed response.

In no more than 500 words, explain:

1. How you would prioritise these tasks and why.

2. What systems, tools or processes you would use to remain organised and ensure nothing is missed.

3. How you would communicate with senior managers, practitioners, clients and partner agencies throughout the day.

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Throughout your answer, please refer to the Person Specification for the role and tell us about the relevant knowledge and experience you are drawing from. This does not have to be from a directly comparable job – we are interested in any relevant experience that you have.

The job description and person specification for the role is available here on the website.

Applications without both a completed application form and a covering letter will not be accepted.

On the day, all candidates will also be required to complete a 30-minute written assessment and computer literacy test.

Deadline for applications: Midnight, Thursday 26th November 2026

Interview date: Monday, 9th December 2026

Start date: ASAP

Bede works with children and adults at risk of harm, and we have Safer Recruitment policies and procedures in place to ensure that they are protected from abuse. These roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check.