Domestic violence jobs in dudley, west midlands

Job Title: Domestic Abuse and Housing Support Worker

Location:  Pathway Project Lichfield Office Based

Salary: £ 24,347 Full time equivalent – Actual salary is £19,478

Hours of Work: 30 Hours per week (over 4 or 5 days)

Responsible to :  Team Leader – Outreach Team

This role is open to women only

The postholder will require a driving licence and access to a vehicle to undertake this role.

This post is open to women only  under the Equality Act 2010 pursuant to Schedule 9, Part 1.  We value diversity and are committed to ensuring that our organisation is an inclusive place to work. We encourage applications from women from all backgrounds and communities and actively welcome applicants from Black, Asian, or other ethnic minority backgrounds and women with a disability 

 About Pathway Project

We are a domestic and sexual abuse service based in Lichfield & Tamworth, Staffordshire.

We offer a range of support services and run two refuges in confidential locations.

We have been operating for over 30 years helping adults and children overcome domestic abuse, and to build a future where they live in safety and are free from fear.

Since our founder, Kathy Coe MBE, created Pathway Project, we have helped over 25,000 people, with 5,814 hours of support provided in the last year.

We offer a wide range of services, including adult and children outreach and community support, mental health, wellbeing and financial advice.

We support victims in their journey to become survivors and offer specialist counselling, advocacy and care to all who need us.

Pathway Project believes in working as a cohesive team and are service user led.

Our helpline is access to all and is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Why work for us?

Pathway Project is an inspiring and caring place to be, we are a charity with big ambitions and huge energy.

We have a string belief in staff development and are currently evolving a bold new strategy and a passion  for excellence in service delivery.

Supported by a driven and energetic board of trustees the new Chief Executive is leading Pathway Project through their ambitious plans.

It’s a really fantastic time to join our amazing charity as we move into the next phase of our exciting journey.

We are a flexible and supportive employer, committed to the personal and professional development and wellbeing of our employees. We welcome applications from women with lived experience of domestic abuse and from minority  or under-represented groups.

We offer the following benefits:

• 25 days paid leave plus statutory holidays (pro rata)
• A competitive pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme delivered by Health Assured which offers incredible support to staff and their families

We value our colleagues and are constantly reviewing our policies and practice, looking for ways in which we can better demonstrate this. We also recognise the potential impact of working in this field and provide clinical supervision to all of our employees, whatever their role.

JOB SUMMARY

She will be responsible for the co-ordination of an effective support plan for clients dealing with issues around domestic abuse and housing.

She will  provide emotional and practical support from the point of crisis, meeting their immediate needs and working towards a holistic, multi-agency approach to their long term safety, risk reduction and recovery.

She will  be responsible for the co-ordination of an effective support plan for adults dealing with issues around domestic abuse.  She will provide emotional and practical support from the point of crisis, meeting their immediate needs and working towards a holistic, multi-agency approach to their long-term safety, risk reduction and recovery. 

She will ensure that they are informed of the full range of emotional, practical and referral options that are available to them, and to facilitate access to this support, both internally and externally. 

This support will be based in the community, including client’s homes where risk appropriate, and the Hope Centre and will involve utilising all of Pathway Projects available services, as well as referring into other appropriate agencies. 

.MAIN DUTIES

· To work as part of the outreach team in providing information, support, guidance, advice, signposting, emergency accommodation and resettlement help for adults experiencing or escaping domestic abuse. 

· To support the aims and principles of Pathway Project in empowering and supporting adults who have experienced domestic abuse to make their own decisions and take control of their own lives. 

· Take all possible steps to ensure the safety and confidentiality of the users, staff and management of Pathway Project. 

· To take referrals for people affected by domestic abuse and housing issues, and provide preventative and risk reducing work with regards to both the domestic abuse and housing. 

· To provide a multi-agency approach to support and wellbeing for clients. 

· To provide non-judgemental, one to one emotional and practical support to clients accessing the service. 

· To provide advice and guidance on the full range of services, options and legal remedies open to them. 

