Are you a values-driven leader who believes that women facing domestic abuse deserve exceptional services - services not just designed for them, but truly shaped by their lived experiences?
Leeds Women's Aid (LWA) is a proudly feminist, women-centred organisation delivering life-changing support for women and girls experiencing domestic abuse. As they enter an exciting time of growth and transformation, they're looking for a visionary Director of Services & Engagement to help shape the next era of innovation and impact.
Salary: £55,000-£60,000
Location: Hybrid (50/50) split between Leeds office, home and cross-service/stakeholders
Contract: Permanent, 35 hours per week FTE
Benefits: 30 days annual leave (+bank), 5% employer pension contribution, enhanced maternity/paternity policies, flexible life and family-friendly working
About the opportunity
In this newly reimagined role, you'll lead service delivery and engagement with women accessing LWA's support, ensuring services are safe, trauma-informed and inclusive - and, above all, grounded in women's lived experiences. You will create the conditions for their voices to be heard, valued and amplified, so they meaningfully shape practice and influence change.
This is a rare, career-defining opportunity at the heart of LWA's future. The organisation is building a visible, united and inspiring senior team, rooted in shared leadership, mutual accountability and collaboration.
You'll take ownership of a diverse and dynamic portfolio spanning refuge, community services, housing, engagement, impact and performance. As an ambitious organisational strategy gains momentum, you'll focus on strengthening partnerships, building emerging housing capability and ensuring survivors' voices influence every decision.
Taking the lead on
- Strategic oversight of frontline services and survivor-centred practice.
- Coaching-led leadership for managers and multi-disciplinary teams.
- Quality assurance, performance, safeguarding and operational risk.
- Innovation and service development informed by data, evidence and lived experience.
- External engagement with commissioners, statutory services and the wider sector.
- Development of a sustainable, forward-facing housing strategy.
About you
You are a confident, highly skilled operational leader with a deep commitment to women-centred, trauma-informed practice. You bring the credibility and conviction to represent an organisation rooted in women's lived experience, ensuring its values, language and decisions consistently reflect women-centred principles.
You'll also bring:
- Senior leadership experience within charity, public sector or social care settings.
- Proven track record of delivering high-quality services across complex teams.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to identify and drive innovation and change.
- Sound judgement, calm decision-making and strong relationship-building skills.
- Able to offer respectful challenge, foster reflective practice and shared ownership.
- Consistently values-led, inclusive and ethical in your leadership.
Please note, this is a women-only role under the Equality Act 2010, which is an Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010.
Why this role matters
You'll join an organisation with courageous ambition and a commitment to collective leadership. This role gives you the platform to influence strategy, shape service excellence, elevate survivor voice and lead a talented, purpose-led workforce making a profound difference every day.
Are you ready to apply?
Please send a copy of your CV or profile to Amelia Lee at Charity People as the first step.
If your experience matches what we're looking for, then we'll be in touch with more detail about the application process.
Deadline: 9am on Wednesday 25th March
Interview dates will be confirmed soon.
Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.
PENNINE DOMESTIC ABUSE PARTNERSHIP
Role Profile
JOB TITLE: Children and Young Person’s Worker
SALARY: £28-30k
RESPONSIBLE TO: Accommodation service manager
PENSION: 6% Employer contribution
HEALTH BENEFITS: Cash plan health scheme, wellbeing assistance programme
HOURS: 37.5 hours per week
LEAVE: 30 days (inclusive of birthday) and 8 bank holidays
Flexible working hours according to the needs of the project. Evening and weekend work as required. Annual leave and time off in lieu to be taken at times to meet the requirements of the organisation and with the prior agreement of the Accommodation Manager.
The post is based within Pennine Domestic Abuse Partnership (PDAP) and is subject to an enhanced DBS check and safer recruitment processes.
N.B. The organisation refers to the Pennine Domestic Abuse Partnership.
OVERALL OBJECTIVES
· Develop, deliver and implement a service for children and young people experiencing domestic abuse living in refuge accommodation.
· To work in partnership with mothers/carers to identify children and young people’s support needs and to ensure those needs are met.
· To work with respect and response to the cultural needs of children and families of ethnic minority backgrounds.
· Provide direct support to a caseload of children and young people experiencing or affected by domestic abuse, working with them to assess risk and support them with safety planning and recovery from abuse.
· Work closely with other PDAP C&YP workers to develop resources/ activities and therapeutic interventions for children and young people who have experienced DA.
· Develop and implement clear pathways for this service with mothers/carers and our partners, schools and social care services and with our existing service users ensuring accessible routes to support for those that need it.
· Work with children and young people to support them to shape the service to best meet their needs.
· Provide one to one and group work practical and emotional support to children and young people who have/are experiencing domestic abuse ensuring all support is delivered safely.
· To advocate for children and young people with any other agencies who may be involved in their care such as schools, CSC, health etc.
