Basis is looking to appoint a Navigation and Support Worker (Intensive Support) who can provide appropriate emotional and practical support to women in the sex industry and/or those who are being sexually exploited. The women we work with often require intensive practical and emotional support as well as help to navigate health and social care, the criminal justice systems and other services. The women’s circumstances can impact their mental or physical health. They may also be at risk of or experience homelessness and come into contact with the criminal justice system. Many of the women may experience historic or current sexual and/or domestic abuse.
Working within a harm reduction ethos prioritising women’s safety and wellbeing, the intensive personalised supported will help women to access other services and making appropriate referrals for women who wish to access additional support, including exiting/transitioning out of sex work. You will be responsible for ensuring that women with varying needs are supported effectively throughout their pathway of support with Basis and partners, advocating for and with the women you are working with including, where necessary, challenging stigma and judgement women face.
Our Services
Our services in Leeds provide support to adult women (and those identifying as women/non- binary) involved in all aspects of the sex industry or who are experiencing sexual exploitation. The postholder will provide support to women identified as requiring or accessing intensive support. The team work to Basis’ organisational values, taking a rights-based approach and provide evidence-based services to enable and empower women to make informed choices. The team have an established reputation for providing high quality, effective safety advice, information and support, enabling safer working practices. Services are provided within the community, on evening outreach and at venues as women determine.
Further Information
We are looking for someone who understands how trauma affects people and is able to offer a trauma – informed response, is respectful in engagement with clients, colleagues, and with partner agencies and understands the vital importance of trusting relationships. At Basis we work hard to recognise each person as individual, without judgement and tailor support based on their needs. We are looking for someone who works pragmatically and creatively to ensure women can access the services they want and need, who seeks out partnership opportunities to offer further support, who pro-actively and effectively advocates for the individual, challenges stigma and never gives up on someone.
We welcome applications from women with lived experience, recognising the value in this as well as any transferable skills that may not be mentioned in the person specification. We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive working environment where we can all be ourselves and succeed. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian, and other women who experience racism and Trans (identifying as women) and non-binary people as they are currently under-represented within our staff team. All appointments are made on merit, based on the criteria identified in the job description and person specification.
Working at Basis means being part of a fun, dynamic and vibrant workforce; we also offer a benefits package including flexible working, contributory pension (4%), significant opportunities to access training, funded external supervision and an Employee Assistance package.
How to Apply
Job Applications (using the Application Forms and the Equal Opportunities Form below, saved with your initials in the file names) can be sent to: info-basis@basisyorkshire.org.uk (no CVs please),
Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form
Deadline: Monday 1st April (Midnight) Interview dates: 10th and 11th April 2024
Salary: £28,495
Contract: up to 31st March 2025
If you have any questions the post please email: info-basis@basisyorkshire.org.uk or call 0113 243 0036 and ask to speak to Jackie Blackburn or Amber Wilson.
You will be based in Leeds and may need to work unsocial hours. There is some free parking but parking near the office will also be reimbursed.
Basis is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk. This post will be subject to enhanced DBS check.
Because of the nature of the work this post is open to women only. Sex discrimination act 1975 exemption S7 (2) (e) applies.
Only applicants who have the right to work in the UK or have a valid visa or work permit for a minimum of 6 months at the time of application will be considered for this role.