Sanctuary Support Worker – LGBTQIA+ Specialist

Sanctuary Support Worker – LGBTQIA+ Specialist

Domestic abuse is always unacceptable. We support everyone affected by it and we act to prevent it. Our Sanctuary Support Team is looking for a compassionate and skilled Sanctuary Support worker to join their dedicated staff. This role is all about providing life‑changing one‑to‑one support for LGBTQIA+ individuals and families who need ‘sanctuary’ to keep them safe from domestic abuse.

This post is held at Behind Closed Doors, but we are just one of the partner organisations involved in the Sanctuary Support Team. The Team is a city‑wide consortium led by Leeds Women’s Aid and employed by Leeds Domestic Violence Service partner organisations, dedicated to helping individuals stay safe in their homes.

As our LGBTQIA+ specialist based at Behind Closed Doors, you will be working with victim‑survivors from the LGBTQIA+ community, allocated through the Sanctuary Support team leader. You will ensure they receive tailored one‑to‑one support to rebuild their lives safely, assessing need and risk.
For a full list of responsibilities and the person specification, please see our recruitment pack.

This post will be subject to an enhanced DBS check
.

There is an essential requirement that the post holder has experience of LGBTQIA+ needs and the impact of discrimination
. Candidates should demonstrate a thorough understanding of LGBTQIA+ people’s lives, including awareness of the issues that LGBTQIA+ survivors might face.

The Sanctuary Support Specialist role is a 21‑hour per week post. However, there is opportunity to take additional hours with a similar role in another Leeds Domestic Violence Service team to make the post a 35‑hour per week role. Please contact Lucy Smithson at  for more information.

Alternatively, download the application pack and the EDI form.

If you have any questions, or would like an informal chat about the role, you can contact the Sanctuary Support Team Leader:
Lucy Smithson at

Added: 02/03/2026

Closing: 25/03/2026

Location:

Leeds

Hours:

Full Time, Part Time 21+ Hours per week

Salary:
This range reflects the difference between the part‑ and full‑time shared role posts.