Job Description

Main Purpose

As a First Contact Worker within the Navigator Team, you will support individuals who have experienced or are currently experiencing sexual violence and/or sexual abuse.

You will be the first point of contact for survivors accessing our services, acting as a gateway to our specialist counselling, advocacy, and wider support services across Essex.

This role requires a compassionate, trauma-informed approach, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage sensitive conversations with empathy and professionalism.

Using your experience, you will provide a high-quality information and support service, ensuring that every individual feels heard, believed, and supported from the outset of their journey with us.

About

Reporting to:

Operations Manager

Start date:

TBC

Salary:

28,624 Pro-Rata

Hours:

30 Hours Per Week

About SOSRC and SYNERGY

SOSRC

(SOS Rape Crisis) works with survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs. SOSRC provides service across Southend, Castle Point and Rochford. SOSRC is a registered charity working with adults of all genders, young people and children.

SOSRC charity number: 1194207

SOSRC is part of

SYNERGY Essex

- The Essex Rape Crisis Partnership, working closely with SERICC and Centre for Action on Rape and abuse (CARA). SYNERGY Essex is funded by the Office for the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex Essex to deliver an Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) service to victims and survivors of sexual violence across Essex.

Further Information

Place of work:

Based at our main premise at Southend, with regular travel across mid, South & West Essex (SERICC and CARA).

Holiday:

28 days per year pro-rata. Plus additional gift days between Christmas and New Year.

Contract:

Fixed Term

Application deadline:

TBC

Start date:

August 2025

This post is restricted to women applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1.

Responsibilities

Your key responsibilities

Conduct initial assessments with survivors of sexual violence to determine their support needs and service suitability. Provide high-quality support and information including signposting and referrals Deal with service users sensitively & create a safe, trauma-informed environment that enables clients to share their experiences at their own pace. Enter all information into an IT case management system accurately and in real-time Accurately complete assessment documentation in line with organisational procedures and GDPR requirements. Provide timely monitoring and data reporting that reflects progression and effectiveness of support provided Adhere to Essex Rape Crisis policy and procedures

Main tasks

Support survivors and build trust from first point of contact to ensure can access support. Use active listening and empathetic communication to build trust and rapport during assessments. Assess and engage service users in appropriate specialist sexual violence services Gather relevant information sensitively, including risk factors, safeguarding concerns, and mental health indicators. Seek and respond to referrals from a variety of internal and external sources Help victims and survivors to understand the range of resources available to them via specialist support services across Essex Support service users to engage effectively with appropriate services to meet their individual needs Identify appropriate internal and external support pathways and signpost clients where necessary Serve as an essential link between sexual violence survivors and Essex Rape Crisis Centres Collaborate with internal teams (counselling, advocacy, ISVA, group work) to ensure coordinated support planning. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of referral criteria, safeguarding protocols, and local support services. Manage assessment bookings efficiently and contribute to reducing waiting times where possible. Attend regular supervision and training to ensure assessments remain consistent with best practice in trauma-informed care and align with Rape Crisis Values. Work collaboratively with colleagues at SOSRC to ensure that first contact and initial assessments are empowering and holistic, supporting survivors to explore their needs and any risks. Ensure that survivors are also fully informed about what to expect when accessing support specifically through SOSRC.

General

Act in accordance with SOSRC policies, procedures and ethos including: Safeguarding Policy Equalities and Diversity Policy Occupational Health and Safety Policies and Procedures Develop, foster and maintain excellent relationships with all relevant external stakeholders and organisations Attend and participate in regular meetings with SOSRC Attend and participate in regular training when required Maintain up to date knowledge on issues relevant to service users and the violence against women field Represent the Essex Rape Crisis Partnership externally when required Carry out your own administrative duties Undertake any duties consistent with the post, as requested

This list is indicative only, not exhaustive. It is intended to reflect a range of duties the post-holder will be expected to perform but additional duties commensurate with the role may be required. The job description will be reviewed from time to time and may change in light of experience and changing circumstances, in consultation with the post-holder.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Experience delivering information and support to vulnerable individuals within voluntary, public sector, health or social care settings. Ability to identify safeguarding concerns and manage risk relating to both children and adults. Proven ability to take initiative, manage a caseload, and meet objectives in a complex, fast-paced and emotionally challenging environment. Strong computer literacy, including proficiency Microsoft Office Applications Sound understanding of the needs and experiences of excluded, marginalised, and vulnerable people. Knowledge of quality assurance and evaluation frameworks. Ability to work flexibly in accordance with organisational policies and procedures to meet service demands. Commitment to ongoing training and continuous professional development relevant to the role. Ability to work in line with Essex Rape Crisis Centre policies and procedures at all times. Willingness and ability to travel across Essex regularly, with some evening and potential weekend work required. Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Desirable Criteria

Experience providing professional information and guidance to members of the public and external agencies or forums. Experience working with highly sensitive and confidential information. Experience working in partnership with other services or agencies. Understanding of lone working practices and personal safety measures. A creative approach to problem-solving and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Demonstrates self-motivation and the ability to inspire and motivate others. A strong focus on the needs of individuals, partners and services, with a commitment to delivering a responsive, effective and person-centred service. Experience of developing and managing individual support plans tailored to the needs of survivors. Understanding of the impact of sexual violence and abuse on survivors. Knowledge of relevant local and national strategies, policies and legislation. Awareness of the specific needs and experiences of women and girls who have experienced sexual violence.
This job description and person specification outline the key responsibilities and qualifications required for the role of Navigator Project Worker at SOSRC. We encourage candidates who are passionate about supporting survivors of sexual violence and are committed to making a positive impact to apply.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: 28,624.00 per year

Expected hours: 30 per week

Benefits:

Company pension Flexitime Free parking Health & wellbeing programme Life insurance On-site parking Work from home
Work Location: In person

Reference ID: Navigator Project Worker