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 advocacy practice.
• Undertake outreach across the Outer Hebrides to raise awareness of the service and help improve access to support.
• Work with local partner agencies to strengthen referral pathways, collaborative responses and awareness of survivors’ needs.
• Take part in centre activities and contribute to the wider work and development of the organisation.
• Attend relevant inter-island and mainland meetings, training and partnership forums, representing the centre and contributing local insight to wider service development.
• Undertake other duties relevant to the post, including centre-specific and project-related responsibilities, as agreed with management.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Criteria: Essential: Desirable

Knowledge & Understanding : 

Essential

• A feminist analysis of sexual violence.
• Understanding of the impact of rape and sexual abuse.
• Some knowledge of Scottish legislation, policy and government strategy in relation to rape and sexual violence.

Desirable

• Knowledge of the Scottish criminal justice system, including factors that may support or present challenges to a survivor’s engagement with the process, particularly in an island context.
• Understanding of independent advocacy principles.

Experience

Essential

• Experience of providing advocacy, crisis, emotional and practical support, and information.
• Experience of working with people affected by rape or sexual violence.

Desirable

• Experience of working in a person-centered and trauma-informed way.
• Experience of multi-agency working at both case and policy levels.

Skills & Abilities

Essential

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to use initiative and manage competing priorities.
• Good organisational skills.
• Confidence using IT systems such as Microsoft software packages, online platforms and case management databases.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with a range of groups, organisations and agencies

Desirable

• Monitoring, data analysis and evaluation skills.
• Report writing skills.

Qualifications

Essential

• No formal qualifications are required, provided the candidate can demonstrate relevant knowledge, skills and experience.

Desirable

• Rape Crisis Scotland, Violence Against Women or Gender Based Violence training.

Other

Essential

• Commitment to equality, diversity and anti- discriminatory practice.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work flexibly, including occasional evening or weekend work where required.
• Full driving licence and access to a car.
• Ability to meet the travel requirements of the post, which may include outreach in Uists and Barra.

Desirable

• Understanding of the unique cultural context of the Western Isles.

Further information about our organisation’s work is available.

The closing date for completed applications is Friday 12 th June 2026. We expect to hold interviews during the week beginning 22 nd June 2026. We will be in touch with shortlisted candidates to arrange interviews.

To help us consider all applications consistently, we ask applicants to complete the full application form rather than send a CV. Completed forms can be sent to us. Only women need apply under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010.

We look forward to receiving your application. In the meantime, if you have any queries, please contact us.