SOUTHALL BLACK SISTERS
VACANCIES
Working at Southall Black Sisters
Originally set up in 1979, Southall Black Sisters (SBS) has established itself as an iconic organisation based in West London, but with a national reach and reputation for its landmark legal interventions, its contributions to changes in policy for the benefit of Black and minoritised women, and its unique approach to casework and advocacy.
We are a specialist organisation, led by and for Black and minoritised women, committed to preventing and challenging all forms of violence against women and girls. By its very nature, our work addresses issues of multiple or intersectional discrimination, involving the simultaneous experience of race, gender, class, caste and other forms of inequality.
Southall Black Sisters is committed to maintaining a supportive working environment, where team members feel valued, empowered and safe. To that end, our employees benefit from:
- 25 days of annual leave (pro rata) excluding Bank Holidays, increasing by 1 additional day per completed year of service up to a maximum of 30 days, plus additional days off between Christmas and New Year
- Hybrid working can be considered
- A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, including access to confidential support from MBACP therapists to help you to deal with personal and professional issues that could be affecting your home life or work life, physical/mental health, or general wellbeing
- Clinical supervision with an MBACP therapist to explore issues arising from casework
- A focus on continued learning and development through accredited training delivered by experts in their field
- Career development pathways and support
- The opportunity to learn and grow within an organisation renowned for inspiring political activism and campaigning successes
- Employer eye care scheme
- Employer pension contribution
- Charity worker discounts
Current Opportunities
Domestic Violence Advocate x 2
Contract Type: 1 year FTC with possibility of extension
Hours: Full Time (35 hours per week)
Responsible to: Advocacy Service Manager
Salary: £26k – £29k depending on qualification and experience
Place of Work: Southall (hybrid working can be considered)
Interview Date: To be conducted on a rolling basis until both vacancies have been filled
Southall Black Sisters is looking for 2 Domestic Violence Advocates to join our dynamic team in Southall to provide high-quality advice, support, and advocacy services to victims of domestic abuse and other forms of gender-based violence, including forced marriage, rape and sexual abuse, so-called honour crimes, and related issues such as immigration, asylum, and No Recourse to Public Funds.
You will assist women to access support under various destitution schemes, promote social inclusion, encourage independence, and develop the personal resilience of women using our advocacy service.
Working within a multi-agency framework, you will ensure women’s needs are met by encouraging engagement with a range of SBS and external services, keeping service users at the heart of all service delivery.
Job Purpose:
- To provide high-quality and comprehensive advice, information, practical and advocacy support relating to domestic and other forms of gender-based violence perpetrated against Black and minoritised women and children.
- To assist with educational, developmental, policy and campaigning work arising from advice and casework.
- To promote the aims and objectives of SBS as a specialist organisation for Black and minoritised women and children.
Independent Domestic Violence Advocate Job Description & Person Specification
Application Process
To apply for this post, please email a completed application form and Equality & Diversity Monitoring Form to hr@southallblacksisters.co.uk.
Your application form must evidence how your knowledge, skills and experience meet the requirements of the job description and person specification.
Please include ‘Independent Domestic Violence Advocate’ in the subject line of your email.
Due to the nature of our work, this post is open to Black and South Asian women only (exempt under the Equality Act 2010 Schedule 9, Part 1).
Testimonials from our staff and volunteers, past and present:
Vidya, Domestic Violence Advocate
The work of an advocate is challenging, to say the least, but it is also immensely rewarding. While the women who approach us for assistance come with stories of unspeakable cruelty and injustice, these are almost always tempered with touching accounts of kindness, strength and survival. SBS plays a significant role in bringing some relief to vulnerable women and children in times of crisis, and I am grateful to have had the chance to do the same.”
Radhika, Legal Policy & Campaigns Officer
Every day I play a part in helping survivors of abuse access safety, justice and support – whether that is changing the life of one woman by helping her seek redress for being abused and abandoned abroad, or of hundreds and thousands of women through our ongoing challenges to unjust and discriminatory policies which marginalise migrant women. Can you leave work every day saying you made a positive difference? I can.”
Biba, Volunteer
I have really enjoyed volunteering at SBS, as I have learnt so much from everyone in the office, and from all the tasks I have been given to do. I have learnt that even the mundane jobs such as filing play a vital part in keeping a woman safe from danger, and getting her the justice she deserves. Every day is a new challenge, and I leave grateful that I could do something that has made a positive change to someone’s life.
I can honestly say its one of the most interesting things I’ve done, I have met some wonderful people, and I would recommend volunteering at SBS to anyone who is up for a rewarding challenge.”
Natasha, Volunteer
As a volunteer, I have had many different roles: Admin Support – helping with the website, social media, reception. Advocacy Support – Refuge Searches for clients, case filing and upkeep. Client Support – Accompany clients to meetings at the Job Centre or to see their Solicitors.
Working with SBS has really helped me to put everything into perspective personally and professionally. Although I am only a supporting role, I genuinely feel that a win for SBS is a win for me.”
Courtney, Volunteer
Akshaya, Volunteer
It was also a positive experience to see all the staff members in SBS campaigning for the same course so strongly! I felt welcomed into the organisation by all the staff members including senior management. Everyone has also been accommodating of my needs as a students, giving up time to explain the policies and campaigns run by SBS.
I am very grateful for the placement where I had a great opportunity to learn more about the great work SBS carry out.”