Job Description

Click apply and answer a few short questions, and we will email you an application pack- or email applications@wwaca.org.

Two full time Refuge Domestic Abuse Practitioners (24-Hour Shifts)

Hours:

37 hours per week (flexibility required) plus additional paid hours for a weekly team meeting.

Post 1 is

24?hour shifts every Monday and Friday (9am-9.30am the next day, including a sleep?in from 1am-7am)

, with bank holidays shared across the team.

Post 2 includes a

Saturday 24?hour shift (same hours as above).

The remaining

18 hours (Monday-Friday)

will be worked flexibly across the week. Supporting both current residents and women who have recently moved on from the refuge. Some flexibility required.

Exact days and times will be discussed and agreed at interview.

Reports to:

CEO / Deputy Manager

Location

: Women & Children's Refuge, Wirral

Salary:

26,000 to 36,200 depending on experience

About Wirral Women and Children's Aid Refuge

Our refuge provides safe, trauma-informed accommodation and wrap-around support to women and children escaping domestic abuse. We work holistically, recognising that recovery and independence come from addressing every area of a person's life, from safety and emotional wellbeing to housing, finances, parenting, and practical daily needs.

No two days are ever the same here. The work is varied, fast-paced and, at times, chaotic but always deeply rewarding. You'll be part of a close, supportive team that works collaboratively with partners across housing, social care, health, Domestic abuse services and education to help families rebuild their lives and move forward with confidence and hope.

Role Purpose

Provide safe, trauma-informed and empowering support to women and children living in refuge accommodation who have experienced domestic abuse. Work as part of a 24-hour team ensuring safety, wellbeing and recovery, and help residents move on toward independence and long-term stability.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

Refuge Operations & Safety

Maintain a safe, calm and welcoming refuge environment at all times.

Complete room, fire and welfare checks; record incidents and handovers accurately.

Respond promptly to any safeguarding, health or safety concerns in line with policy.

Liaise with on-call managers, maintenance and emergency services as needed.

Trauma-Informed Support & Key Work

Build trusting, non-judgemental relationships using trauma-informed principles.

Deliver one-to-one sessions focusing on:

Move-on to independence - tenancy preparation, daily living skills.

Budgeting and finance support - income management, benefits, debt, bills.

Domestic abuse recovery work - understanding coercive control, safety planning, healthy relationships, impact on children.

Support women to develop personalised safety and support plans.

Encourage engagement with education, employment and wellbeing activities.

Able to think outside the box, adapt rapidly, and provide responsive, compassionate support to women and children experiencing crisis or trauma.

Offer group-based sessions that respond to women's emotional needs, support peer connection, and provide space to explore experiences in a safe and contained way.

Children & Family Support

Work alongside family link / children's advocates to meet children's emotional and practical needs.

Support mothers to understand their attachment'sand rebuild parenting confidence

Facilitate therapeutic play and routines that promote stability and trust.

Multi-Agency Work & Advocacy

Attend social-care, safeguarding and professional meetings as required, providing accurate updates.

Liaise with agencies such as housing, police, health, education and probation to advocate for families' needs.

Share information appropriately while maintaining confidentiality and data-protection standards.

Taking helpline calls and completing DASH Risk Assessments.

Attend MARAC when required to be the voice of the victim/survivor and the refuge

Administration & Monitoring

Maintain clear, confidential records on systems such as OASIS/Mainstay.

Complete support plans, risk assessments, incident logs and outcome monitoring.

Contribute to data returns and quality-assurance requirements.

Teamwork & Professional Development

Work collaboratively with 24-hour staff to ensure consistent support.

Participate in reflective practice, supervision and training.

Commit to continual learning around trauma, domestic abuse and safeguarding.

Attend the weekly team meeting on a day that meets the needs of the refuge.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

Experience supporting vulnerable adults/families in housing, refuge or accommodation settings.

Understanding of domestic abuse, coercive control and the impact of trauma.

Ability to work with trauma-informed coping strategies developed from abuse, recognising their protective function and supporting survivors/victims to safely develop healthier alternatives that break cycles of harm.

Ability to deliver structured 1-to-1 sessions on independence, budgeting and recovery.

Confidence attending and contributing to multi-agency meetings.

Strong communication, empathy and de-escalation skills.

Reliable and flexible to work 24-hour shifts.

Competent record keeping and IT skills.

Commitment to equality, diversity and trauma-informed practice.

Desirable Criteria:

Direct experience in domestic-abuse refuge or outreach.

Knowledge of Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and MARAC processes.

Experience facilitating group or recovery programmes.

Experience working with Children's Social Care and safeguarding partners.

Knowledge of welfare benefits, housing pathways and resettlement.

NVQ Level 3 Health & Social Care / DA qualification.

Familiarity with OASIS/Mainstay or similar systems.

Full UK driving licence and access to vehicle.

Knowledge of CAT (Cognitive Analytic Therapy) principles and how they can inform trauma?informed support.

Knowledge and understanding of trauma informed practice

Values & Approach

Trauma-informed: safety, trust, collaboration and empowerment.

Empowering: enabling choice, independence and confidence.

Child-centred: recognising the voice and wellbeing of every child.

Collaborative: working with partners for holistic, joined-up support.

Accountable: acting with integrity, confidentiality and respect.

Ability to reflect on own practice, take accountability and improve practice.

Key Dates

Closing date:

18/02

Shortlisting:

19/02 - 23/02

Assessment day:

Week commencing 09/03

Interviews:

Week commencing 16/03

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 26,000.00-36,200.00 per year

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 18/02/2026