4 Dorset advocacy jobs

Over the past decade, Escapeline has become a recognised leader in the prevention of child criminal and sexual exploitation across the South West. Through awareness raising, education, direct intervention, family support, professional training and strong partnership working, we have empowered thousands of children, young people, families and professionals to better understand, identify and respond to the risks of exploitation.

Our work has never been more important. As the nature of exploitation continues to evolve, so too must our response. We are therefore seeking an exceptional Chief Executive who can provide visionary leadership, inspire confidence among stakeholders, strengthen strategic partnerships and ensure Escapeline continues to be at the forefront of protecting vulnerable children and young people.

Building on our strong foundations, we see significant opportunities to expand our reach and deepen our impact, particularly across Dorset and Wiltshire, where support for the charity remains strong and continues to grow. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape the next chapter of our development, broadening our influence, diversifying income streams, enhancing our services and securing long-term sustainability.

While preventing the exploitation of children will always remain our core purpose, we are equally committed to supporting the wider impact that exploitation has on families. Our specialist helpline and parent support community provide a vital source of guidance, understanding and hope for families who often feel isolated and overlooked by traditional support services. We are determined to strengthen and expand this provision, ensuring that no family faces these challenges alone.

We are looking for a leader who combines strategic vision with emotional intelligence, commercial awareness with compassion, and ambition with an unwavering commitment to our values. You will lead a dedicated team, work alongside an engaged and supportive Board of Trustees, and build on a reputation that has been earned through years of trusted and impactful work.

Most importantly, you will have the opportunity to make a lasting difference to the lives of children, young people and families at a time when that difference is urgently needed.

If you are inspired by our mission and share our ambition to create safer futures for children and young people, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Job Purpose

This role offers an opportunity to play a vital part in sustaining our Helpline service, which sits at the heart of the support we provide to people living with PSP & CBD. As Helpline Care Navigator (HCN), you will act as the first point of contact for individuals, families and health professionals across the West and South West.

You will deliver compassionate, person-centred support and clear, practical information via telephone and email, ensuring people affected by PSP & CBD feel heard, informed and supported at every stage of their journey. Alongside direct support, you will actively engage with health and social care professionals, neurology clinics and wider partners to strengthen local awareness of PSP & CBD and enhance referral pathways across the region.

This is a key role in maintaining continuity, quality and momentum within our Helpline service and you will be reporting to the Helpline and Support Services Manager.

Contract Type

Full Time – permanent contract (6 month probationary period)

Salary

£27,500 per annum 

Hours of Work & Annual Leave

• 35 hours per week -  this may include working some unsociable hours, including evenings and weekends.
• 28 days plus bank holidays. Pro-rated for part time role.

The main office is in Milton Keynes, and we have a hybrid working policy with staff expected to spend one day a week in the office and the remainder can be worked from home. HCN’s currently work from the office on a Wednesday. There is flexibility in the arrangements that need to be agreed upon with the line manager.

Key Responsibilities

To be ‘first point of call’ for people with PSP & CBD and their families living in the West and South West Region including Shropshire, Herefordshire, Warwickshire, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Hampshire, West Sussex, East Sussex, Dorset, Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, Avon, Isle of Wight. Providing people with support and information over the phone and via email.

• To raise awareness of PSP & CBD across all health and social care disciplines in he region by engaging with HSCP’s and neurology clinics.
• To provide accurate information in all aspects of PSP & CBD in response to enquiries and signpost onto other organisations where appropriate.
• Ensure a maximum response to all helpline calls, emails and enquires.
• To keep clear and accurate records and statistics of enquires received and actions taken.
• To carry out a maximum number of proactive calls to people affected by PSP & CBD within the region as directed by the Helpline Manager.
• Develop and maintain the existing database of key health and social care professionals and regional services.
• Attend outreach events to build the profile of PSPA services amongst health and social care professionals.
• To deliver awareness and learning sessions to HSCP’s within your region
• Work with the Director of Policy and Influencing to identify ways in which services and care can be improved for families affected by PSP & CBD in the region.
• To signpost to PSPA Support Groups and services.
• Liaise with external services to signpost to local support.
• Take an active part in the delivery and planning of information and support events, which may include the possibility of overnight stays and weekends.
• Liaise with the fundraising team to signpost to fundraising activities.
• Liaise with the Volunteer Coordinator to maintain and build volunteering in the region.
• To attend and contribute constructively to team and other meetings as required.
• To ensure the implementation of policies, procedures and quality standards as defined by PSPA.
• Contribute to the development of literature and articles for PSPA Matters.
• To undertake any other tasks, by agreement as required, in support of the work of PSPA.

The duties may be changed and/or varied to meet changing circumstances at the discretion of the CEO and Board of Trustees.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

• Experience in delivering helpline and/or information and support services
• Excellent listening and interpersonal skills, with the capacity to listen actively understanding different points of view
• Ability to keep accurate records
• Willingness to undertake training and continuing personal development
• Experience of and sensitivity to communicating with audiences from a range of backgrounds
• Strong IT skills, with experience in MS Office products and customer relationship management software
• Flexible and reliable attitude and the ability to self-organise and to work without direct supervision
• Good communication skills, both oral and written and excellent telephone manner
• Ability to manage difficulty questions, emotions and situations in a calm and confident way.

Desirable Criteria:

• Knowledge of PSP & CBD or other neurodegenerative diseases and/or experience of working in the NHS
• An understanding of Safeguarding and an ability to follow relevant policies and procedures
• Knowledge of healthcare or social care systems.

Job Purpose

This role offers an opportunity to play a vital part in sustaining our Helpline service, which sits at the heart of the support we provide to people living with PSP & CBD. As Helpline Care Navigator (HCN), you will act as the first point of contact for individuals, families and health professionals across the West and South West.

