Specialist Support Worker (Multiple Disadvantage)

(Please note that applicants are usually appointed at the bottom of the relevant band)

Are you looking for a rewarding role working for an intersectional feminist organisation? If so, we have an incredible opportunity for you to join our team as an

You will be joining a team of committed and inspiring individuals whose dedication has saved the lives of thousands of women, men and children in the capital. We are looking for friendly and diligent individuals to join our services and help us make a difference.

Our core values reflect our history and were developed in consultation with staff and service users. Feminism and intersectionality are key to our work and we are committed to the principles of being survivor-led, trauma-informed, empowering, diverse, anti-racist and anti-discriminatory.

Ella House supports women facing multiple disadvantages and intersectional challenges, including homelessness, substance misuse, contact with the criminal justice system, and mental ill health. These women often fall through gaps between services and systems, making it harder for them to address their challenges and lead fulfilling lives. At Ella House, the goal is to support clients with multiple and complex needs, recognising the emotional and compound trauma that can accompany and, in many cases, precede experiences of homelessness.

Ella House provides support by empowering women through independence, inclusion, peer support and wellbeing, bringing together diverse expertise and approaches.

The service delivers holistic support, where women are recognised for their full combination of strengths, capacities and experiences. We acknowledge how women, as individuals, want to be supported differently, and this requires staff to be patient, observant, creative and committed to trying a range of approaches.

Specialist Support Workers provide support to women affected by multiple disadvantage, including those who have experienced domestic and/or sexual violence, have significant mental ill health, and/or use substances.

You will ensure the smooth running of the refuge, including processing and admitting new referrals, ensuring rent and personal charges are paid, maintaining rooms and communal areas, overseeing general housekeeping, organising repairs, and responding to crisis situations. You will work with women to develop Support Plans that meet their immediate practical and emotional needs and support their recovery, linking them with specialist services where required.

You will work in a trauma‑informed way and ideally have experience supporting people with significant mental ill health and/or substance use needs.

The ideal candidate will have in‑depth knowledge of multiple disadvantages and their impact on women, as well as experience providing emotional and practical support to those affected by homelessness, substance misuse, the criminal justice system and mental ill health.

You will have experience managing risk and following case management procedures to meet the needs of a diverse client group. You will be able to work with women to help them understand their needs, complete risk assessments, develop safety plans, and engage effectively with other agencies.

You will have working knowledge of legal remedies, housing and welfare benefits, and experience delivering workshops.

In addition to case management duties, you will be required to undertake housing management responsibilities, including health and safety tasks and supporting the upkeep of the accommodation. You will have excellent administrative and time‑management skills.

We provide a comprehensive benefits package to all our employees, including:

• Flexible working
• Focus on learning and development (internal career progression and training)
• Generous holiday entitlement
• Employer pension contribution
• Family-friendly leave and enhanced maternity pay
• Access to Inclusion Networks
• Daily clinical debriefing
• Employee Assistance Programme providing free 24/7 support and advice
• Employee Benefits Platform offering staff discounts, benefits and savings
• Flow & Restore yoga classes
• Meditation sessions
• Cycle to Work Scheme

When applying for this role, kindly highlight in your Supporting Statement how your values, knowledge, transferrable skills, and experience align with each point within the following sections of the Job Profile Document:

• Values, Behaviours & Competencies
• Knowledge, Experience and Skills

Solace Women's Aid values diversity, promotes equity, and challenges discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, abilities, perspectives, and lived experiences. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay, and benefits. Our Inclusion Networks support staff with protected characteristics and offer inclusive spaces to connect.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We anticipate and provide reasonable adjustments as needed and support employees who acquire a disability or long-term health condition, enabling them to stay in work.

This service is run by women for women and is therefore restricted to female applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, and Part 1. Section 7(2) e of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 apply. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

As part of safer recruitment practices, we carry out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and right to work in the UK checks.

No agencies.