Women’s Aid East & Midlothian Limited Job Description
Post: Women’s Support Worker (Accommodation basedVisiting Support)
Responsible to: Accommodation Service Lead Officer
Level of Disclosure Certificate Required: PVG scheme record
Job Purpose
As a member of WAEML you will provide the highest possible standard of support to womenwho have experienced domestic abuse and are living in WAEML accommodation or are accessing our visiting support.
Major tasks and responsibilities
- To provide support to women who have experienced domestic abuse and living withinWAEML accommodation or receiving visiting support (follow-on or outreach).
- Contribute to the planning, delivery, evaluation and development of accommodation based and visiting support offered to women who use the WAEML service.
- To ensure a high standard of accommodation continues to be offered in all geographical areas within East and Midlothian
Job activities
1.1To ensure that vacancies available within WAEMLaccommodation are advertised via appropriate forums.
1.2Collaboration with colleagues in order to assess a woman’s suitability for WAEML accommodation and decide on appropriate support either from WAEML or other suitable organisation.
1.3To ensure that available accommodation is prepared and ready for occupation.
1.4To provide practical and emotional support to women living in WAEMLaccommodation or accessing follow on support.
1.5To meet with the women as a key worker on a regular and planned basis that will involve the development and reviewing of individual support plans and risk assessment whilst they are living in accommodation or as part of visiting support (this will be a protected case load).
1.6To meet with women who are admitted to WAEML accommodation in order to familiarise them with the environment, regulations, expectations and safety procedures.
1.7To complete with women, all necessary paperwork and begin the process of applying for housing benefit and any appropriate income benefits.
1.8 To set and collect rent, TV licence money and any other payments due to the organisation.
1.9To work in partnership with other agencies to maximise the support and services available to women accessing support from WAEML e.g. housing agencies, social work, health agencies and other third sector organisations.
1.10 To maintain accurate and up to date records in accordance with WAEML policy.
1.11 To prepare relevant reports for children’s panels, court proceeding or case conferences where necessary and accompany women to such meetings as the need arises.
1.12 To assist in the provision of social/group opportunities for women who are in WAEML accommodation.
1.13 To ensure that women leaving WAEML accommodation have resettlement support plans in place and that necessary paperwork (e.g. two homes payments) has been completed.
1.14 To provide practical assistance to women moving into their own tenancy (i.e. sourcing grants to help furnish their homes, getting to know the local area).
1.15 To provide regular practical and emotional support to women on a follow on basis, including developing and reviewing individual support plans.
2.1To assist with ensuring that WAEML accommodation is suitable and well maintained. This will include organising any necessary stock control, repairs, decoration, building and garden maintenance and that accommodation meets any necessary health and safety regulations.
2.2To liaise with and attend regular meetings with housing providers to ensure accommodation is fit for purpose and negotiate housing nomination agreements.
2.3To attend regular meetings with support teams in order to discuss support requirements of service users.
2.4To carry out all work to the highest possible standards and in accordance with WAEML policies and procedures, National Care Standards and other relevant legislation.
2.5To remain familiar with requirements of Care Inspectorate and ensure that WAEML service responds appropriately.
2.6To participate in all appropriate meetings and undertake duties that further the aims and objectives of WAEML
2.8To contribute to the evaluation of WAEML services.
2.9To promote the work of WAEML and the rights and needs of women who experience domestic abuse with other service providers and policy makers.
2.10To participate in continued funding of WAEML services e.g. applications to funding bodies.
2.11To contribute to future accommodationdevelopment within WAEML East & Midlothian.
2.12To contribute to the organisational newsletter in advance of publication.
Other duties
- Delivery of training/presentations as appropriate.
- Development and regular reviews of WAEML policy and practice.
- Any other duties as may be deemed appropriate.
- Membership of relevant sub group
Other Associated Matters
The worker must be able to drive and have access to their own vehicle. It is the workers own responsibility to ensure their insurance covers use at work including transporting passengers.
The postholder must attend regular (at least every six weeks) supervision meetings that will beprovided by the AccommodationLead Officer.
Salary and hours of work.
The WAEML salary is £19283 to £20,873 Pro rata
WAEML make an offer of 5% contribution to a personal pension plan and supports a healthy workplace by providing healthcare access via Westfield Health on satisfactory completion of probationary period.
The normal working week is 35 hours, worked flexibly to a prearranged schedule, and may include weekend and evening work. Time off will be granted in lieu of hours worked over the normal week as a consequence of or in the interest of service delivery
Salary is paid in arrears no later than the 28th day of each month
During your first 12 months of employment full time workers are entitled to 28 days holiday in line with statutory requirements. This will be pro-rata for part time workers. Thereafter and subject to satisfactory completion of your probationary period workers are entitled to six working weeks paid holidays and 2 weeks public holidays (Pro Rata).This amounts to 210 hours Annual Leave and 70 hours Public Holidays for a 35 hour post.
Probation:There will be a probationary period of six months. At the end of this period the position will be reviewed and if satisfactory the continuation of your employment will be confirmed. During the probationary period either party can terminate employment by giving one week’s notice.