· To complete risk assessments, and develop risk management plans to address the risk of harm, including referral into MARAC where appropriate. 

· To undertake safety planning with clients, that addresses all areas of risk, with the focus on risk reduction. 

· To complete needs assessments and individual support plans with the client to ensure their emotional and practical support needs are being met 

· To provide support to clients, alongside colleagues around registering as homeless, bidding on properties, attending appropriate meetings, applying for grants, budgeting for necessary items and necessary life skills for maintaining a property. 

OUTREACH DUTIES

· To provide support to adults in the community, at the centre and their own homes, around physical, emotional, financial, sexual and social abuse. 

· To provide emotional support and, where necessary, signpost to appropriate counselling provisions. 

· To provide practical support and advice around welfare benefits, housing, debt relief, substance misuse, training, employment, mental health and legal issues, including the use of signposting to other appropriate members of staff and agencies. 

· To provide advocacy and liaise with other agencies on behalf of the client where appropriate and necessary. 

· To attend multi agency and professionals meetings to represent the needs of the client and Pathway Project. 

· To attend appointments with the client where required, and if necessary help with the completion of paperwork, including legal documents. 

· To attend court with the client where required. 

· To promote the work of the project through training, presentations and representation at meetings. 

· To assist with the setting up and maintaining of local support networks. 

· To assist with the delivery of client support groups where appropriate. 

GENERAL

• Manage a caseload of appropriate to the number of hours worked. 

• Maintain, update and keep accurate and factual case records. 

• Follow procedures and protocols with other services so that the safety of the service user is kept central to any process. 

• Keep other relevant agencies informed about important changes in service user’s situations, within information sharing protocols. 

• Develop and maintain effective communication systems with key partners including housing, Police, CPS, court service, social services, education, health, victim support, witness service, voluntary sector organisations, CAFCASS. 

• Contribute to the development of service policies, protocols, guidelines and strategies within area of practice as necessary. 

• To ensure that the security of sensitive data is maintained and complies with the policies, procedures and guidelines of the organisation. 

OTHER

· Any other duties the  CEO  or  Board of Trustees consider appropriate.

· The post holder must have a commitment to the aims of the Pathway Project, and uphold all agreed policies and procedures.

Person Specification

Essential

Ability to drive  with a clean driving license and access to a vehicle.

Confident  and eloquent speaker and networker.

Ability to write clear and concise reports and case notes.

Experience of Housing issues and supporting adults with Housing queries.

Experience of or the ability to work with challenging individuals or situations.

Experience of supporting clients in any form.

Has an understanding of the issues facing domestic abuse victims.

Experience of working with vulnerable clients.

Experience of multi-agency working.

Experience of and an understanding of Safeguarding practice.

Desirable

Confident presenter.

Ability to write and deliver workshops to groups of adults.

Ability to manage a diverse caseload and manage competing priorities.

Experience of Domestic Abuse  or worked in the domestic abuse field.

Knowledge of working in the third sector.

Ability to manage a crisis situation and remain calm and in control.

The ability to use initiative and be self directed in their work.

The ability to maintain professional boundaries and yet still build a rapport.

Being self motivated and able to generate connections and network locally to further the work of Pathway Project.

About Respect  

Respect is a pioneering UK membership organisation in the domestic abuse sector.  Founded in 2000, we have built our expertise over the last 23 years in what was then a fledgling sector and recently have seen significant and rapid growth.     

Respect supports frontline organisations across the UK, so that together we can end domestic abuse.  Our work is wide ranging: we offer accreditation of specialist services; we provide training for individuals and organisations working in the sector; we work in partnership with others to innovate and develop practice;  we provide two helplines to enable service users to get the help and advice they need; we lobby influencers to improve policy and practice; we support up-to-date research undertaken by specialists in the field; and we fundraise to ensure important work continues to happen. 

Respect has seen rapid growth over the last few years, and we now have 60+ staff running a range of projects and core activities and have ambitious plans for further growth and influence. 

Our vision   

We want a world where everyone is free from domestic abuse. Where it is never ok to control, harm or cause fear. Where those who perpetrate domestic abuse are stopped, held to account and given the chance to change.    

