JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE

Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA)

WORK BASE

Swansea

PAY SCALE

24-29

RESPONSIBLE TO

Service Delivery Manager South West

RESPONSIBLE FOR
CONTRACTED HOURS OF WORK

35hrs pw

HOLIDAY ENTITLEMENT

28 days plus Bank Holidays

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
TERM OF CONTRACT

JOB SUMMARY

  1. To provide a high-quality frontline service to victims of domestic abuse, delivering a service to those at highest risk.
  1. To work within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC and local partnership responses to domestic abuse. .
  1. To network with the aim of enhancing the development of good practice for all workers and Service Users.
  1. To work alongside the Service Delivery Manager to maintain procedures and systems relating to work of the BAWSO.
  1. To carry out a risk assessment and deliver a service appropriate to the level of risk, offering a premium service to those at high risk.
  1. To work within a multi agency setting to ensure all appropriate agencies are involved and to co-ordinate their work to keep people safe.
  1. To work with survivors of domestic abuse and other agencies to monitor the care pathway.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES

  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:
  5. Understanding the role of all relevant statutory and non-statutory services available to domestic abuse victims and how your role fits into them.
  6. Providing advocacy, emotional and practical support and information to victims in relation to legal options, housing, health and finance.
  7. Working directly with all key agency partners to address the safety of high risk victims and ensuring that their safety plans are coordinated particularly through the MARAC.
  8. Manage a case load ensuring each client receives the appropriate service individual to their needs.
  9. Support the empowerment of the client and assist them in recognising the features and dynamics of domestic abuse present in their situation, and help them regain control of their lives.
  1. Understand multi-agency partnership structures and work within a multi agency setting which will include participation at the MARAC. You will contribute interventions and help design a plan to protect victims and any children, while maintaining an independent role on behalf of your client, keeping their safety as central to any response.
  2. In accordance with the SIDVAP case management policy, be proactive with your Line Manager in carrying out periodic case reviews based on a review of risk and abuse which:
  1. Feeds back into action planning to further progress, signpost or close cases and;
  1. Provides feedback to your clients/agencies.
  1. Help maintain accurate and confidential case management records and databases and contribute to monitoring information for the service.
  2. Comply with data protection legislation, confidentiality and information sharing policy and procedures and all legislation connected to your work.
  3. Support colleagues and partner agencies, through awareness raising and institutional advocacy, in order to provide the best possible service for victims of domestic abuse.
  4. Respect and value the diversity of the community in which the service works in, and recognise the needs and concerns of a diverse range of survivors ensuring the service is accessible to all.
  5. Remain up-to-date and compliant with all organisational procedures policies and professional codes of conduct and uphold standards of best practice.

  1. NETWORKING & LIAISON

  1. MARAC
  1. Represent BAWSO in external Meetings and Conferences

  1. ADMINISTRATION

To maintain and deal with correspondence as and when necessary.
To ensure that accurate records are kept.
To assist the Line Manager in the collation of statistical information relevant to the project.
To keep receipts and maintain financial records, in consultation with the Finance Worker.
To report back in writing on meetings when required.
To be responsible for written reports when required.
  1. MEETINGS

  1. To attend meetings with other staff as required.
  1. To attend regular supervision sessions with Line Manager or Supervisor.
  1. To attend when requiredBoard Meetings or sub-committee meetings.

5. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY

  1. To be responsible for carrying out, implementing and the monitoring of BAWSO’s Equal Opportunity Policy.

6. GENERAL DUTIES

  1. To maintain confidentiality in all matter relating to the organisation.
  1. To attend appropriate training when required.
  1. To perform other relevant minor or non recurring duties that may be needed from time to time.
  1. To work at all times as part of a team and to liaise closely with the Manager in carrying out the above duties.
  1. To ensure at all times that the projects service standards are properly monitored and adhered to.
  1. To ensure at all times that all areas of the projects work are positively promoted.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY

To be responsible for carrying out, implementing and the monitoring of BAWSO’s Equal Opportunity Policy.

CONFIDENTIALITY – CLAUSE

All staff a have a duty of confidentiality to BAWSO, which exist in Common Law.

BAWSO has a duty to maintain strict confidentiality in relation to information and the whereabouts of its users, and keep safe and secure all information given to its staff in the course of their duties.

This applies not only during the course of employment but also after termination of employment. This confidentiality clause covers such matters as knowledge of BAWSO business, information on our users, business contacts and policies & procedures. Staff may not disclose or use for another Organisation or individual benefit any confidential information that she has or continues to require. All papers and records are the property of BAWSO and must not be removed from the premises. All staffmust sign BAWSO confidentiality clause. Any breach of this clause will result in summary dismissal, and may result in a claim from BAWSO for any damage or loss, which BAWSO may suffer.

FLEXIBILITY CLAUSE

In order to deliver services effectively, a degree of flexibility is required and the post holder may be required to perform work not specifically referred to above. Such duties however, will fall within the scope of the job at the appropriate grade. This job description will be subjected to review with the post holder, to ensure that it accurately reflects the duties and range of the post - the aim being to improve the quality of service for BME women and all matters relating to BME women’s well being.

NB:The job description for this post will be reviewed annually. The post is subject to available funding.

This job description is indicative of the range of current duties and responsibilities for the post, it is not comprehensive. It is inevitable that the duties will change to reflect organisational change and it is essential therefore that it is regarded with a degree of flexibility, so that changing needs and circumstances can be met. All changes will be discussed with the post holder.

Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974

The post for which you have applied is exempt form the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 by virtue of the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

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