National Domestic Abuse Helpline Volunteer

Job Title: National Domestic Abuse Helpline Volunteer

Location: Home-based 

Refuge is the UK’s largest provider of specialist services and we are proud to be a leader in our field and an employer of choice, with leading edge systems for supervision, quality management and development. 

We are recruiting 20 *female Helpline Volunteers to support our National Domestic Abuse Helpline Team in providing high-quality, empowering, emotional and practical support, to predominantly women survivors of domestic abuse, but also their friends, family members, and other service professionals through our services.

Initial training for this Helpline Volunteer role will be focussed on how to provide support to those using our Live Chat Service.  Additional training in our telephone and email services will be available to successful applicants after 3 months of commitment in this role.  

Our volunteers are essential in supporting us to meet the demand for the Helpline services and are an important part of the Helpline Team. This is a stimulating role that offers positive challenges and rewards to the right applicants.

This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

Closing date: 9am on 23 September 2024

Interview dates: 14-17 October 2024

Benefits

All successful applicants undergo an extensive training and shadowing programme, where you will learn about how to effectively support the women who contact our service.  Attending all three stages of training is an essential requirement of this role.

Here the dates for the next training programme:- 

1. Induction Training - Attend 9.30am-4.30pm daily
Mon 28th Oct – Fri 1st Nov (inclusive)

2. Platform Training – Attend 1x 3hr session
between Mon 4th Nov – Thu 8th Nov
Morning, afternoon and evening slots available.

3. Practise Sessions - Attend at least 3x 3hr practise sessions between Mon 13th Nov – Thu 30th Nov
Morning, afternoon and evening slots available.

After 3 months, you will be offered the opportunity for further training to support other National Domestic Abuse Helpline services, namely those provided by telephone. Helpline Volunteers are also eligible for other Volunteer Learning and Development opportunities available throughout the year.

Our passionate and experienced Helpline Staff are always available to support you while you are on your shift with any questions you may have and you will also have regular supervisions and catch ups with the Volunteer Coordinator. We also ensure we recognise our volunteers’ contribution with celebration events throughout the year.