Job Description

Overall objective:

To provide high quality support, advice and advocacy to individuals and families who are at risk of domestic abuse support and who have diagnosed health conditions, to achieve positive safety & wellbeing outcomes.

Principle responsibilities:

As an employee with CHADD (Churches Housing Association of Dudley and District, you will provide the highest possible standard of support to women, children and male victims who are or who have experienced domestic abuse across all CHADD refuge sites.

You will have an in-depth understanding of working with people who have diagnosis such as; Dementia, Alzheimer's, brain injuries and other physical disabilities.

You will work in close partnership with other specialist services in CHADD such as; IDVA for all and the over 55's IDVA

You will work in close partnership with external agencies such as; health care professionals, adult and child social services and any other specialist agency involved in supporting clients subjected to domestic abuse.

Identify and assess the risks and needs of those referred to the service. Prioritise high risk cases and provide a proactive short - medium term crisis intervention service through individual safety planning, advocacy, emotional and practical support.

Undertake holistic and individual assessments of need, which focus on identifying strengths and work towards building resilience. Ensure regular reviews of support needs are conducted including action planning to further progress.

Liaise with and coordinate specialist services necessary for the client's needs, e.g. translation services, disability communication aids, external advocacy services.

Understand and work within MARAC and other multi agency partnerships, attend meetings and refer cases where necessary, working towards an improved response to people experiencing domestic abuse alongside other needs.

Provide information and advocacy support on issues such as housing, finances, welfare benefits, health and legal options and make referrals to relevant agencies and services.

Contribute to interventions designed to protect victims and any others at risk within the household/ family, whilst maintaining an independent role on behalf of the client, keeping their safety central to any response.

Encourage service users to attend relevant group work programmes where appropriate.

Respect and value the diversity of the community and recognise the needs and concerns of a diverse range of service users, ensuring the service is accessible to all.

Manage the safeguarding of vulnerable adults & children in line with CHADD policy, in discussion with the Service Manager & Safeguarding Officer and with relevant local authority departments.

Work within CHADD policies and procedures ensuring that CHADD meets national and local standards for domestic abuse.

Maintain thorough, confidential and up-to-date records and provide statistical monitoring & case review reports as required.

Ensure that views and experiences of service users and agencies are sought actively, recorded correctly and used to develop the service.

Report any issues, difficulties or complaints to the Service Manager and participate in follow up investigations as required.

Ensure that the security of sensitive information is kept within CHADD's policy and procedures and according to GDP Regulations.

Ensure that all Health & Safety Regulations are strictly observed.

Ensure that all equipment provided at CHADD is working according to its purpose with regular testing and maintenance, report any emergency repairs or hazards. Following lone working & personal safety procedures.

Attend training relevant to the post.

Attend and contribute to staff meetings.

Attend supervision according to CHADD's policy and procedures.

Promote and support equality and empowerment within all areas of work.

Represent and be an ambassador for CHADD working internally and externally with other agencies.

Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with all CHADD staff. Remain up to date and compliant with the ethos, all organisational procedures and policies, professional codes of conduct and uphold standards of best practice

This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities the post holder may have over time. This post may change according to the services development therefore it is essential that the holder is able to respond flexibly to the changes required of this post.

Person Specification:

Attributes

Essential

Desirable

Attainments

Professional or vocational qualification in relevant subject.

At least 2 years' experience of direct work supporting people affected by domestic abuse.

Good understanding of multiple needs and how they interconnect.

A solid grasp of the principles of risk assessment, safety planning and risk management for victims of domestic abuse.

Experience of partnership working and understanding of the remits of relevant statutory bodies and voluntary agencies.

Experience and understanding of safeguarding responsibilities.

Proven ability and experience of working flexibly within a team.

Knowledge of confidentiality, data protection and information sharing in relation to domestic abuse.

Knowledge of the criminal justice system.

Understanding of MARAC protocols.

Experience of working with marginalised communities.

Experience working with people with complex health diagnosis

Skills

Highly skilled at engaging and assessing service users' needs and interpreting them into a safety & support plan.

Excellent communication skills.

Is accurate and pays attention to detail.

Can follow instructions but also has initiative.

Able to work under pressure and in a crisis.

Proven ability to maintain professional working practices.

Competent in operating IT equipment, including using Microsoft Office.

Able to produce accurate & well presented written reports.

Interests

Social activities display an ability to interact with others.

Is enthusiastic to undertake further training, development &supervision.

Physical activity displays an interest in keeping healthy.

Disposition

Capacity to manage raw emotions associated with trauma and conflict.

Confident, friendly and outgoing.

Compassionate and empathic with clients situations.

Enthusiastic and self motivated.

Non-judgmental.

Circumstances

Willing and able to travel, using own transport.

Flexible approach to working hours & location.

Other

Full UK driving licence and access to own transport is essential for this post

This post will be subject to an enhanced DBS check

This vacancy is open to females only (Exempt under the Equality Act 2010, pursuant to schedule 9, Part 1)

Commitment to equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice

Please note that an enhanced disclosure with the Disclosure & Barring Service will be carried out for successful candidates prior to them taking up post. Any findings of such a check will not necessarily prevent a candidate from being appointed. Each case will be individually considered on its own merits.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 23,114.00-27,421.00 per year

Benefits:

Free parking Health & wellbeing programme
Language:

English (preferred)
Work Location: In person