About Ark of Hope Foundation for All Nations (AOH)
Ark of Hope Foundation for All Nations is a registered charity based in Stoke-on-Trent,
dedicated to serving vulnerable and marginalised communities including women fleeing
domestic violence, refugees, asylum seekers, individuals with no recourse to public funds
(NRPF), and those experiencing food insecurity and social isolation.We provide a range of
trauma-informed, culturally competent services from our community centre at the Former Veterans Building in Hanley Park, including:
- Supported accommodation for vulnerable women
- A culturally sensitive food bank
- A clothing bank
- The weekly Stella & Friends community breakfast
- Advocacy and informal support
- Volunteer and skills development opportunities
We believe in creating safe, welcoming spaces where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, and where every person has the opportunity to rebuild and thrive.
Role Overview
The Female Support Worker will play a vital role in delivering wraparound support across
all AOH service areas, including our women’s refuge, food and clothing bank, and Stella &
Friends initiative. This position is open to female applicants only in line with the
occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.
The successful candidate will offer holistic, person-centred support to women and families in crisis, facilitate community inclusion, and work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and partner agencies to ensure service users are safeguarded and empowered.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide day-to-day emotional and practical support to women housed in our supported accommodation.
- Carry out strengths and needs assessments, co-produce support plans, and regularly review progress.
- Facilitate access to food, clothing, and other essential provisions through our food/clothing banks.
- Signpost and refer service users to appropriate legal, health, mental health, and housing services.
- Support service users to develop independence skills including budgeting, tenancy management, and accessing benefits.
- Assist in the delivery and coordination of community meals and outreach activities including Stella & Friends.
- Maintain accurate and confidential case records, risk assessments, and safeguarding logs.
- Work with interpreters, where required, to ensure language barriers do not prevent support.
- Support in volunteer supervision and development of peer-led initiatives.
- Participate in training, reflective practice and supervision.
- Support in the development and implementation of new services (e.g. immigration support, well-being workshops).
- Uphold and promote the values and mission of Ark of Hope Foundation.
Person Specification
Essential:
- Experience working with vulnerable women, especially those from BAME backgrounds
- or with insecure immigration status.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approaches.
- Understanding of safeguarding and professional boundaries.
- Strong organisational and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work flexibly, independently and as part of a team.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and basic administrative tasks.
Desirable:
- Knowledge of local services and pathways in Stoke-on-Trent.
- Experience supporting people with NRPF.
- Lived experience and/or second language skills.
Other Information
- This role requires an Enhanced DBS check and compliance with Ark of Hope’ safeguarding policies.
- Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support community
- activities.
Ark of Hope Foundation is an equal opportunities employer. We particularly encourage
applications from women with lived experience of migration, domestic violence, or
poverty.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: £12.21-£14.09 per hour
Expected hours: 7 – 24 per week
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 31/08/2025