Our mission   

We work with our members, partners and allies to stop the harms done by those who perpetrate domestic abuse.  With innovative practice, robust research and quality data, we build evidence of what works, promote safe, effective practice and drive high standards.  We use our voice, in collaboration with others, to call for a response to domestic abuse that matches the scale of the problem.  We will not stop, until domestic abuse stops.    

Our Focus   

Respect was founded to focus on perpetrators of domestic abuse and this, including our vital work with young people who cause harm, will remain our key priority.  Our work with male victims will continue as an important, distinct, project.    

Our Values   

• Pioneering - We explore innovative ideas and develop new approaches with curiosity and rigour.   
   

• Collaborative - We work in partnership with our members, partners and allies to bring about individual, societal and systems change.   
   

• Accountable- We listen to survivors and centre their needs in our work.  We hold perpetrators to account for their behaviour and hold ourselves and our members accountable for ours.   
   

• Respectful - We live up to our name.  We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do.  We are honest, compassionate and boldly challenge injustice.    

Make a Change 

Make a Change is a community-wide, early response approach to people using abusive behaviours (or who are concerned that they might be) towards a current or ex-partner. The model has been developed by Respect in partnership with Women’s Aid Federation England, drawing inspiration from their Change that Lasts approach. It includes three strands: expert support programme for perpetrators with parallel support for survivors, workforce development and community outreach.

Improving the safety, freedom and wellbeing of adult and child survivors of domestic abuse is a key outcome for our work with perpetrators.  The Make a Change model is a multi-partner project offering local areas a framework for delivering perpetrator work. Where feasible, we aim to establish partnerships with local survivor domestic abuse service to deliver parallel support for survivors (referred to as Integrated Support Service) as part the expert support strand.

Purpose of the role: 

The Senior Communications and Policy Officer will work with the Make a Change team at Respect to advance the development of communication and policy activities for the Make a Change model in project sites and nationally to encourage uptake in new areas. They will also work with Respect’s Communications and Influence leads to ensure alignment with the organisation's broader messaging and advocacy efforts, maximising the impact of Make a Change initiatives. The postholder will lead on developing and implementing communication strategies and plans in partnership with our delivery partners across the sites.

We would particularly welcome applications from individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and across all protected characteristics1, particularly from people from the following under-represented groups: 

• Black and minoritised people 

• Disabled people 

We always welcome and support applications from those who have personal experience of domestic abuse. 

Please follow the link to find out more. 

Respect is the UK charity stopping perpetrators of domestic abuse. We want a world where everyone is free from domestic abuse. Where it is never ok to control, harm or cause fear. Where those who perpetrate domestic abuse are stopped, held to account and given the chance to change. We will not stop, until domestic abuse stops. Founded in 2000 by Jo Todd CBE, who is still at the helm, Respect was established to focus on perpetrators of domestic abuse, and this, including our vital work with young people who cause harm, remains our key priority. Alongside this work, we deliver expert support to male victims of domestic abuse. Everything we do is shaped and driven by our values: we are pioneering, collaborative, accountable, and respectful.

This role is based within the Drive Partnership and be part of the pilot for the roll out of the positive requirement element of the DAPO’s.

We would particularly welcome applications from individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and across all protected characteristics1, particularly from people from the following under-represented groups:

• Black and minoritised people 

• Disabled people

We always welcome and support applications from those who have personal experience of domestic abuse.

About The Drive Partnership

The Drive Partnership, formed by Respect, SafeLives and Social Finance, is working to transform the national response to perpetrators of domestic abuse. We work to end domestic abuse and protect victims by disrupting, challenging, and changing the behaviour of those who are causing harm. Together we have developed the Drive Project to address a gap in work with high-harm, high-risk perpetrators of domestic abuse. We also work to advocate for systems and policy change- to develop sustainable, national systems that respond more effectively to all perpetrators of domestic abuse.

 The Drive Partnership vision 

Our vision is that by 2026 there will be a consistent approach which sees agencies in all PCC and local authority areas across England and Wales – backed by national leaders – working together to disrupt abuse and change behaviour to increase safety for victim survivors, including children and families.

