Inclusion and Diversity Domestic Abuse Specialist

**Job description
- New Post Due To Additional Funding**

We are looking to recruit a:

- Inclusion and Diversity Specialist

The Inclusion and Diversity Specialist will develop links and work in multi-agency settings in a flexible and responsive manner to find innovative ways to engage, support and safeguard victims, to build relationships and encourage reporting of domestic abuse. You will advocate on behalf of victims to increase accessibility to domestic abuse services in Swindon.

To work in a trauma informed way to provide support, advice and safety planning to the victims and their children as appropriate. You will also develop networks and work closely with external agencies, those providing other Safe Places and other organisations.

To assess the needs of the victims and their families and work jointly with or signpost to other support and therapeutic services as necessary to empower them to be able to live a life free from abuse.

You will be a positive ambassador for SWA ensuring services are delivered to the highest of standards and SWA policies and procedures are adhered to at all times.

**Main duties**:

- To provide 1:1 support to residents living within Refuge and Safe Spaces across Swindon.
- To undertake regular risk assessments including DASH and develop and regularly review support and safety plans.
- To provide specialised advice and guidance in relation to the needs of resident.
- To build relationships with the BME community to encourage support in to the service.
- To promote inclusion and diversity across the safe spaces and the community.
- To accurately record all contact with clients and professionals in a timely manner on case management system
- To respond to general housing related enquiries from residents
- To liaise with partner agencies such as SBC Housing, Police, Mental Health Services, Children and Adult services, to ensure rounded support for the residents.
- To support those who cannot access refuge, those in temporary or emergency accommodation i.e. Male victims and those with complex needs.
- To engage with harder to reach communities and promote the service.
- To provide additional support to Resident Support Advisors by welcoming new residents arriving into the Refuge, completing admission paperwork, undertaking health and safety tasks including a tour of the Refuge, showing fire exits, signing in/out process
- To answer the SWA 24-hour helpline, taking and/or receiving referrals into service, providing information to victims and survivors of domestic abuse and/or professionals
- To monitor access to the Refuge via the main entrance, ensuring authorised visitors only, taking appropriate action to remove or report any unauthorised visitors, ensuring residents and visitors sign in and out of the building
- To prepare routine reports, including basic statistical information relating to service activity, as required.
- To carry out general administration duties such as completing referrals forms, data entry, writing letters
- To be a positive ambassador for SWA ensuring services are delivered to the highest of standards and that policies and procedures are adhered to at all times
- To attend appropriate training courses required for the post
- To contribute to continuous improvement in service delivery and meeting key performance indicators
- To attend SWA team meetings and supervision with line manager

**Person Specification**

**Experience**:

- A minimum of 2 years’ case work experience, providing proactive and emotional support, undertaking risk assessments and completing support plans
- Experience of working in domestic abuse.
- Experience of working in a confidential environment and adhering to professional boundaries.
- Experience of working effectively, and seeking joint solutions, with agencies who support victims with protected characteristics
- Experience of working with vulnerable people who may struggle to engage in a structured way and seeking ways to keep them engaged
- Good level of numeracy, literacy and writing skills
- IT skills, in particular in Microsoft Office.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

- Knowledge of domestic abuse, the dynamics of power and control, and the impact of domestic abuse victims and survivors.
- A good understanding of other relevant legislation and guidance which affects domestic abuse victims and survivors, such as criminal, civil & family law, welfare, housing and immigration.
- Demonstrate excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
- Evidence of the ability to build and develop supportive relationships whilst maintaining professional boundaries
- Evidence the ability to make decisions and remain calm under pressure
- Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills with an ability to manage conflict
- Ability to operate and maintain basic administrative and case management systems
- Demonstrate knowledge of the issues facing women and children experiencing domestic abuse
- Understanding of Safeguarding, both for ch