· To complete verbal feedback and written reports to social care when required
· To implement and maintain standards of excellence throughout service delivery ensuring all client records are recorded in line with PDAP policies and procedures.
· To complete accurate daily and weekly online diary for internal calendar and employee accountability.
· To follow lone working safety policies and procedures
· To comply with confidentiality and Data Protection policies and procedures
· To educate and inform the public and other professionals by raising awareness of domestic abuse and ensuring client safety is central in multi-agency partnerships.
· To ensure the safeguarding of children and young people affected by domestic abuse accessing the service, liaising with and making referrals to CSC where appropriate.
· To participate in PDAP out of hours on call rota
PARTICULAR TASKS OF THE POSTHOLDER
Project Management and Service Delivery
· Always ensure quality standards, policies and procedures, and guidelines are fully adhered too, practiced and delivered throughout this service.
· Ensure that all service users are treated in a consistent, fair and empowering manner and to promote user participation in the development of the service.
· Ensure that the C&YP service is monitored and evaluated regularly with service users, partners, volunteers and PDAP staff. To identify areas of improvement and gaps in service delivery, develop and implement improvement plans.
· Develop the service, identify gaps in accessibility and put measures in place to ensure the programme is accessible to all, regardless of ethnicity, sexuality, gender, and all other protected characteristics.
· To liaise with other PDAP teams, and relevant external agencies to contribute fully to a multi-agency, joint approach way of working.
· To be fully conversant with all PDAP policies and procedures
· To ensure Health and Safety legislation is adhered to.
Organisational Development
· To participate in and support organisational policy development and implementation.
· To ensure that the views of clients and stakeholders are embedded into the work of PDAP and to take full account of these in the development of new services.
Internal and External Liaison and communication
· To promote PDAP ethos and values across the organisation
· To liaise with other agencies on behalf of the organisation, volunteers and service users and represent the wider complexities of those experiencing domestic abuse.
· To represent PDAP operationally where required, attending advisory groups and participating in local forum meetings with a view to influencing how stakeholders deal with domestic abuse and to publicise the C&YP service.
· To develop and maintain good positive working relationships and referral pathways with relevant agencies and professionals
· To attend and participate positively in relevant meetings, training, supervision and annual appraisals
Other
· To undertake other related duties required by your manager, the CEO and Board of Trustees
· To keep up to date with national and local government decisions, policy and agendas pertinent to domestic abuse and PDAP, implement this learning to develop services and enhance the work PDAP carry out, also disseminate learning, knowledge and awareness to colleagues
· To undertake all other reasonable tasks requested by the senior leadership team
· To take part in PDAP 24hr out of hours on-call rota
It is essential to the development of PDAP service delivery that the post holder can respond flexibly to changes in the requirements of this post. This job description is therefore a guide and not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities the post holder may have over time.
Person Specification
Skills & Experience
Essential
Desirable
Experience of supporting children who have been impacted by domestic abuse
x
Experience working with children and young adults
x
Experience with providing service data reports
x
Liaising with child centred agencies
x
Experience of working with children with complex needs
x
IT proficiency, ability to learn new software programs, basic Microsoft experience
x
Qualification relevant to working with children and young people, such as level 3 and above
x
Ability to recognize signs of deteriorating mental health and initiate appropriate interventions to prevent crisis
x
Experience of carrying out risk assessments
x
Experience of working within health and safety principles, policies and procedures
x
Have excellent communication skills both verbal and in writing.
x
Can speak one or more of the community languages in Kirklees, Urdu and/or Punjabi
x
Experience working in partnership with other agencies such as social care, police, family support and schools
x
Personal Qualities
Be compassionate and empathetic
x
Act with integrity and respect when working with all clients, agencies, and individuals
x
Work flexibly as part of a team
x
Positive energy and commitment to the post
x
Commitment to the values, aims and objectives of PDAP
x
Knowledge
Excellent understanding of domestic abuse and VAWG
x
Understanding of trauma and how it impacts children and young people
x
Understanding of the social needs and support required for children with multiple and complex needs
x
Understanding of safeguarding policies and procedures
x
Knowledge and understanding of equity, diversity and inclusion
x
Understand the barriers for victims of domestic abuse in accessing support and how to address these.
x
Knowledge of development milestones
x
Other requirements
Subject to enhanced DBS check
x
Ability to work outside the normal office hours (as and when required), including occasional evening work
x
Full driving license and access to a car
x
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Domestic Abuse Practitioner- Accommodation
JOB TITLE: Domestic Abuse Parenting Support and Group Facilitator
SALARY: £ 28-30K
RESPONSIBLE TO: Accommodation Manager
HOURS: 37.5 flexible working between hours of 8am – 6pm
Monday to Friday
Annual Leave: 30 days pro-rata + Bank Holidays
Pension: 6% employer’s contribution
Health Benefits: Health Care Cash Plan
Employment Mental Wellbeing Scheme
Flexible working hours according to the needs of the project. Evening and weekend work as required. Annual leave and time off in lieu to be taken at times to meet the requirements of the organisation and with the prior agreement of the CEO.