You will deliver compassionate, person-centred support and clear, practical information via telephone and email, ensuring people affected by PSP & CBD feel heard, informed and supported at every stage of their journey. Alongside direct support, you will actively engage with health and social care professionals, neurology clinics and wider partners to strengthen local awareness of PSP & CBD and enhance referral pathways across the region.

This is a key role in maintaining continuity, quality and momentum within our Helpline service and you will be reporting to the Helpline and Support Services Manager.

Contract Type

Full Time – permanent contract (6 month probationary period)

Salary

£27,500 per annum 

Hours of Work & Annual Leave

• 35 hours per week -  this may include working some unsociable hours, including evenings and weekends.
• 28 days plus bank holidays. Pro-rated for part time role.

The main office is in Milton Keynes, and we have a hybrid working policy with staff expected to spend one day a week in the office and the remainder can be worked from home. HCN’s currently work from the office on a Wednesday. There is flexibility in the arrangements that need to be agreed upon with the line manager.

Key Responsibilities

To be ‘first point of call’ for people with PSP & CBD and their families living in the West and South West Region including Shropshire, Herefordshire, Warwickshire, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Hampshire, West Sussex, East Sussex, Dorset, Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, Avon, Isle of Wight. Providing people with support and information over the phone and via email.

• To raise awareness of PSP & CBD across all health and social care disciplines in he region by engaging with HSCP’s and neurology clinics.
• To provide accurate information in all aspects of PSP & CBD in response to enquiries and signpost onto other organisations where appropriate.
• Ensure a maximum response to all helpline calls, emails and enquires.
• To keep clear and accurate records and statistics of enquires received and actions taken.
• To carry out a maximum number of proactive calls to people affected by PSP & CBD within the region as directed by the Helpline Manager.
• Develop and maintain the existing database of key health and social care professionals and regional services.
• Attend outreach events to build the profile of PSPA services amongst health and social care professionals.
• To deliver awareness and learning sessions to HSCP’s within your region
• Work with the Director of Policy and Influencing to identify ways in which services and care can be improved for families affected by PSP & CBD in the region.
• To signpost to PSPA Support Groups and services.
• Liaise with external services to signpost to local support.
• Take an active part in the delivery and planning of information and support events, which may include the possibility of overnight stays and weekends.
• Liaise with the fundraising team to signpost to fundraising activities.
• Liaise with the Volunteer Coordinator to maintain and build volunteering in the region.
• To attend and contribute constructively to team and other meetings as required.
• To ensure the implementation of policies, procedures and quality standards as defined by PSPA.
• Contribute to the development of literature and articles for PSPA Matters.
• To undertake any other tasks, by agreement as required, in support of the work of PSPA.

The duties may be changed and/or varied to meet changing circumstances at the discretion of the CEO and Board of Trustees.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

• Experience in delivering helpline and/or information and support services
• Excellent listening and interpersonal skills, with the capacity to listen actively understanding different points of view
• Ability to keep accurate records
• Willingness to undertake training and continuing personal development
• Experience of and sensitivity to communicating with audiences from a range of backgrounds
• Strong IT skills, with experience in MS Office products and customer relationship management software
• Flexible and reliable attitude and the ability to self-organise and to work without direct supervision
• Good communication skills, both oral and written and excellent telephone manner
• Ability to manage difficulty questions, emotions and situations in a calm and confident way.

Desirable Criteria:

• Knowledge of PSP & CBD or other neurodegenerative diseases and/or experience of working in the NHS
• An understanding of Safeguarding and an ability to follow relevant policies and procedures
• Knowledge of healthcare or social care systems.

Benefits

• Pension Scheme
• Employment Assistance Programme

For more information about this role, please visit our website.

We are looking for a resilient and dedicated people to join our new specialist high risk domestic abuse service as Independent Domestic Violence Advocate's (IDVA).

The roles is full time and offered on a hybrid working basis with two days per week from our centrally located office in Boscombe. Due to the nature of the role, the successful applicants would be expected to travel regularly across the Dorset county.

As an IDVA, you'll support victims at some of the most difficult times in their lives. We're looking for someone who is compassionate, adaptable, and committed to providing excellent advocacy and support through a trauma-informed and person-centred approach. You'll be passionate about empowering survivors, building trust, and helping individuals make informed choices while ensuring their safety and wellbeing remain at the heart of your work.

What we offer

At Victim Support, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent. Our competitive rewards and benefits package includes:

• 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, an IDVA qualification
• Clinical supervision: to promote reflective practice and wellbeing

About the role

As a IDVA you will provide high quality support to victims of domestic violence and abuse. You will deliver and provide support in five key areas to support victims to:

• Feel safer
• Feel informed about their rights and the criminal justice system
• Feel listened to and heard
• Be able to implement healthy coping mechanisms
• Be connected with services who are available to help them
• Ideally, you will hold an approved and accredited IDVA qualification (or you must be willing to work towards one)

You will need

• A strong understanding of domestic abuse and violence and the impact this has on victims.
• Experience of working with victims of crime (preferably domestic abuse) including completing risk assessments and safety planning
• Experience of managing a caseload and keeping clear case management records
• Experience of adapting communication styles to be able to effectively communicate
• An understanding of trauma informed practice and how to implement this within your work
• A through understanding of the criminal justice system and the Victim's Code
• An understanding of confidentiality, safeguarding and other legal requirements
• Good IT skills including experience with working within bespoke case management systems and using Microsoft Office Packages
• Organised and methodical approach to work with the ability to plan, prioritise and organise workload

This role involves regular travel and 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 arrangement

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.