Our Focus  

Respect was founded to focus on perpetrators of domestic abuse and this, including our vital work with young people who cause harm, is our key priority. Our work with male victims is an important, distinct, project.   

Our Vision   

We want a world where everyone is free from domestic abuse. Where it is never ok to control, harm or cause fear. Where those who perpetrate domestic abuse are stopped, held to account and given the chance to change.   

Our Mission  

We work with our members, partners and allies to stop the harms done by those who perpetrate domestic abuse. With innovative practice, robust research and quality data, we build evidence of what works, promote safe, effective practice and drive high standards. We use our voice, in collaboration with others, to call for a response to domestic abuse that matches the scale of the problem. We will not stop, until domestic abuse stops.   

Our Values  

• Pioneering:  We explore innovative ideas and develop new approaches with curiosity and rigour  

• Collaborative:  We work in partnership with our members, partners and allies to bring about individual, societal and systems change  

• Accountable:  We listen to survivors and centre their needs in our work. We hold perpetrators to account for their behaviour and hold ourselves and our members accountable for ours  

• Respectful:  We live up to our name. We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do. We are honest, compassionate and boldly challenge injustice  

Our way of working

Partnership is fundamental to our way of working. We are second-tier organisation focusing on the continuous improvement of service models, sharing best practice and supporting specialist service providers to deliver. 

 We have three core strands of work: 

The Drive Project is our flagship intervention working with high-harm, high-risk and serial perpetrators of domestic abuse to prevent their abusive behaviour and protect victims. The Drive Project challenges perpetrators to change and works with partner agencies – like the police and social services – to disrupt abuse. It is currently being delivered in 9 police force areas. 

Restart is an innovative pilot project providing earlier intervention for families experiencing domestic abuse. It brings together domestic abuse services, children’s social care and housing teams to identify and respond to patterns of domestic abuse at an earlier stage. Restart is currently being delivered in five London Boroughs.  

The Drive National Systems Change programme works across the domestic abuse specialist sector, public sector partners and beyond to develop sustainable, national systems that respond to all perpetrators of domestic abuse.  We identify systemic gaps and build solutions that keep survivors safer by addressing those causing harm.

Background for the role

In April 2021 the Domestic Abuse Act received Royal Assent. The Act introduces a new civil Domestic Abuse Protection Notice (DAPN) to provide immediate protection following a domestic abuse incident, and a new civil Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO) to provide flexible, longer-term protection for victims. DAPOs can impose both prohibitions and positive requirements on perpetrators. Positive requirements can be in the form of interventions aimed at reducing and managing risk, meeting the needs of an individual (for the factors that are not the causation of abuse but impact on risk e.g. mental ill health, substance misuse) and behaviour change interventions.

We were commissioned by the Home Office to design a triage model that will assess individuals for the suitability of these interventions, this triage model launched in November 2024 and will be tested and evaluated in order to prepare for national roll out in 2026.

 Purpose:   

The DAPO Service Manager will manage the operational, and strategic delivery of the DAPO team pilot working closely with the Practice and Development Lead and Programme Manager.

The postholder will have responsibility for managing all DAPO triage teams who are working locally and remotely in the DAPO pilot sites.

This role will require 

a) the effective line management of Triage Team Leaders (who in turn manage triage workers and IDVAs), in providing a high-quality frontline service triaging DAPO referrals for positive requirements

b) the development and maintenance of a multi-agency infra structure that actively engages with the triage team and the triage process 

c) working with the Practice and Development Lead and Programme Manager to ensure safe and effective delivery of the DAPO pilot triage process. 

d) support the development of the DAPO triage model through learning and analysis of the pilot delivery e.g. to initiate, develop, maintain and monitor multi-agency links through procedures and protocols, and to keep safety central to all services for perpetrators and victims of domestic abuse.   

For further information, please review the job description. 

