Job Title; Domestic Abuse Advocacy Worker

Salary £25,000 per annum. 35 hrs. Per week.

Job Purpose

To provide a high quality direct service to victims of domestic abuse, delivering a service to those at highest risk. To work within a multi‐agency framework of local partnership responses to domestic abuse.

Organisational Position

Key Activities

1. Identify and assess the risks and needs of domestic abuse victims using an evidence based risk identification checklist

2.Focus on and prioritise high risk cases and provide a pro‐active, short to medium term crisis intervention service through individual safety planning and personal support

3. Work with high risk victims of domestic abuse to help them access services to keep them and their children safe

4.Advocate for high risk victims with agencies who can help to address the domestic abuse by:

a. Understanding the role of all relevant statutory and non-statutory services availableto domestic abuse victims and how your role fits into them

b. Providing advocacy, emotional and practical support and information to victims including in relation to civil and criminal justice, housing, health and finance

c. Working with all key agency partners to address the safety of high‐risk victims and develop the use of multi-agency risk assessment.

5. Build links with civil courts to develop support and advocacy services for women who have experienced domestic abuse.

Authority levels

You will receive support and supervision from the Chief Officer and report via agreed reporting mechanisms to the Chief Officer

In the absence of the Chief Officer you will report directly to the Service Manager

Statistical Accounts: You will maintain accurate and confidential case management records and database and contribute to monitoring information for the service

People: You will support colleagues and partner agencies, through awareness raising of the project, in order to provide the best possible service for victims of domestic abuse

Accountability

Freedom to act:

You must meet the agreed strategic objectives for your own work area, andcontribute to overall organisational objectives. You report progress regularly to the Chief Officer and attend fortnightly Team meetings. You also report on project outcomes to North Ayrshire Womens Aid and the Scottish Government.

Risk management:

You have a high profile as a representative in your dealings with external groups ormember organisations. You deal with complex and demanding issues where resultsare often long‐term, within very broad performance controls.

Your acts or omissions may have significant impact on North Ayrshire Women’s Aid Viability, impact and reputation.

Level of problem‐solving required:

You will be dealing with solutions in complex situations. You have to balance this with practical issues of delivering quality‐assured service.

Communication

Subject complexity and expertise:

You have to read and understand the policies and procedures of North Ayrshire Women’s Aid, practice guidance and draft legislation, to assess their relevance and impact on the project.

Contact inside the organisation:

You will give sound information to co‐workers on issues within your specialist area.

You will assist colleagues with high risk high complex case and liaise with relevant agencies when required.

You will contribute to the development of team strategies to meet changing needs.

Contact outside the organisation:You consult, with a wide range of agencies on the complex issues faced by victims of domestic abuse. These may include other practitioners and colleagues in member organisations. You participate in various opportunities to promote the work of North Ayrshire Womens Aid including presentations and training opportunities to other agencies.

Competencies required

Core competencies

  • Have a good understanding of domestic abuse including the impact of domesticabuse on women and their children.
  • Have theoretical, practical and procedural knowledge of civil and criminal justiceremedies for victims of domestic abuse and their children.
  • Understand child protection issues, and the legal responsibilities surroundingthese issues.
  • Understand the principles of risk assessment, safety planning and riskmanagement for victims of domestic abuse and their children.
  • Understand the remits and resources of relevant statutory bodies and voluntaryagencies.
  • Understand and be committed to equality and diversity issues in policy andpractice.

Experience

Essential:

  • Experience of working with vulnerable people in a crisis setting
  • Managing and prioritising a caseload
  • Working within a multi-agency and legislative framework

Desirable:

  • Experience of working in Women’s Aid
  • Awareness of gendered analysis of domestic abuse

Knowledge/understanding

Essential

  • Knowledge of civil and criminal justice remedies for victims of domestic abuse
  • and their children
  • Knowledge of legislation surrounding child protection and vulnerable adults

Desirable

  • Understanding of the cultural and societal aspects of domestic abuse
  • Awareness of local and national strategies regarding violence against women

Skills, education, qualifications

Essential

  • Competent use of IT skills and experience of working on databases
  • Hold PDA IN Domestic Abuse Advocacy, or demonstrate equivalent experience or 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 with your client’s situation
  • Show initiative and be proactive when managing your case load and interacting with the women, children and agencies you are working with
  • Act with integrity and respect when working with all clients, agencies and individuals.
  • Work flexibly as part of a multi-agency team.
  • Be optimistic about the possibility of personal growth and change.
  • Motivate individuals and agencies to move through courses of action and decision making processes.

Other essential requirements

  • Understanding of and commitment to North Ayrshire Women’s Aid vision andvalues
  • Appointment is subject to PVG Scheme check.

July 2017

Job Description NAWA Advocacy Worker 170725 1