Specialist Support Worker
We have a great opportunity to join the thriving and dynamic SARSAS team as a Specialist Support Worker.
About the role
We are currently seeking a Specialist Support Worker to join the SARSAS team to work with women* who have experienced rape or sexual violence and who may have multiple support needs (for example, drug and alcohol misuse, disabilities or mental health needs). You will also carry out assessments for support and facilitate some group work.
Salary: £28,065 per annum (full time equivalent)
Hours: 37 hours per week
Location: Bristol (with some travel across Avon and Somerset), or up to 2 days a week working from home
Benefits: 5% employer pension contribution, 27 days annual leave (pro-rata) plus bank holidays, paid sick leave
Contract: permanent
Closing date: midnight on midnight on Tuesday 13th May 2025.
This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check and open to women only (exempt under the Equality Act 2010 Schedule 9, Part 1)
*Including trans-women and non-binary people.
About you
You will have experience of working with people who have experienced trauma and understand the complexities of working with clients with multiple support needs. You will be passionate about working with survivors of sexual violence, have a working knowledge of the impacts of trauma and an understanding of the barriers clients may face in accessing support.
You will have the personal skills to support and empower clients through liaison, advocacy and psychoeducational tools, enabling clients to achieve positive outcomes in areas such as health and wellbeing, safety, interpersonal relationships, confidence, employment and community integration. You will have a knowledge of partner agencies and external pathways to support.
You will be skilled in carrying out needs and risk assessments to ensure SARSAS clients are offered the most appropriate pathways of support. In addition to one-to-one support, you will have the skills to be involved in facilitating group work for survivors of sexual abuse.
Role requirements:
- A recognised qualification or significant training and experience of working in a supportive and/or therapeutic way with people who have multiple support needs.
- Relevant experience of making comprehensive assessments and understanding referral pathways.
- Experience or understanding of facilitating group work and/or peer support.
- Experience of multi-disciplinary working, working alongside statutory services such as mental health teams, police and social services
- Comprehensive understanding of the impact of rape and sexual abuse including causes and consequences.
- Safeguarding principles and procedures for adults and children.
- Willingness and ability to travel throughout the area.
About SARSAS
SARSAS exists to relieve the trauma and distress and help rebuild the lives of survivors who live in Somerset, Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset and BANES, who have experienced any form of sexual violence, at any point in their lives. We campaign and educate to raise awareness and bring an end to sexual violence. Partnership work with a variety of agencies locally and nationally is a priority to enable social change.
Our work is guided by a trauma-informed approach which understands how traumatic experiences can impact on survivors and keeps an awareness of the effects of trauma at the forefront of our approach to support.
This video developed as part of the 2021 GSK Impact Awards will give you a taster of the work we do.
Equity, diversity, and inclusion
At SARSAS we strive to create a workplace that reflect the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We want to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates diverse voices. We actively encourage applicants with protected characteristics to apply.
We are committed to taking an inclusive approach to recruitment and selection whilst ensuring there is no discrimination in our processes and that our team and prospective employees are treated fairly, with respect and without bias. Reasonable adjustments to the interview process can be made to accommodate additional requirements. Applicants are encouraged to highlight any specific adjustments needed to enable participation in the recruitment process. For more information, contact recruitment@sarsas.org.uk or call 0117 929 9556.
How to apply
Download and read the job description and person specification
Download and complete the application form
Return your completed application to recruitment@sarsas.org.uk by midnight on Tuesday 13th May 2025
Interview date: Wednesday 23rd May 2025. Please ensure you are available for an interview on this date.
Interviews will be held in person in our Bristol office but please indicate in your application if this is not possible so we can consider an alternative.
If you have any questions, please contact recruitment@sarsas.org.uk or ring our Bristol office on 0117 929 9556 and speak to Laura Fitzgerald, HR Administrator.
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What is a sexual assault referral centre (SARC)?
A SARC can offer free, confidential medical, practical and emotional support to people who have been raped, sexually abused or assaulted at any point in their lives. They’re usually provided by the NHS, but will always have specially trained doctors, nurses and support workers.