Make a Change 

Make a Change is a community-wide, early response approach to people using abusive behaviours (or who are concerned that they might be) towards a current or ex-partner. The model has been developed by Respect in partnership with Women’s Aid Federation England, drawing inspiration from their Change that Lasts approach. It includes three strands: expert support programme for perpetrators with parallel support for survivors, workforce development and community outreach.

Improving the safety, freedom and wellbeing of adult and child survivors of domestic abuse is a key outcome for our work with perpetrators.  The Make a Change model is a multi-partner project offering local areas a framework for delivering perpetrator work. Where feasible, we aim to establish partnerships with local survivor domestic abuse service to deliver parallel support for survivors (referred to as Integrated Support Service) as part the expert support strand.

This is a new and exciting role within the Make a Change team. This exciting new role offers a unique opportunity to join our team at a pivotal moment.  As the first person to fill this position, you'll play a key role in shaping its development and collaborating with the team to define its future direction.  This is a fantastic time to join us as we grow, and you'll be an integral part of establishing this important function and contributing to our collective and continued success 

We are seeking a Make a Change Development Lead to drive the development and innovation plans for the model for 2025-28. This pivotal role will focus on enhancing the three core strands of Make a Change: Expert Support, Workforce Development, and Community Outreach.

This role requires innovation, leadership and collaboration with a range of stakeholders, ensuring these strands work seamlessly together to achieve meaningful, measurable outcomes for individuals and communities.

You will need to think long-term and understand how different components of the programme fit together. Strong leadership skills are necessary to guide teams, inspire collaboration, and make decisions that will influence both the direction of the programme and its day-to-day operations. You will have a passion for innovation and continuous improvement to develop and test new strategies, tools, and methodologies, ensuring that the programme remains dynamic and responsive to changing needs.

This is an exciting opportunity within a creative and proactive team, where members are encouraged to seek out and share learning. The role focuses on continuously developing our work with perpetrators, contributing to the growing evidence base on effective behaviour change and strategies to keep survivors safe. 

Purpose of the Role 

The Helpline Manager will manage and provide support and advice to a team of Helpline Support, Caseworkers, IDVA, and Helpline volunteers who will be handling calls. The role will also include occasionally providing helpline cover during staff shortages. The helpline supports women on more than 45 different issues with most of the calls relate to violence against women and girls (VAWG) as well as mental health and wellbeing. The Helpline Manager will be responsible in ensuring that the service continues to be culturally sensitive and be able to respond to a diverse population of women with complex needs; managing the rota for staff and volunteers, ensuring there is sufficient helpline cover, identifying and managing safeguarding issues, monitoring staff performance, maintaining the helpline database, and providing helpline data to other staff. 

The role will also include occasionally attending external stakeholder meetings and raising awareness of the helpline service. The Helpline Manager will also have some involvement in other MWNUK projects, services and activities as required. The role requires a proactive, organised and practical approach to ensure MWNUK’s projects are delivered effectively and efficiently, providing high quality support and customer service across the organisation, both internally and externally.

Main responsibilities 

• Supervising the Helpline team of 11 staff (however this is equivalent to 3 full-time staff per day only) and ensuring there is sufficient helpline cover and monitoring their wellbeing. 

• Recruiting and training helpline staff and volunteers with the support of senior management and ensuring their development needs are flagged up. 

• Monitoring performance of helpline staff through daily check-ins, debriefs, monthly supervision meetings and annual appraisals. 

• Holding regular helpline team meetings and sharing learning as well as identifying and sharing interesting cases with Senior Leadership Team including the Advocacy Officer. 

• Planning and delivering training to staff and volunteers in line with changes in law, policies and procedures, including safeguarding. 

• Regularly attending external meetings such as MARAC (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference), liaising with police, social services, and other partner agencies. These meetings are a critical part of safeguarding and time for preparation and follow-up is built into the role. 

Safeguarding 

• Implementing MWNUK Children and Adult Safeguarding policies and procedures. 

• Responding to safeguarding concerns in a timely manner and promoting good practice. 

• Identification, handling and recording of all safeguarding risks and issues for both children and adults, including in instances of domestic abuse, forced marriage, honour-based violence, sexual abuse, self-harm, isolation, housing, marriage and divorce etc. 

