Domestic Abuse Support Worker / Advocate

Domestic Abuse Support Worker / Advocate

An excellent opportunity for an experienced Domestic Abuse Support Worker / Advocate to provide frontline, trauma-informed support to victims and survivors of domestic abuse, helping people access safety, understand their options and regain control of their lives.

If you’ve also worked in the following roles, we’d also like to hear from you: Domestic Abuse Advocate, Domestic Abuse Support Worker, Domestic Violence Advocate, Domestic Abuse Practitioner, DVA Advocate, Domestic Abuse Caseworker, Community Domestic Abuse Advocate, Victim Support Worker, Independent Domestic Violence Advisor, Safeguarding Support Worker.

PLEASE NOTE: Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010 applies. Due to the gender specific nature of this role, applications can only be accepted from women candidates. This includes all women whose gender is female, including those who hold a gender recognition certificate (GRC).

SALARY: £24,784 to £26,872 per annum + Benefits

LOCATION: Sandwell, West Midlands

JOB TYPE: Full-Time, Permanent

WORKING HOURS: 37.5 Hours per Week, Monday-Friday 9am-5pm

JOB OVERVIEW

The organisation is looking for a compassionate, resilient and self-driven Domestic Abuse Support Worker / Advocate to join its Community Domestic Abuse Support Service. Working with victims and survivors assessed as standard and medium risk, you will manage a caseload and provide direct casework support, advocacy, risk assessment, needs assessment, support planning and safety planning. The role involves one-to-one support, group work, multi-agency working and close partnership with safeguarding professionals, local agencies and internal services. This is a frontline role for someone with experience supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse, strong communication skills and the ability to work sensitively with people facing barriers to accessing support.

DUTIES

• Casework Support: Provide direct advice, information, advocacy and empowerment to individuals experiencing domestic violence and abuse through telephone contact and face-to-face meetings
• Risk and Needs Assessment: Identify and assess risks and needs using evidence-based risk identification tools, developing appropriate safety and support plans
• Caseload Management: Hold and manage a caseload, ensuring casework records, administration, outcomes and reviews are accurate and up to date
• Multi-Agency Working: Work with safeguarding professionals, local agencies, internal services and Team Around the Family processes to support victims and their children
• Client Advocacy: Advocate for victims and survivors to help them access services, understand options and feel supported through criminal or civil court processes when required
• Group Work: Facilitate support groups face to face and online, helping clients understand the dynamics of domestic abuse and its impact on children
• Referral Pathways: Take referrals through drop-ins and telephone contact, gather relevant information, assess circumstances and refer or joint work with specialist services when needed
• Awareness and Prevention: Offer awareness around healthy and unhealthy relationships in a range of settings to reduce risk, prevent abuse and challenge harmful behaviours
• Partnership Communication: Build positive working relationships with external professionals, attend relevant meetings and provide concise reports for formal settings

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

• Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010 applies. The post holder must be female
• Minimum Level 3 qualification in a related field
• Relevant previous or current employment or work experience
• Experience of working with victims of domestic abuse in a professional capacity
• Experience of working with vulnerable adults and children, including recognising safeguarding concerns and responding appropriately
• Experience of managing a caseload of vulnerable individuals and complex casework
• Experience of facilitating group work
• Knowledge of domestic abuse indicators and dynamics from both an adult and child perspective
• Understanding of risk assessment, safety planning and risk management for victims of domestic abuse and their children
• Ability to communicate effectively, advocate for vulnerable people and build supportive, professional relationships
• Ability to work in a person-centred, trauma-informed and confidential way
• Good Microsoft Office, database and virtual platform skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including report writing and presenting at multi-agency meetings
• Current driving licence and access to a vehicle
• Willingness to work unsociable hours, including evenings and weekends when required
• Eligible to work in the UK

BENEFITS

• Mileage allowance
• Training and development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to group clinical supervision with a BACP trained counsellor
• 25 days of annual leave (pro rata), plus bank holidays. Opportunities for this to be extended after 3 years of service
• 1 wellbeing day (pro rata)
• Annual leave ‘buy back’ scheme for those who want to purchase additional annual leave days
• Bi-annual staff away days
• Regular internal newsletter created by staff
• Time off in lieu (TOIL) when overtime is required
• 5% employer contribution to pension

This role requires an Enhanced DBS Check

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