Bank/relief Domestic Abuse Worker

**History**

Founded in 1987 by a courageous survivor of domestic abuse, our charity originally began as the West Lancashire Women’s Refuge. Our services have developed over the years and we now offer a comprehensive range of services to women, children and men affected by domestic abuse. By providing a safe and supportive environment, we empower survivors to take control of their lives and rebuild their sense of self and well-being. We provide vital support and services to survivors of domestic abuse, as well as raising awareness and promoting education in the community. By focusing on all aspects of domestic abuse we have a wide-ranging impact on the issue and help to create a safer and more supportive environment for all individuals in West Lancashire.

As an independent charity, we remain committed to empowering survivors and fostering a community free from domestic abuse.
- **Our mission is to build hope and confidence with people affected by domestic to live a future without fear.**_

**What we do**

We currently provide the following services:

- Temporary 24-hour refuge accommodation and support for women and their children
- Outreach and resettlement support for families being rehoused.
- Advice and support for males affected by domestic abuse.
- Counselling
- Group work programmes
- 24-hour helpline
- A drop in and information centre
- Healthy relationships schools project

As a Domestic Abuse Support Worker, you will work as a member of the 24 safe accommodation team to ensure the effective running of the refuge during evenings, days and at weekends. The role will involve providing practical and emotional support to women and children who have experienced domestic abuse and are living in refuge accommodation. You will also be responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the families within the building.

**Direct Support**:

- Offer compassionate and non-judgmental emotional support to clients, helping them process their experiences and feelings.
- Assist clients in developing personalised safety plans to protect themselves and their children from further abuse.
- Provide immediate assistance and intervention during crisis situations to ensure clients' safety and emotional stability.
- To ensure the Refuge offers a trauma-informed environment and tailored led support to each individual woman, and women with children.
- Provide one to one and group work support.
- Respond to all referrals for the Refuge effectively and consistently
- Welcome new arrivals into refuge and complete all relevant forms.
- Responsible for managing the safety and security of the building and the 24-hour helpline.

**Practical Assistance**:

- Signpost families to various services as and when needed and act as an advocate to ensure their needs are represented.
- Manage access to the refuge when on duty via entry phone system and ensure house security alarms are turned on/off at the appropriate times.
- Ensure a good standard of hygiene is maintained in the refuge.
- To clean and prepare vacant rooms for re-letting, personally carry out cleaning when required and other light manual duties as needed.

**Recording**:
Maintain accurate records for each family using the database system and following all required file protocols, meeting all legal and contractual reporting requirements in relation to service delivery.

**Collaboration and Communication**:

- Work alongside and communicate effectively within the team and with external partners, such as other service providers and community organisations.

**Other Responsibilities**:

- Act in accordance with the policies and practices of The Liberty Centre.
- Comply with all aspects of health and safety policies including being aware of the fire regulations and to take the appropriate action when necessary.
- Ensure that professional boundaries and confidentiality are always maintained when working with families, staff and external partners.
- To demonstrate and promote the organisation’s ethos, vision and values.

In addition, other duties at the same responsibility level may be interchanged with or added to this list at any time.

Due to the sensitive and confidential nature of the work, the successful applicant will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring check.

**The role will be based at our refuge accommodation.**

**Due to the nature of these posts, they are open to female applicants only and are exempt under Schedule 9 Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010.**

**Experience**:

- NVQ level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent qualification(Desirable)
- Managing risk and implementing safeguarding policies and procedures
- Experience of working with women and children who have experienced domestic abuse
- Experience of working in the voluntary sector
- Experience of working with individuals impacted by trauma
- Able to work evenings and weekends.

Pay: £12.21 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Additional leave
- Bereavement leave
- Company pension
- Free parking
- O