Domestic Abuse Refuge Manager

**Domestic Abuse Refuge Manager**Job description**
An organisation that supports women, young people and children in Liverpool is looking for a Domestic Abuse Refuge Manager to join their team.
The Domestic Abuse Refuge Manager will
- Manage a new 24-hour Refuge (in Sefton) for women victims / survivors of domestic abuse, and their children (where relevant), including line management of a team of Refuge support workers.
- Undertake service user assessments following multi-agency referrals for Refuge
- Provide casework support for service users accommodated within the Refuge

**Domestic Abuse Refuge Manager’sResponsibilities**:

- Providing line management to five support workers - including personal development reviews (PDRs) and providing regular supervision on their support work and duties, advising where necessary on any complex issues with the support of the wider team
- Accepting new referrals and undertaking an initial service user need and risk assessment within the specified timescales, whilst initiating plans to manage and address risks, needs and immediate safety requirements
- Ensuring all new arrivals are provided with an information pack, a tour of the Refuge, an explanation of house rules and are settled into their new accommodation
- Making sure all relevant documentation is completed upon arrival, liaising with One Vision Housing (landlord) for their records, and being available to answer any queries/concerns the service user may have
- Ensuring service users exiting the Refuge are fully supported, and staff efficiently prepare vacant rooms for new arrivals
- Managing your own case load, including the planning and delivery of person-centred support to women and their children, based on risk and need
- Referring women to specialist agencies where appropriate as part of their support plan
- Ensuring a high-level of service is delivered, service plan objectives are achieved and performance and recording requirements are met
- Developing and maintaining a positive and collaborative working relationship with all staff
- Working within the confines of confidentiality to ensure professional boundaries are always maintained when working with residents, staff and external bodies
- Immediately communicating any breaches of security, house rules or license agreements, especially where there is concern about safety
- In conjunction with One Vison Housing, ensuring all risk assessments and fire checks are carried out in accordance with the refuge’s policies and procedures and all equipment i.e. fridges, washing machines, cookers, heating, furniture etc. are in safe workingorder
- Ensuring a good standard of hygiene is maintained in the refuge at all times by making sure that all rooms are clean and prepared with fresh bedding etc. Carrying out cleaning and other light manual duties when required
- Supporting the 24-hour service by providing out of hours on call cover to deal with emergencies. Escalating emergencies as necessary

**Experience & Education**:

- Service / line management experience
- Experience of working with vulnerable people with complex needs
- A relevant professional qualification e.g., youth and community, education, counselling, social work

**Knowledge**:

- An understanding of the impact of domestic abuse upon women, children, and young people
- An understanding of Safeguarding responsibilities surrounding domestic abuse issues
- An understanding of the principles of risk assessment, safety planning and risk management for victims of domestic abuse and their children
- An understanding of the remits and resources of relevant statutory bodies and voluntary agencies

**Competencies**:

- Excellent communication, negotiation, and advisory skills, both written and verbal when interacting with a range of agencies and individuals
- Ability to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals who may have experienced domestic abuse
- Sensitivity in working with complex family issues
- Ability to relate and engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds
- Strong crisis management skills and the ability to deal with stressful and demanding situations
- Ability to form strong working relationships with women whilst working within professional boundaries
- Ability to maintain high professional standards in adherence to agency policies and procedures
- Ability to evaluate and monitor the impact of interventions and support the collation of service user feedback
- Ability to use IT systems
- Ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team
- Ability to reflect on own practice through supervision, line management and peer-support
- Ability to work to values and ethos

**Desirable Requirements**:

- An understanding of the Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector
- Theoretical, practical, and procedural knowledge of civil and criminal justice remedies for victims of domestic abuse and their children
- Understanding the remits and resources of relevant statutory bodies

**Vacancy Information**:

- Location: Liverpool
- Salary range: £28,000 - £32,000 DOE
- Job type: Permanent
- Job Section: Charity
- Working Hours: Full time 35 Hours per week
- Reference: AB264
- Contact: Alison Bradley