The post is based within Pennine Domestic Abuse Partnership (Pdap)
N.B. The organisation refers to the Pennine Domestic Abuse Partnership.
Overall Objectives
To support women who have been subjected to domestic abuse, ‘so called’ honor-based abuse and or forced marriage to navigate the barriers faced in their journey to recovery.
To provide holistic and trauma-informed support to women residing across Pdap’s refuge services who have experienced domestic abuse. The post will have a strong emphasis on supporting empowerment through one to one and group-based activities. This role will deliver targeted interventions, facilitate group activities that promote confidence and self-efficacy, and provide flexible, ad hoc support to a small caseload of women.
The successful applicant will embody the Pdap values and keep the client at the heart of everything they do.
Particular Tasks of the Postholder
The postholder will provide client-centred support and advocate for victims of domestic abuse by;
1. Providing bespoke 1 to 1 support sessions:
• Provide one-to-one support tailored to the needs of women affected by domestic abuse.
• Help women rebuild post-abuse.
• Complete support plans with women to ascertain their needs and work with them to achieve their goals
• To support women to access housing and other key services
• To ensure women have the means to live independently including support to access finance and education
2. Facilitating Group Activities
• Alongside the wider DAP team to design and facilitate a regular programme of group activities aimed at building confidence, skills, and emotional wellbeing.
• Promote peer support, personal development, and recovery through workshops on topics such as self-esteem, healthy relationships, assertiveness, and life skills.
• Encourage participation and co-production by involving women in planning and leading group sessions where appropriate.
3. Individual Support
• Hold a small, manageable caseload and provide responsive, ad hoc support as needed.
• Conduct holistic, trauma-informed assessments, support plans and safety planning.
• Empower women to make informed choices and access relevant services (e.g. legal, housing, benefits, health).
• Advocate on behalf of residents where necessary to ensure their rights and needs are met.
4. Partnership and Safeguarding
• Work closely with external agencies (e.g. social services, schools, health professionals) to ensure coordinated support.
• Proactively contribute to multi-agency safeguarding and risk management procedures.
• Maintain accurate records and case notes in line with organisational policies and confidentiality standards
• To adhere to defined service standards and accreditation frameworks and remain up-to-date and compliant with all organisational procedures policies and professional codes of conduct and uphold standards of best practice
Organisational Development
· To ensure the views of clients and stakeholders are embedded into the work of PDAP and to take full account of these in the development of services
· To participate in, and support organisational policy development and implementation
· To embrace Pdap’s approach to continuous improvement
Internal and External Liaison and Engagement
· To promote Pdap ethos and values across the organisation
· To liaise with other agencies on behalf of clients, the organisation and volunteers
and represent the wider complexities of those experiencing domestic abuse
· To represent Pdap operationally where required.
· To develop and maintain good positive working relationships with relevant agencies and professionals
· To attend and participate positively in relevant meetings, training, supervision and annual appraisals.
Other
· To work as part of a team to ensure the health and safety elements of the accommodation are undertaken
· To undertake other related duties required by your manager, the Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees
· To keep up-to-date with national and local government decisions, policy and agendas pertinent to domestic abuse and Pdap, implement this learning to develop services and enhance the work Pdap carry out, also disseminate learning, knowledge and awareness to colleagues
· To undertake all other reasonable tasks requested by the senior leadership team
· To take part in Pdap out of hours on-call rota
It is essential to the development of Pdap service delivery that the post holder is able to respond flexibly to changes in the requirements of this post. This job description is therefore a guide and not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities the post holder may have over time
Person Specification Knowledge
You will be required to:
Essential:
• Minimum 2 years experience of working with vulnerable adults or children.
• To have demonstrable safeguarding experience and be willing to undertake an enhanced DBS.
• Knowledge of the impact of domestic abuse women
• Minimum Level 3 qualification or substantial relevant experience in a related field with additional proof of continuing professional development
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust and rapport quickly.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures.
• Strong organisational, report writing and communication skills, both written and in person
• Knowledge and experience of working with women and children from different backgrounds and a commitment to equitable practice.
• Experience working in partnership with key organisations relating to safeguarding and multi-agency working
Desirable:
• Relevant qualification (e.g. social work, psychology, health and social care, IDVA training).
• Experience delivering group work or educational sessions.
• Can speak one or more of the community languages within Kirklees
• Experience working with children or families in a domestic abuse setting or within the community
• Knowledge of trauma-informed approaches and strength-based models.
• Knowledge of case management systems
Additional Information:
• An enhanced DBS check will be required for this role.
• A full clean driving license is required for this role
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required.
• Ongoing training and professional development will be provided.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.