Domestic Abuse Worker (Refuge)
Salary £ 26,122.46
Cheetham Hill, Manchester
Vacancy listed 01/10/2026
Application deadline 22/10/2026
Details
About the Pankhurst Trust (incorporating Manchester Women's Aid)

The Pankhurst Trust brings together The Pankhurst Centre and Manchester Women's Aid.

We work together to ensure the story of the women who won the vote continues to inspire us all, and to ensure that those experiencing domestic violence and abuse get the confidential help they need. We are a group of female champions, empowering women across Manchester and beyond.

About the Role

The Domestic Abuse Worker (Refuge) plays an important role in ensuring that women and children living in our refuge accommodation are safe, supported and empowered to move forward from the impact of domestic abuse. You will work collaboratively with colleagues, volunteers and partner agencies to provide practical and emotional support, helping residents to rebuild confidence, increase independence and plan for their future.

You will be responsible for managing risk, supporting women to access the services and opportunities they need, and contributing to a safe, welcoming and supportive refuge environment. Through trauma-informed and empowering practice, you will help ensure that every woman receives high-quality support tailored to her individual needs and circumstances.

This is a varied and rewarding role, ideal for someone who is passionate about supporting women, enjoys building trusting relationships, and can balance empathy and compassion with professional judgement and effective risk management.

Please note this role is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) Check.

What you'll be doing:

  • Providing practical and emotional support to women and children living in refuge accommodation.
  • Welcoming new residents and helping them settle safely into refuge.
  • Completing risk assessments, safety plans and support plans.
  • Working with women to identify goals and access services that meet their needs.
  • Supporting women to rebuild confidence, independence and control over their lives.
  • Working alongside housing providers, health services, schools, social care and other partner agencies.
  • Identifying and responding to safeguarding concerns and managing risk appropriately.
  • Supporting women to prepare for moving on from refuge accommodation.
  • Facilitating house meetings, wellbeing activities and opportunities for residents to have their voices heard.
  • Maintaining accurate and confidential case records and reports.
  • Supporting volunteers to contribute safely and effectively within the service.
  • Contributing to the smooth day-to-day running of refuge accommodation and the wider service.

About you

You'll be someone who is compassionate, resilient and committed to supporting women affected by domestic abuse. You'll understand the importance of balancing empathy with professional boundaries and can remain calm and focused when working in emotionally demanding situations.

You'll enjoy working with people, building trust and helping individuals identify solutions and opportunities for themselves. You'll also be comfortable following processes, managing risk and maintaining accurate records to ensure women receive safe, high-quality support.

You’ll be great for this role if you:

  • Have experience supporting vulnerable people on a one-to-one basis.
  • Have experience of safeguarding and know when and how to escalate concerns appropriately.
  • Can build trusting professional relationships while maintaining clear boundaries.
  • Are able to gather information, assess needs and develop support plans.
  • Can remain calm and use sound judgement when responding to challenging or high-pressure situations.
  • Communicate clearly and sensitively with people from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
  • Are confident using digital systems and maintaining accurate records.
  • Are willing to learn and keep your knowledge up to date.
  • Share our commitment to trauma-informed, empowering and anti-discriminatory practice.
  • Are passionate about supporting women to live lives free from domestic abuse.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone feels respected, valued and able to thrive. We actively encourage applications from women from a wide range of backgrounds, communities and lived experiences.

We recognise that people may not meet every requirement listed in the person specification and encourage you to apply if you feel you could bring valuable skills, experience and potential to the role.

As a trauma-informed organisation, we are committed to creating an accessible and supportive recruitment process. If you require any adjustments at any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know and we will work with you to provide appropriate support.

This post has been identified as a open to women only under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010.

Work Location: In person

Benefits

As a member of the PTMWA team you will benefit from:

• Access to counselling services and external clinical supervision
• 25 days holiday per year (increasing with length of service up to 30 days per year) plus bank holidays and the opportunity to apply for sabbatical leave
• Cycle to work, travel and personal loan schemes
• Enhanced maternity pay and leave, including up to 21 weeks of full pay
• Paid time off for fertility treatment
• Paid time off for volunteering
• Enhanced sick pay scheme
• Flexible working opportunities
• Employee discount scheme helping you save up to 15% on the cost of physical and digital gift cards from big name retailers
• Discounted theatre and events tickets
• Enhanced pension scheme - with 5.1% employer contribution

Notes

Please note this role is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) Check.

Attached documents
Title File
Guidance for Candidates Guidance_for_Candidates.pdf
Domestic Abuse Worker (Refuge) - Role Profile Role_Profile_-_Domestic_Abuse_Worker_(Refuge).pdf
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