• Escalating and de-escalating risk, report writing and recording accurately all decision-making during case reviews. 

• Having regular case reviews and making evidence-based decision-making. 

• Monitoring and evaluating safeguarding practices. 

• Liaising with external agencies as and when required. 

• Reviewing helpline cases before they are closed ensuring the data has been properly recorded. 

Managing cases 

• Triaging, managing, prioritizing and allocating helpline cases. 

• Maintenance of accurate records, online databases, filing systems and computer files and gathering of statistics as required by the Operational Director and / or CEO and external evaluating consultant. 

• Maintenance of all information in line with confidentiality and data protection policies while observing professional boundaries at all times. 

• Monitoring helpline data and identifying any trends and sharing them with senior management and the Advocacy Officer. 

• Ensuring policies and procedures are followed. 

Other duties 

• When required (i.e. when there are staff shortages) provide cover on the helpline and respond to phone calls, emails, texts, webchat and the newly launched Amal Safety Mobile App, in a faith and culturally sensitive manner. 

• Keeping up to date with helpline issues such as forced marriages, domestic violence, honour- based violence, sexual violence, female genital mutilation, mental health, discrimination and women’s rights – including assisting with projects and services on these issues. 

• Promoting the helpline’s services to a range of stakeholders. 

• The role will occasionally involve delivering training workshops and leading discussions on critical issues such as forced marriages, domestic violence, FGM, and honour-based violence, primarily with schools, colleges, and community organisations. These responsibilities will be planned in advance and integrated into the team’s schedule. 

• Carrying out duties to support the Operational Director and CEO. 

• Attending training for professional development, as required. 

• Undertaking outreach work, if required. 

Person Specification 

Professional Experience, Knowledge and Understanding 

• Strong experience of dealing with minority ethnic women particularly from Muslim communities who have suffered domestic violence and other forms of abuse such as forced marriage, honour- based violence, sexual violence, mental health issues etc. 

• Knowledge of key issues that will arise on the helpline such as domestic violence, forced marriage, honour-based violence, sexual violence, mental health, hate crime etc. 

• At least one year's experience in handling children and adult safeguarding. 

• Willingness to participate in further training and development opportunities. 

• Working in a trauma informed way by recognizing impact of trauma on women. 

• Experience of managing, supporting and supervising a small team. 

• Second language such as Arabic, Bangla, Punjabi or Urdu. 

• Excellent IT skills (Microsoft365: word processing, databases, PowerPoint, spreadsheets and Outlook). 

• Desirable line management experience. 

Abilities and Skills 

• Significant organisational and administrative skills, supported by a proficiency with ICT. 

• Able to build relationships with whilst maintaining professional boundaries. 

• Proactiveness, enthusiasm and commitment along with an honest and trustworthy approach to the role. 

• High level of professionalism when dealing with internal and external stakeholders. 

• Strong organisational and interpersonal skills with solid communication skills – written and verbal. 

• Experience of effective teamwork i.e. listening (including taking on feedback), being respectful and instilling confidence and motivation in staff and volunteers. 

• Ability to work independently without supervision and being able to use initiative. 

• Communicating information from management to staff in an accessible way. 

• To be able to work under pressure, whilst keeping calm and levelheaded. 

• The ability to work in a demanding environment, meeting tight deadlines by prioritising and delegating as necessary. 

• Understanding of and adherence to confidentiality and data protection issues and an understanding of maintaining professional boundaries. 

• Understanding and knowledge of the voluntary / non-profit women’s rights sector. 

• Drive and willingness to go above and beyond role and be able to demonstrate a commitment to women’s rights. 

Personal Qualities 

• Flexible, motivated and committed to a high standard of working, with a willingness to take on additional duties. 

• Adaptability to changing circumstances and new ideas. 

• Resilient and determined to achieve goals. 

• Committed to vision, mission and aim of MWNUK. 

Equal Opportunities Awareness 

• An awareness of diversity issues and a positive, non-discriminatory and non-judgmental approach. 

