Advocacy and Support Worker

Job Title: Advocacy & Support Worker

Location: Stornoway

Hours:30–35 hours per week (negotiable)

Salary: £32,068 pro rata (includes distant islands allowance of £2859)

Pension:6% employer contributions

Length of post: Fixed term until 31st March 2027 (subject to renewal)

Annual Leave: 30 days plus 12 public holidays, pro rata

Responsible To: Western Isles Rape Crisis Centre Manager

Western Isles Rape Crisis Centre is seeking an Advocacy & Support Worker to join our team and provide specialist advocacy and support to survivors of sexual violence who are engaging with, or considering engaging with, the criminal justice system.

The role includes providing emotional and practical support, working collaboratively with partner agencies, and contributing to the development of advocacy services across the Western Isles in a compassionate, survivor-centred, and community-based way.

We are looking for someone with relevant support or advocacy experience, strong communication skills, and a clear commitment to survivor-centred, anti-discriminatory practice.

We offer family-friendly policies and are committed to supporting staff wellbeing, creating a workplace where people feel valued and supported.

Closing date: Friday 12 June 2026

If you would like an informal chat about the role, please feel free to get in touch by applying.

Only women need apply under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010.

Working to support survivors of rape and sexual violence

This application pack includes:

• Background Information
• Job Description
• Person Specification
• Application Form
• Equal Opportunities Form

Purpose of the post

To provide specialist support and advocacy to survivors who are engaged, or considering engaging, with the criminal justice system following an experience of sexual violence.

To contribute local knowledge, practice insight and service learning to partnership working, policy development and the ongoing development of the National Advocacy Service.

Summary of main responsibilities and activities

• Provide specialist advocacy for survivors of sexual violence who are engaging, or considering engaging, with the criminal justice system following an experience of sexual violence.
• Support effective communication between survivors and criminal justice agencies, and help build understanding of survivors’ needs within these processes.
• Provide high-quality emotional and practical support for survivors of sexual violence whose cases do not proceed to court, including support to access follow-on services where appropriate.
• Help develop and strengthen signposting and referral processes so that survivors of sexual violence can access support and advocacy throughout their involvement in the criminal justice process.
• Work collaboratively with relevant agencies and National Advocacy Service colleagues to strengthen responses, improve communication pathways, and contribute to the development of training and shared practice.
• Promote awareness of the advocacy service to help improve access across voluntary and public sector agencies.
• Contribute to policy, strategic development and service improvement relating to the criminal justice system and sexual offences through attendance at National Advocacy Service meetings and by sharing information, insight and feedback with Rape Crisis Scotland.
• Contribute to monitoring and evaluation activity that helps demonstrate the impact of the advocacy service for survivors, partner agencies and funders, including the production of statistical information where required.
• Maintain client notes and records in line with case recording guidance, confidentiality requirements and data protection policies.
• Attend relevant training, take part in regular support and supervision, and contribute to team meetings.

Centre specific duties

• Provide direct support, including crisis support where required, to service users in contact with the centre.
• Support the delivery and ongoing development of advocacy within the Western Isles project, helping to ensure accessible, high-quality and survivor-centred support.
• Contribute to the learning and development of staff and volunteers within the centre in relation to criminal justice processes and…