About this role
Job summary
We are seeking two compassionate, resilient, and dedicated Crisis Workers to join our NHS-run Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), the regional hub for South East Wales. As a leading provider of specialist services for individuals affected by sexual violence and abuse, we are committed to delivering the highest standards of care and are currently working towards forensic accreditation ISO 15189.
This is a unique opportunity to play a vital role in supporting individuals on their journey towards safety, recovery, and empowerment. As a Crisis Worker, you will often be one of the first professionals that clients encounter following a traumatic experience. You will provide immediate emotional support, practical guidance, advocacy, and reassurance, ensuring that every individual feels heard, respected, and supported during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.
Working as part of a dedicated multidisciplinary team, you will contribute to the delivery of a trauma-informed, person-centred service that places the needs, choices, and wellbeing of survivors at its heart.
Due to the nature of the role, we will only accept applications from female candidates (exempt under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1)
Although you will be part of the team, the post holder will be largely lone working.
Main duties of the job
As a Crisis Worker, you will:
Provide immediate emotional and practical support to individuals accessing the SARC.
Ensure clients understand their options and can make informed decisions about their care and next steps.
Coordinate referrals and access to specialist support services.
Advocate for clients and help them navigate complex systems.
Maintain accurate records and contribute to safeguarding processes.
Provide support and information to self referrals accessing the service.
Undertake comprehensive forensic cleaning procedures ensuring the preservation of forensic integrity and minimising the risk of contamination.
Whether you have experience in crisis intervention, advocacy, safeguarding, social care, victim support, mental health services, or a related field, we would love to hear from you.
The post holder will be flexible to cover shortfalls in the rota at short notice so we can operate 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.
About us
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is one of the largest Integrated Health Boards in the UK, employing over 17,000 staff, providing over 100 specialist services. Working across 6 hospital sites, we have a diverse range of career opportunities to offer. Serving over 500,000 people living in Cardiff and the Vale, we are focussed on the health and care needs of our local population whilst working with our partners to develop regional services. Together we are committed to improving health outcomes for everyone, delivering excellent care and support.
Our mission is "Living Well, Caring Well, Working Together", and our vision is that every person's chance of leading a healthy life should be equal. Our 10-year transformation and improvement strategy, Shaping Our Future Wellbeing, is our chance to work collaboratively with the public and our workforce to make our health board more sustainable for the future.
Job description Job responsibilities
You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac.
Due to the requirement of the Out of Hours Crisis Worker to open the SARC within the hour, ability to travel between sites in a timely manner is essential.
Due to the nature of the role, we will only accept applications from female candidates (exempt under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1)
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Has achieved a minimum of NVQ level 4 or above in a relevant subject i.e. Psychology, Counselling, Law, Sociology, Mental Health or relevant background experience in a mental health setting, working with victims of crime or domestic violence
Desirable
Counselling skills
Knowledge Essential
Knowledge of the nature of the SARC Understanding of safeguarding procedures
Desirable
Knowledge of the impact of sexual violence on men, women and children
Experience Essential
Experience of working in a multi disciplinary setting Experience of working with vulnerable adults or children Experience of making decisions and taking appropriate action
Desirable
experience of working with individuals in a trauma setting Experience of working with victims of crime
Personal Qualities Essential
Able to keep calm under pressure Organised and professional Able to work within a confidential environment Shows respect to team members and service users Ability to show compassion and empathy
Skills Essential
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills Ability to work on own initiative Able to treat people with respect and dignity with an empathic and non judgemental manner Ability to communicate with distressed service users and their family/supporters Able to use IT effectively
Other Essential
Flexible approach to working hours due to the crisis nature of the role Ability to attend SARC in a timely manner Must be able to commit to a full week during the day for induction and training and further dates as requested by SARC Maanger
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details Employer name Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Address Cardiff Royal Infirmary
Newport Road
Cardiff
CF24 0SZ
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://cavuhb.nhs.wales/ (Opens in a new tab)