Refuge Family Support Worker

FUNCTION

The Support Worker's role includes providing proactive, practical and emotional support to victims and survivors of domestic abuse. You will work as a member of our dedicated team providing regular support to women and children within a refuge environment. To do this you will engage in a supportive and empathic manner working sensitively with residents, helping them to achieve independent lives free from harm and abuse. This role supports the refuge and the residents in a communal setting. You will encourage residents to engage in support and wellbeing activities that can help to reduce isolation and encourage residents to feel part of the refuge community

**MAIN DUTIES**

1. To ensure that women and children are provided with a high-quality service.

2. To conduct key work sessions regularly and keep casework records up-to-date and per FCWA’s requirements.

3. To assess the practical and emotional support needs of residents and to ensure appropriate support for that resident.

5. To assist in helpline cover.

6. To welcome new arrivals, complete all necessary paperwork. Ensure the family has what they need to make them comfortable.

7. To maintain knowledge of local services and signpost to specialist agencies where appropriate.

8. Use the CADDA DASH risk assessment to assess risk and refer to MARAC where necessary.

9. Undertake appropriate training to maintain expertise in domestic violence/abuse,

10. Maintain house security and ensure all house rules are adhered to by residents - communicate any breaches to the line manager.

11. To ensure good practice in safeguarding children and young people and follow policies and procedures.

12. To ensure a good standard of hygiene is maintained in the refuge. Clean and prepare vacant rooms. Carry out cleaning when required and other light manual duties as needed.

13. To develop and maintain positive, collaborative working relationships with all FCWA’s staff, including colleagues at other sites and the police health and social services.

14. To work within the confines of confidentiality and ensure that professional boundaries are always maintained when working with residents, staff, and external bodies and to work within FCWA’s Code of Conduct. To ensure that the security of sensitive information is maintained.

15. To be available for On call service on a rota basis

16. To attend any meetings or training either internal or external, as requested by the line manager and to attend regular supervision sessions.

17. Advocate on behalf of residents where necessary.

18. To carry out any other duties that may be required by the Line Manager and work at any of its other sites when required to do so.

**Whilst this job description attempts to cover the main duties of the post, it is not exhaustive. The potholder is, therefore, expected to undertake any other reasonable duties within their capabilities and the scope of the post as specified by their line manager.**

**This post is exempt under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9 and Part 1 - female applicants only.**

**Person Specification - Refuge Support Worker**

**Education/ Qualifications**

Excellent literary and administrative skills including ability in information technology, data collection, and report writing

A recognised social work/housing or counselling qualification.

Open University Accredited WAFE Effective Response to Domestic Violence

**Experience**

At least two years’ experience in providing emotional and practical support to women.

Experience working in a residential setting /refuge/women’s advice, or other relevant agency.

**Abilities/Skills/ Knowledge**

Demonstrable understanding of the diverse needs of women and children experiencing domestic violence and the discrimination issues as they relate to women escaping domestic violence.

Evidence of up-to-date knowledge of housing, criminal, civil and welfare rights legislation relating to domestic violence.

The ability to develop appropriate, professional, supportive relationships with abused women and their children, maintaining professional boundaries with residents, staff etc.

Evidence of strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Demonstrable ability to work effectively within a team setting and within a line management structure.

The ability to work within a residential setting and to work on own initiative with mínimal supervision.

The ability to provide respectful, non-judgemental, non-directive and confidential support to women. With the ability to encourage women to take control of their lives and set realistic objectives and goals.

The ability to undertake effective casework management with evidence of a methodical and well-organised approach to work.

Ability to work flexibility and positively within a demanding environment.

Evidence of the ability to work tactfully and diplomatically in establishing good working relationships with housing departments, social services, DWP and other agencies.

A commitment to