We are delighted to be recruiting for a Complex Needs Domestic Abuse Worker, to be based at our offices in Walton on Thames.

Role Details

Complex Needs Domestic Abuse Worker

Reporting To:    The Domestic Abuse Services Manager

Hours:  22 hours per week

Salary:   FTE £26,000 per annum, pro rata for 22 hours a week is £15,889, plus 6% contributory pension

Job Description

PURPOSE OF ROLE:

To identify clients with substance misuse and or mental health support needs amongst outreach referrals. To effectively provide specialist person centred 1:1 support to women with complex needs utilising survivors individual strengths. To ensure all clients are given security and support to maximise their independence, dignity and choice.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

Direct Work with clients

• To contact clients using sensitive listening and questioning skills in order to allow clients to explain their situation and empower them to set their own priorities.
• To develop a support plan with clients ensuring that they reflect the clients individual needs, issues and concerns
• Deliver more intensive support with a smaller client caseload and advocate the clients needs with other support agencies.
• To provide skilled practical help, advice and emotional support to enable clients to reach an informed decision regarding their future, including safety planning and risk assessment.
• To enable and encourage clients to take advantage of all services relevant to their problems such as legal and financial advice, housing and benefits rights, education, medical treatment, safety advice etc. and make appropriate referrals.
• To assist clients where necessary by negotiating, drafting or writing letters and telephoning
• To negotiate with third parties, including statutory and non-statutory organisations as required.
• To accompany clients to meetings with agencies and Courts if needed for continuity of care.
• To be mindful of the impact on any client’s children witnessing domestic abuse and of the associated child protection issues.
• To help reduce client’s isolation and encourage them back into the community.
• To seek opportunities for clients to access group work and to deliver group work as appropriate
• To attend Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences where they are supporting the survivor.
• To assess clients for referral to the North Surrey Sanctuary Scheme
• Understanding of Safeguarding Framework and procedures both for Vulnerable Adults and Child Protection.

Administration

• To maintain relevant casework records on clients for the purpose of continuity of casework, information retrieval, statistical monitoring and report preparation and ensuring such records are kept up to date and in accordance with the Data Protection Act.
• To maintain records to fulfil monitoring requirements of funders

Other duties and responsibilities

• To uphold the aims and principles of the Citizen Advice Service
• To keep up to date with policies and procedures relevant to service and undertake relevant training within guidelines issues by Citizens Advice.
• To uphold and work within the principles of the Surrey Multi Agency Strategy against Domestic Abuse
• To provide advice and information to other organisations and take part in Domestic Abuse awareness raising events
• To liaise with other organisations and agencies where there is a joint or multiple approach to a client and be aware that inter-agency co-operation is an integral and essential facet of outreach work
• To attend meetings both internal and external as required.
• To abide by health and safety procedures in accordance with Health & Safety legislation.
• To work closely with the other Outreach Workers/IDVAs.
• Any other duties as required to ensure the efficient provision of the outreach service.
• To understand and adhere to Safeguarding Policies and procedures.

Professional Support and Development

• To keep up to date with legislation, case law and policies and procedures and undertake appropriate training relevant to the provision of services and issues concerning domestic abuse
• To prepare for and attend supervision sessions as required.
• To attend team meetings.
• To attend all relevant training as required including specialist domestic abuse/gender violence training and Citizen Advice training.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Experience  Essential ( E) Desirable (D)

•  Of working with people with complex needs including mental health and substance misuse to include undertaking risk assessments and developing support plans (E)
• Of working in a trauma informed environment (D)

Knowledge

• Of issues relating to mental health and substance misuse including support mechanisms and potential barriers to accessing treatment.(E)
• Knowledge and awareness of issues relating to domestic abuse (E)
• Of current general and welfare rights legislation and its affects on women escaping domestic abuse (D)
• Understanding of professional boundaries (E)

Skills

• Ability to provide support on a 1:1 basis both in person and on the phone. (E)
• Listening skills and empathy (E)
• Oral and written communication skills, with the ability to produce accurate reports and maintain records (E)
• Ability to work as part of a team ( E)
• Ability to prioritise competing demands (E)
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations and to successfully respond to and manage conflict ( E)
• Ability to liaise effectively with external agencies ( E )
• IT skills (E)
• Flexible approach, ability to work on own initiative but also ability to work as part of a team.(E)
• An awareness of the importance of confidentiality (E )
• To demonstrate a commitment to equality and diversity.(E)
• To have a full driving licences and use of a car and ability to meet clients in the Boroughs of Epsom and Ewell, Elmbridge and Spelthorne. (E )

How to Apply

To download an application form please click here.

For further information please contact – nsdas@caew.org.uk

Completed applications to margaret.bourne@caew.org.uk

Closing Date 17^th March 2021