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Kent Integrated Domestic Abuse Service

Hospital Based Independent Domestic Violence Advisor

Job Description

Job Description / Hospital Based Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (HIDVA)
Main Location / Dedicated to Darent Valley Hospital.
Hours of work / 35
Pattern of work / Flexible shift pattern which will be allocated within the hours 08.00 to 18:00
Reporting to / The Choices Operations Manager will have overall responsibility but day to day tasking and management will be undertaken by a designated lead within each of the named hospitals
Context of Job / The HIDVA will be based in the A&E Department ofDarent Valley Hospital (DVH) but they will also work in collaboration with other wards such as Maternity.
The HIDVA will be responsible for providing specialist quality support and advice to victims of domestic abuse (DA). They will play a critical part in supporting victims with the aim of reducing further harm to those patients (and their children) whilst they are in hospital and on discharge. They will work in collaboration with DA support provisions in the community to ensure continuity of support at the point of discharge.
This HIDVA service is available to all regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, religion or sexuality.
Purpose of Job / To provide high quality support to all victims of domestic abuse who present to the Accident and Emergency Department (A&E) either with injuries caused by DA or who disclose DA when receiving care. To also accept referrals from other Wards and Departments where patients have disclosed DA. This work should be undertaken as part of a multi-agency framework that includes MARAC and local partnership responses to DA.
The post involves working in a highly skilled and pressuredA&E department and will require the post holder to have strong resilience both emotionally and practically.
Main Responsibilities / Identify and assess the risks and needs of DA victims (and their children)who have presented to A&E or who are accessing services elsewhere in the hospital and have disclosed DA. This must be delivered through an evidence-based risk identification checklist such asthe Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Honour Based Violence Risk Identification, Assessment and Management Model (DASH)
Provide crisis led support for those at highest risk of further harm or through pro-active interventions for those at medium or standard risk which will include individual safety planning and personal support.
Manage a caseload for a time limited period whilst the client is in hospital and or accessing hospital services ensuring each client receives the appropriate support relevant to their needs and keeps their safety as central to response. This may include specialist support and advice to enable victims to make decisions, access their rights and be supported through any criminal/civil actions. To alsoensure that this caseload is regularly reviewed, actions recorded and undertaken and cases transferred or closed.
Support the empowerment of the client and assist them in recognising the features and dynamics of domestic abuse in their situation, and help them regain control of their lives on discharge from hospital.
Ensure effective continuity of service for those being transferred into community based services and that clear communication is provided to the client and community provider so that expectations are managed and the transfer is seamless.
Establish close working relationships within the hospital, primarily though not exclusively, to the Emergency Department and Maternity Departmentand the Trust’s Safeguarding Specialists. This will include delivering training and awareness raising sessions for key staff on the role of the HIDVA.
Understand multi-agency partnership structures and work within a multi-agency setting to help design interventions and develop a plan to protect victims and any children, while maintaining an independent role on behalf of the client.
Maintain accurate and confidential case management records and databases and contribute to monitoring information for the service.
Support and contribute to the development and completion of performance reports and other statisticalinformation to demonstrate the take up and value of the service.
Comply with data protection legislation, confidentiality and information sharing policy and procedures and all legislation connected to this role.
Respect and value the diversity of the community in which the services works in, and recognise the needs and concerns of a diverse range of victims ensuring the service is accessible to all.
Remain up to date and compliant with all organisational procedures policies and professional codes of conduct and uphold standards of best practice.
Person Specification / Knowledge
  • Have a good understanding of domestic abuse including the impact of domestic abuse on victims and their children.
  • Have theoretical, practical and procedural knowledge of civil and criminal justice remedies for victims of domestic abuse and their children.
  • Understand health structures and procedures or have a keen willingness to learn quickly
  • Understand child protection issues, and the legal responsibilities surrounding these issues.
  • Understand the principles of risk assessment, safety planning and risk management for victims of domestic abuse and their children.
  • Understand the remits and resources of relevant statutory bodies and voluntary agencies.
  • Understand and be committed to equal opportunities and diversity issues in policy and practice.
Experience
  • Working with vulnerable people and victims of crime.
  • Managing a caseload.
  • Working within a multi-agency and legislative framework.
Skills/ Qualifications/ Professional Membership:
  • Have excellent computer literacy skills and experience of working with databases.
  • Hold a SafeLives IDVA training certificate, or a relevant degree, or demonstrable equivalent experience, or a vocational qualification
  • Have excellent communication, negotiation and advisory skills, both written and verbal when interacting with a range of agencies and individuals.
  • Have strong crisis management skills and the ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations.
Personal qualities
  • Be compassionate and empathetic.
  • Show initiative and be proactive when managing caseloads and interacting with clients and partner agencies.
  • Act with integrity and respect at all time.
  • Work flexibly as part of a team and as an individual
  • Have strong resilience both emotionally and practically.

This role is subject to The Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
Review of Job Description / This job description is intended as an outline of the general areas of activity and will be amended in the light of the changing needs of the organisation. To be reviewed in conjunction with the post holder.