Dispersed Domestic Abuse Support Worker – Changing Lives, Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough Safe Accommodation Service is delivered by Changing Lives, providing a coordinated, trauma-informed, and recovery-focused response to those who are fleeing domestic abuse. This includes adult victims and survivors, their children and young people.

As part of our safe accommodation model, we provide safe and secure refuge accommodation for women and children. Our service includes 14 self-contained units and one emergency bed with 24/7 support available. We work collaboratively with each woman - whether she is single or living with her children - to develop person-centred safety and support plans, alongside comprehensive risk assessments. This approach ensures that each individual remains central to every stage of the process.

Alongside the refuge, the model also provides dispersed accommodation for individuals and families who may not be able to access traditional mainstream refuge or are ready for move on from refuge but require support during the transition into independent living. Dispersed Support Workers will deliver support equivalent to refuge services, including access to community-based support and groups.

Overall Role Purpose

We are looking for a Dispersed Domestic Abuse Support Worker to provide high quality, person-centred support to individuals experiencing domestic abuse who would not typically meet mainstream refuge criteria, ensuring that they are safe, supported and empowered to rebuild their lives. The role involves delivering practical and emotional support for people living in our dispersed accommodation, promoting independence, and enabling the people we support to access appropriate resources, services, and longer-term housing solutions.

For some victim/survivors a proactive trauma-informed and persistent outreach approach is required. The role involves offering intensive, support to help victims improve safety, access specialist services, and build trust. The worker will engage clients through assertive, person-centred approaches to reduce harm and promote recovery and stability.

The successful candidate will use a holistic and strength-based approach to support all individuals; supporting individuals who may have experienced multiple disadvantages and have unmet needs, who require specialist trauma informed and non-judgmental support.