Domestic Abuse Support Worker

**This post is on a 12 month fixed contract.**

**Job Role**

To provide practical and emotional support to individuals who are experiencing domestic abuse through both face to face and telephone support. To develop individual support plans which address the risk of harm, and to offer information, advocacy and sign-posting on a risk and needs led basis. Empower the client and assist them in recognising the dynamics of domestic abuse and support them to recover and regain control of their lives

**Main Duties**:

- Manage a caseload in accordance with all organisational policies and procedures
- Assess risk using the DASH risk indicator checklist, ensuring that this risk is reviewed on a regular basis
- Work with individuals to develop tailored support plans with a focus on reducing the risk of
harm, increasing their personal safety (and that of any children) and responding to their individual
needs. Support individuals to be able to identify and manage the risks to themselves and their children
- Provide information to individuals in relation to their options, including guidance in relation to their
housing, legal and welfare rights
- Focus on the prevention of future homelessness where applicable
- Assist clients in accessing services and benefits, and to accompany them to appointments and advocate on their behalf as required
- Work effectively in partnership with other agencies and refer on appropriately, dependant on need and risk. This may include referral to specialist agencies.
- Attend multi-agency meetings where required.
- Take part in the On call cover on a ROTA basis.
- Keep timely, factual and accurate records of all work done with or on behalf of clients using the organisation’s database ensuring compliance with our Leading Lights accreditation, and produce high standard written reports and data where required, this could include Court, child protection and multi-agency meetings
- Contribute to monitoring and evaluation of the service.

**Person Specifications**

**Essential**
- Knowledge and understanding of the issues facing those experiencing Domestic Abuse
- Ability to communicate sensitively with inividuals who may be distressed in a trauma informed way
- Knowledge of a range of options for and rights of those experiencing domestic abuse
- Understanding of Safeguarding, and the legal responsibilities surrounding these issues.
- Ability to liaise with external organisations
- Ability to work under pressure and to plan and prioritise own workload
- Ability to communicate effectively with a range of professionals
- Ability to establish and maintain appropriate boundaries when working with those who are
experiencing crisis
- Ability to maintain effective office systems and use an electronic case management database
- Ability to manage time effectively and prioritise competing tasks
- Knowledge of relevant legislation relating to domestic abuse
- Knowledge of welfare benefits
- An understanding of the needs of minority groups experiencing domestic abuse
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills
- Understanding of and commitment to equal opportunities
- Full UK driving licence and use of own vehicle.
- Flexibility to travel locally and cover other counties if needed.

**Desirable Experience**
- Providing support to people experiencing domestic abuse, whether in a paid or voluntary capacity **OR** Demonstrable transferable skills and good knowledge and understanding of the issues facing those experiencing Domestic Abuse.
- Risk assessment and support/safety planning
- Data recording - preferably experience with electronic data recording systems
- Report writing and the collection and analysis of data
- Building and maintaining partnerships

**PERSONAL QUALITIES, ATTITUDE AND PRESENTATION**
It is desirable that the post holder has the following qualities:
Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice
Able to critically assess own performance and reflect on own practice
Reliable and trustworthy
Efficient and punctual
Consistent and flexible - able to deal with changing and competing demands

Ability to think creatively and show initiative

Non-judgemental and non-directive approach to empowering survivors along with the ability to understand the individual needs of clients.

**Corporate Responsibilities**

The above range of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive: post holders will be expected to
perform work of a similar level and responsibility when requested to do so.

Remain up-to-date and compliant with all organisational procedures, policies, values and
professional codes of conduct and uphold standards of best practice.

Observe duty to all Health and Safety rules and take all reasonable care to promote the health and safety of yourself and others.

Act in a way that supports and promotes DASU’s Equal Opportunities Policy, which
aims to ensure everyone has equal treatment and equal access to employment and services.

Working in an effective, efficient and economical way, a