Local domestic abuse charity facing recruitment challenge

Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Services (incorporating Swindon's Women's Aid) is currently facing recruitment challenges.

Demand for domestic abuse support is growing, but the team at Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Services say hiring additional staff is causing headaches.

CEO of the Charity, Jo Eamey said: “Whilst demand for our services has never been higher, we are struggling to find staff to fill several new full and part-time vacancies.  In particular, we opened a new role recently to support male victims, but our traditional recruitment activity has not produced any suitable candidates.”

The charity says whilst applicants with Domestic Abuse qualifications and experience are preferred, people with relevant experience – perhaps in nursing, the police or education – would be given the appropriate training and support to become qualified.

The successful candidate will hold a caseload of victims and survivors of DA who are residing within the community, and provide 1:1 support, undertaking DASH risk assessments and developing individual safety and support plans.

The charity, founded in 1975, offers a wide range of support to anyone suffering from domestic abuse, whether coercive control or physical abuse. Their advisors support the women and children living in the Refuge but also work in the community caring for and advising anyone seeking a safe exit from an abusive relationship.

Currently there are multiple vacancies available for which job-sharing may be considered. They include:

• A Children’s Support Worker
• A Resettlement Key Worker
• An Inclusion and Diversity Specialist
• A part-time Partner Link role
• A Refuge Manager
• Two Domestic Abuse Aware Schools Worker (Term Time Only)

For those not looking for a full-time role but who can spare a few hours, the charity says it is also looking for more volunteers to help out in their shop, Survivor, in the Parade. 

The shop is considered a vital source of income for the charity, and they are in need of more Team Leaders/volunteers to be able to open six days a week. The charity team says most of its volunteers do a four-hour shift, once or twice a week to fit around other commitments.

Those looking for more information around job descriptions, or to apply for any of these roles, can email [email protected]

The Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Services team are reminding members of the public that all roles (other than shop volunteers) are open to females only, exempt under the Equality Act pursuant to Schedule 9, Part 1. 

Those in need advice for themselves or a friend relating to Domestic Abuse can call the confidential 24/7 Helpline (which is always answered by an advisor) on 01793 610610.