Modern Slavery Safehouse Advocate Modern Slavery Safehouse Advocate : West Midlands Wes

Modern Slavery Safehouse Advocate

Location: West Midlands (frequent travel required, including Croydon and Solihull)

Salary: £25,287.91 – £27,993.18 (dependent on experience)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday–Friday 9am–5pm

Contract: Full-time

Reporting to: Safehouse Manager

Working Pattern: Site-based (not eligible for hybrid working)

Occupational Requirement: post holder must be female

MUST HAVE OWN VEHICLE

We are a specialist charity providing trauma‑informed support to women, men and children affected by violence, abuse, exploitation and trafficking. Our services support victims to achieve safety, stability and long‑term recovery. Our Modern Slavery Support Service delivers safehouse accommodation and community‑based support to adult victims of modern slavery and human trafficking (male and female victims, including those with children). We work within the Home Office national contracting arrangements to support individuals who have accessed the National Referral Mechanism (NRM), ensuring they receive safe accommodation, financial and practical assistance, and coordinated multi‑agency support while awaiting decisions.

The Modern Slavery Safehouse Advocate plays a vital frontline role supporting potential victims of modern slavery and international human trafficking through their recovery and reflection period. You will provide trauma‑informed, person‑centred support to meet clients’ physical, psychological and social needs, ensuring they can access their rights and entitlements under ECAT (European Convention on Action Against Trafficking). This is a challenging yet highly rewarding role requiring resilience, professionalism and the ability to manage complex casework within a fast‑paced safehouse environment.

• Deliver regular emotional and practical support to victims, promoting safety, independence and reducing risk of re‑trafficking
• Complete timely and robust risk and needs assessments
• Develop and review journey plans and support plans
• Support clients to understand the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) process and advocate while they await conclusive grounds decisions
• Provide information regarding rights and entitlements under ECAT
• Address complex and multiple needs including exploitation, trauma, mental health, substance misuse and safeguarding concerns
• Work to contractual KPIs and required timescales

• Complete safehouse inductions, move‑ins and move‑ons
• Provide welcome packs and initial subsistence
• Support residents to understand and adhere to licence agreements and house rules
• Maintain health & safety, fire safety and building security standards
• Manage relationships between residents and respond to conflict appropriately
  
  Liaise with maintenance and facilities teams where required

• Refer and support clients to access specialist services (health, mental health, substance misuse, domestic abuse services and others)
• Attend and contribute to multi‑agency meetings
• Build strong collaborative relationships with partner agencies
• Maintain accurate, confidential case management records

Essential

• Educated to Level 3 (or equivalent experience)
• Experience working within a needs‑led service undertaking risk and needs assessments
• Experience supporting vulnerable adults and/or children
• Experience managing complex casework and crisis intervention
• Experience working in supported accommodation, homelessness or destitution settings
• Knowledge of modern slavery and trafficking indicators and support systems in the UK
• Understanding of safeguarding legislation and best practice
• Strong organisational and communication skills
• Ability to manage a caseload and meet deadlines
• Confident using Microsoft Office and case management systems
• Full UK driving licence with access to a vehicle
• Eligible to work in the UK
• Experience working within formal contract frameworks with KPIs
• Knowledge of immigration systems and access to public funds
• Understanding of trauma‑informed approaches and motivational interviewing
• Knowledge of the Violence Against Women and Girls strategy

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays
• Annual leave buy‑back scheme
• Time off in lieu (TOIL) for overtime
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to group clinical supervision (BACP‑trained counsellor)
• Training and development opportunities
• Bi‑annual staff away days
• Regular internal staff newsletter