Role Summary
The Lead Crisis Worker will predominantly be office based in our Plymouth SARC and will undertake administrative tasks whilst responding to telephone calls from those who have been sexually assaulted/abused and act upon this according to policies and procedures.
This will involve providing initial support to the service users in times of crisis, utilising trauma stabilisation techniques and being non-judgemental and reassuring in their decision-making process.
Lead Crisis Workers work alongside the Forensic Examiners supporting patients during a forensic medical assessment, acting as the patient advocate.
The post holder will be expected to contribute to the Lead Crisis Worker rota which provides support, options and information to members of the public in the immediate aftermath of sexual violence, between the hours of 5pm – 9am and over the weekend period. The postholder may be required to work over shift handover and may also need to vary their hours of work, including start and finish times, to meet the needs of clients.
The role involves engaging with stakeholders across the regional sexual assault services network.
About the Role
For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.
More detail about the role
Join Our Compassionate Team – Make a Difference Every Day
Are you passionate about supporting people through their most vulnerable moments? We are looking for a dedicated and empathetic professional to join our SARC team as a Lead Crisis Worker.
In this vital role, you will:
- Be the first point of contact for individuals affected by sexual abuse or assault, offering calm, non-judgmental support.
- Attend forensic examinations and provide in-person crisis support during working hours, alongside our expert forensic team.
- Support the out-of-hours on-call service, taking calls from individuals who may not feel ready to involve the police.
- Coordinate and book forensic medical exams, liaising with police and internal teams to ensure a smooth and sensitive service.
- Supervise and support our dedicated team of out-of-hours Crisis Workers, ensuring seamless 24/7 care.
- Handle essential administrative tasks related to patient records and follow-up referrals.
Why Join Us?
Devon & Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) Services provide care and support to individuals across three SARC sites in Exeter, Plymouth, and Truro. As a nationally recognised centre of best practice, we offer an innovative, trauma-informed environment where your work has real impact.
You'll be part of a multi-disciplinary team of Specialist Doctors, Nurses, Therapists, and Crisis Workers who are deeply committed to supporting survivors with compassion and professionalism.
Want to learn more?
Click the link below to view the full Job Description and discover how you can be part of something truly meaningful
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday 09:00-17:00 (including some weekend cover and varied hours)
Interview Date: 21 August 2025
For further information please contact: Nikki Taylor, Specialist Services Business Manager on 07971 600854 - nikki.taylor@nhs.net
As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Preference will be given to staff with ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.
About Us
Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people’s own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).
Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.
Our values are at the heart of everything we do, click here to find out more
It has never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you will help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.
Benefits
Looking after you is important to us.
We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.
If you are starting out in the NHS, you’ll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.
You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.
We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.
This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.
Salary is not the only financial benefit
You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:
- National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
- Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
- Car lease schemes.
- The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
- Cycle to work scheme
These are just a few of the benefits available – if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.
