Job Description East Sussex Community IDVA Service

Job Title

/ SessionalCommunity IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advisor Project) Worker(MP676)

Reports to

/ Service Manager

Purpose of Job

/ Provide a high quality frontline service to women and menwho are or have experienced domestic abuse and violence.
The focus is on supporting victims of domestic violence in the Hastings area through the civil and criminal justice system and beyond. The approach is within a multi agency framework consisting of the MARAC and local partnerships to deliver an inclusive and comprehensive service.

Pay Scale

/ £11.93 per hour basic + £1.14 per hour holiday pay (£13.07 per hour)

Hours per week

/ Sessional Various

Office Base

/ Hastings

Key Activities

To assist in the delivery of the Community/Court IDVA Service and prioritise medium risk victims of DV in the Hastings area in accordance to agreed targets.
To work towards and achieve HBC SLA, offering a comprehensive range of holistic interventions and strategies to our client group including Court Support, Crisis Intervention, MARAC’s, Outreach and Community Support to effect change.
To work closely with other organisations and partnerships, promoting the work of the project and awareness of domestic violence through delivery of training and participation in events and conferences.
To engage, support and provide relevant information to DV victims within the criminal and civil justice system. Provide support and liaison to bring about successful prosecution and protective orders.
To undertake initial assessments, understand the principles of and implementation of risk assessments, safety planning and risk management. Provide appropriate support through MARAC processes, individual sessions and or meaningful telephone contact.
To identify causes, effects and triggers of problematic behaviour and strategies to overcome these. Provide strong crisis management skills to deal with stressful and difficult situations and reduce risk levels.
To keep abreast of developments in service and legislation relevant to the tasks and responsibilities. Work within a multi-agency and legislative framework
To ensure the implementation of all CRI’s policies including Equal Opportunities and Diversity, Confidentiality and Safeguarding Children and Adults at Risk policies.
To adhere to the current process/procedures/policies and maintain satisfactory records of the work undertaken with clients. Store records and information appropriately and in accordance with the Information policy.
To reflect on own and others’ practice through supervision/case management and peer support.
To work flexibly and effectively with colleagues to ensure seamless complementary delivery of services.
To work closely with the police and other statutory/voluntary agencies within the area and develop and maintain effective multi-agency joint working approaches.

To ensure the targets and aims of the project are met and that the highest possible professional standards underpin the work.
To maintain operational systems as required by the project/service and provide any necessary data / information outputs and reports in a timely and professional manner.
To follow safeguarding processes and statutory authority child protection procedures and protection of adults at risk, at all times.
To work flexibly within the agreed number of hours to maintain levels of service provision.

This is a standards based job description that incorporates the National Occupational Standards relevant to the job, as well as DANOS and other occupational standards such as CJNTO.

Unit Number and Title Specific standards NOS related for this role include:
HSC35 / Promote choice, well being and the protection of all individuals
AA1 / Recognise indications of substance misuse and refer individuals to specialists
HSC233 / Relate to, and interact with, individuals
HSC330 / Support individuals to access and use services and facilities
HSC3111 / Promote the equality, diversity, rights and responsibilities of individuals
HSC226 / Support individuals who are distressed
AB3 / Contribute to the prevention and management of abusive and aggressive behaviour
HSC335 / Contribute to the protection of individuals from harm and abuse
HSC395 / Contribute to assessing and act upon risk of danger, harm and abuse
HSC33 / Reflect on and develop your practice
GEN36 / Make use of supervision
AC3 / Contribute to the development of the knowledge and practice of others
GEN33 / Enable other individuals to reflect on their own values, priorities, interests and effectiveness
M&L D1 / Develop productive working relationships with colleagues
AD2 / Facilitate learning through presentations and activities
AF1 / Carry out screening and referral assessment
AG1 / Develop, implement and review care plans for individuals
AG2 / Contribute to care planning and review
HSC388 / Relate to families, parents and carers
AG3 / Assist in the transfer of individuals between agencies and services
BE4 / Supplying information for management control
BE6 / Preparing reports and returns
HSC31 / Promote effective communication for and about individuals
CJAD2 / Develop, sustain and evaluate joint work between agencies
HSC3100 / Participate in inter-disciplinary team working to support individuals
GEN48 / Promote your organisation and its services to stakeholders
M&L E6 / Ensure health and safety requirements are met in your area of responsibility
HSC22 / Support the health and safety of yourself and individuals
HSC32 / Promote, monitor and maintain health, safety and security in the working environment
CJAD 3 / Represent one’s own agency at other agencies’ meetings

Person Specification

Knowledge and Skills Required

Significant experience of working in one or more of the following fields:
Social Work, Probation, Health, Substance Misuse, Family or Criminal Justice work and/or holds a CAADA IDVA training certificate. Or substantial experience of direct work experience with people who have experienced a violent or abusive relationship. Key Working & Assessments Skills essential.
Experience of court, civil and criminal justice systems.
An understanding of the issues affecting people who are or have experienced domestic abuse/violence and the impact on children. The legislative framework that surrounds these issues.
Experience of delivering solution-focused approaches.
Ability to engage with people of diverse backgrounds.
Sensitivity in working with complex family issues.
Ability to maintain a practical, positive and considered approach when dealing with challenging behaviour.
Self-motivated and competent at organising own workload with a flexible and resilient attitude.
Capacity to initiate, develop and maintain high quality practice in accordance with CRI and CAADA guidelines.
Willingness and ability to undertake training relevant to the post.
Sound and safe working knowledge and practice of safeguarding - Child Protection and Adults at Risk.
Good organisational abilities, excellent communication, negotiation and advisory skills, both written and verbal alongside computer literacy.
Ability in and experience of recording data for monitoring purposes – compiling internal/external reports as required and meeting deadlines.
Ability to work independently and in a team.
Ability to travel across the county of East Sussex if required.

This post is subject to a DBS check at an enhanced level.

This description accurately reflects the current position it may be amended and may be reviewed. Any change will be made following a proper period of consultation.