Domestic Abuse Caseworker (all victims/survivors) About the role Role: Domestic Abuse Caseworker (all victims/survivors)Salary: £26,000 Pro rataHours: 8am - 6pm rota basis 28 hrs p/wLocation: BootleClosing date: 30th Jan **** Job Purpose: To provide a direct support service to any victim / survivor of domestic abuse.
Job Responsibilities Operate a helpline service for victim/survivors, professionals and the wider community; conduct a full needs assessment, risk assessments and safety plan with a victim/ survivor at the first point of contact and be the allocated worker overseeing the case management, by conducting person centred advice and support sessions to assist the service user with the development of their personal plan.
Ensure effective access for all victim survivors of domestic abuse and encourage them to access support from the service, through proactive contact, rapport building and assessment.
Hold and manage a varied and fluctuating caseload and working on a rota basis within the team to conduct comprehensive assessments of need and risk for any victim/survivors experiencing domestic violence referred to the service; carry out short and longer term (when appropriate) risk management, safety planning and support and identify and refer to services appropriate to their needs in accordance with any charity (internal) or external agency guidance, policy and procedures.
Attend multi agency and partnership meetings as required and act in a consultancy/advisory capacity for external agencies, such as statutory and other relevant agencies, in line with your roles and responsibilities for this post.
Advise service users of their rights and options for seeking help and support, develop person centred support plans, underpinned by empowerment strategies, making referrals and co ordinating the provision of multi agency support where necessary, and advocate on behalf of service users to ensure barriers to accessing support and protection are minimised with a trauma informed response.
Proactively assess the needs and safety of service users at risk, giving due regard to internal/external policies and procedures and adhering to SWACA Safeguarding policy.
Work with Head of Operations and senior management, to ensure all monitoring and evaluations are complete and accurate and fully maintained, in line with service specifications and contract KPI's; to engage and encourage service users in the development/enhancement of service delivery, keeping managers informed of any issues and successes.
Support new staff members/students and volunteers within the induction process to including shadowing and sharing knowledge of processes within the organisation to ensure a smooth delivery of service.
Maintain accurate, up to date and relevant case notes on both the SWACA Case Management and Local Authority systems; write internal and external reports where required, including safeguarding conference reports, court reports, legal aid letters, team meeting minutes and reports for monitoring etc.
Work within the confines of confidentiality/GDPR, to ensure professional boundaries are always maintained when working with service users staff volunteers and external bodies.
Continue personal development e.g. attending training, supervision, team meetings as directed and keep up to date on relevant legislation, policy and practice.
Undertake some evening and weekend work as required, with time in lieu authorised.
Promote the interests of the Charity by supporting fundraising and public relation events.
Other similar duties may be allocated from time to time, appropriate to the general character of the post.
Person Specification Essential Requirements A relevant qualification or training, for example in domestic abuse criminal justice, law, social work, child development, substance misuse or related area.
A thorough understanding of the dynamics of domestic abuse and its impact on victim/survivors and communities.
A sound working knowledge of safeguarding legislation and practice.
Experience Experience of supporting victims/survivors who have experienced domestic abuse, forced marriage or 'honour'-based violence or experience of supporting individuals with complex needs.
Experience of identifying and managing risk, completing needs assessments, safety and support planning, particularly with clients with complex/multiple needs.
A working knowledge of multi agency approaches and networks.
Skills Excellent listening skills and the ability to relate and engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to work as a member of a team and able to use your own initiative.
Accurate data collection/ recording, monitoring and IT literate.
Competent report writing skills, including preparing reports for courts, case conference and information for Multi agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC).
Ability to successfully manage a busy and complex caseload.
General Ability to reflect on own practice through supervision, line management and peer support.
A comprehensive understanding of the importance of confidentiality/ GDPR, trauma informed practice and safe practices.
A comprehensive understanding and ability to provide support in line with Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
Ability to maintain high professional standards in adherence to agency policies and procedures.
Desirable Access to own vehicle.
A willingness to support fundraising / income generation activities.
To apply: