Job Description

Job Title:

Outreach Worker

Contract Type:

Fixed term

Location:

Ealing

About Us

Housing for Women is a registered charity and independent housing association. We champion female empowerment by providing and promoting affordable homes for women and gender-specific support services. Since 1934, we have been working to build a more equal society for women, a world where everyone has a safe roof over their head regardless of circumstance, where violence against women is no longer tolerated.

We are now looking for an Outreach Worker to join us on a full-time basis for a fixed term contract until 31st March 2026.

The Benefits

Salary of 34,042.57 per annum (pro rata)

Attractive pension scheme

Perkbox

Buying and selling annual leave

Health Shield

Season Ticket loan

Subsidised gym membership

Course Funding

Overall Aim

To provide high quality support to women and men experiencing domestic violence whilst living in the community.

To be responsible for implementing a range of interventions and support measures as part of an integrated package of health, therapeutic and social support to survivors experiencing DVA. To work in partnership with local and national services to improve and achieve best outcomes for the women.

To deliver support services for Housing for Women within the standards and contract assessment and monitoring framework set out by our Commissioners and funders.

Please note, this role is subject to an enhanced DBS check and open to women only (as per exemptions under the Equality Act 2010 Schedule 9, Part 1).

Candidates interested in applying should attach a cover letter outlining how they meet the essential criteria specified in the person specification, as well as how they think they meet Housing for Women's EPIC values.

Key Responsibilities

Responsible for the delivery of high quality services , ensuring effective reporting to the Manager as appropriate

Responsible for effective risk management

Responsible for, high standards of customer care.

To act in accordance with the values and aims of Housing for Women

To promote and implement Housing for Women's policies and procedures

Customer Focus

Provide a trauma informed support service to a caseload of women and men in the community who have experienced domestic abuse with complex needs, including those who are high risk referred through MARAC

Empower service users to take an active lead in their support, work in partnership to assess needs, develop appropriate methods and techniques to enable them to express their views and inform decisions

Work innovatively and creatively in order to engage hard to reach, chaotic and complex needs service users

Develop and monitor outsome focused individual support plans with the service user

Plan and facilitate sessions which explore understanding of DVA, support life skills, healthy lifestyles and support social interaction

Support the service user in minimising risk by undertaking formal risk assessments, developing safety plans and reviewing regularly alongside other relevant agencies.

Provide effective advice and advocacy services to ensure the women have access to specialist advice in key support areas.

Ensure the support is sensitive to the cultural, religious and specific needs of the client group and their children

Participate in the Out of Hours emergency on call rota as required

To engage and involve service users, in line with the service user engagement policy and strategy, by identifying opportunities for involvement through a process of on-going consultation and to use this process to inform and develop strategies, help shape the service and to enhance engagement and involvement.

Working with others

Support the Manager to induct, train and develop new staff and volunteers in accordance with HfW policy and procedure and best practice.

To develop and maintain positive, collaborative working relationships with all Housing for Women staff both locally and across the wider organisation, being committed as part of the team to providing a high level of support to survivors.

Foster a team working ethos, meet deadlines, offer support to colleagues and stakeholders where necessary and share successes. Build a team culture that is committed to delivering excellent results and continuous improvement.

Play an active role in service audit and reviews.

Develop positive working relationships with external agencies and relevant professionals to support the delivery and development of quality services that meet the needs of service users, ensuring that the interests of HfW are protected.

Work in conjunction with partner agencies and key stakeholders within safeguarding Child and Adult Protection Guidelines.

Act in a constructive and professional manner at all times, recognising the role is representing HfW and educating the community about domestic violence.

To actively participate in Housing for Women's performance management processes including regular supervisions and development. Use supervisions and other reflective practice opportunities to consider strengths and weaknesses, thoughts beliefs and motivation.

Attend relevant training courses as identified during supervision and appraisal. To be mindful of your own wellbeing and seek support when needed.

Ensure effective implementation of Housing for Women's Diversity and Inclusion policy. Foster an awareness of equality and human rights; integrate this ethos into all practices of your work. Always seek to further develop all anti-discriminatory practices.

Record keeping, data management

Ensure that accurate and up to date service user, financial and other relevant service records are maintained.

Ensure service user files and support plans are accurately completed and clear and that data is entered onto relevant system within policy timescales

Ensure that confidentiality of records and information relating to service users and staff is maintained in accordance with HfW's Confidentiality Policy

Other

Keep up to date with changes in legislation, policy and best practice in Child Protection and Domestic Violence and contribute to services reviews working in conjunction with service users to ensure contract compliance.

Undertake all duties in accordance with HfW policies, procedures and guidelines, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and guidance

Please note no job description can be entirely comprehensive and the post holder will be expected to carry out additional duties broadly consistent with the job description as required.

All job descriptions are subject to annual review in the light of the project's development. Housing for Women reserves the right to amend this role profile as necessary, after consultation with the post holder to reflect changes in or to the role.

Role Experience, Knowledge and Skills Profile

Experience

Minimum of 2 years' experience of working with vulnerable adults from diverse backgrounds on a floating support basis

Experience of supporting survivors of DVA

Experience of undertaking individual assessments including risk assessments and developing and delivering support plans.

Experience of working collaboratively with external agencies.

Knowledge of the impact that DVA has upon service users and their children.

Up to date knowledge of relevant legislation Children's Act, Community Care Act, Domestic Violence Legislation, Housing Act, MARAC protocol

A working knowledge and understanding of welfare benefits, safeguarding children and adult, child protection, social and voluntary services approaches/involvement.

Demonstrable knowledge of strategies to empower service users to address issues of DVA.

Skills

Ability to build effective, professional working relationships both internally and externally whilst valuing diversity.

Strong crisis management skills.

Ability to prioritise workload, meet deadlines, make decisions and work independently.

A good understanding of confidentiality, data protection and professional boundaries

Experience and an understanding of the risk associated with Lone working

Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to provide accurate high quality reports, record information and provide briefings.

Proficient in using IT systems, client management systems and experience of using Microsoft Office or equivalent, including use of Outlook, Word and Excel.

Qualifications

Educated to NVQ III, A level standard or equivalent. Good standard of literacy & numeracy.

Personal style and behaviour

A thorough understanding of and a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion as well as anti-discriminatory practice.

A flexible approach.

A commitment to the values, vision and objectives of Housing for Women's culture of continuous service improvement.

Other requirements

A high degree of confidently, trust and reliability at all times

*

Ability to take part on Out of hours support rota