• A commitment to working in a flexible and collaborative manner with all members of the MWNUK team. 

Application Process 

If you have any questions about the role or would like to discuss it further, you can book a 15-minute online slot with the Operations Director, Shameem Hussain, using Link 

 Please note that this is not an interview and is strictly for informational purposes only. 

1st Stage 

• Please email your CV (including two references details) and a cover letter (no more than two pages) to by 5pm on Monday, 5th May 2025. In your cover letter, please address the following questions: 

1. Why does this role appeal to you, and what experiences make you an ideal candidate? 

1. Why do you want to work in the women’s sector, and how do you believe you can make a difference? 

1. Safeguarding is a crucial part of this role—what experience and knowledge can you bring to this aspect? 

• We will only process completed applications and will not chase up missing CVs or cover letters. 

• Please note that feedback will not be provided at stage 1 of the application process. 

2nd Stage 

• Shortlisted individuals will be invited to attend an interview on either Monday 12th May or Tuesday 13th May 2025. 

Further Information 

• Basic DBS clearance is required. 

• Evidence of your right to work in the UK is required. 

• If successful, references will be requested. To help speed up the process please include references in your CV. 

• Please note that in accordance with The Equality Act 2010 (Schedule 9, Part 1, Paragraph 1), this post is open to women only. 

Job Title: Young Women and Girls Support Worker

Location: Pathway Project Lichfield Office Based

Salary: £ 24,347 Full time equivalent – Actual salary is £19,478

Hours of Work: 30 Hours per week (over 4 or 5 days)

Responsible to : Team Leader – Outreach Team

Responsible for : Delivering domestic abuse services and prevention services to young women and girls aged 13-24 years.

This role is open to women only

The postholder will require a driving licence and access to a vehicle to undertake this role.

This post is open to women only  under the Equality Act 2010 pursuant to Schedule 9, Part 1.  We value diversity and are committed to ensuring that our organisation is an inclusive place to work. We encourage applications from women from all backgrounds and communities and actively welcome applicants from Black, Asian, or other ethnic minority backgrounds and women with a disability

About Pathway Project

We are a domestic and sexual abuse service based in Lichfield & Tamworth, Staffordshire.

We offer a range of support services and run two refuges in confidential locations.

We have been operating for over 30 years helping adults and children overcome domestic abuse, and to build a future where they live in safety and are free from fear.

Since our founder, Kathy Coe MBE, created Pathway Project, we have helped over 25,000 people, with 5,814 hours of support provided in the last year.

We offer a wide range of services, including adult and children outreach and community support, mental health, wellbeing and financial advice.

We support victims in their journey to become survivors and offer specialist counselling, advocacy and care to all who need us.

Pathway Project believes in working as a cohesive team and are service user led.

Our helpline is access to all and is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Why work for us?

Pathway Project is an inspiring and caring place to be, we are a charity with big ambitions and huge energy.

We have a string belief in staff development and are currently evolving a bold new strategy and a passion for excellence in service delivery.

Supported by a driven and energetic board of trustees the new Chief Executive is leading Pathway Project through their ambitious plans.

It’s a really fantastic time to join our amazing charity as we move into the next phase of our exciting journey.

We are a flexible and supportive employer, committed to the personal and professional development and wellbeing of our employees. We welcome applications from women with lived experience of domestic abuse and from minority or under-represented groups.

We offer the following benefits:

· 25 days paid leave plus statutory holidays (pro rata)

· A competitive pension scheme

· Employee Assistance Programme delivered by Health Assured which offers incredible support to staff and their families

We value our colleagues and are constantly reviewing our policies and practice, looking for ways in which we can better demonstrate this. We also recognise the potential impact of working in this field and provide clinical supervision to all of our employees, whatever their role.

JOB SUMMARY

The postholder will provide outreach services within the community to provide emotional and practical support to young women and girls who have been subject to domestic abuse and sexual abuse or exploitation in order to meet their immediate needs, reduce risk and work towards long term safety and security.

This may also include young women and girls who have been involved in the sex industry or gang involvement. She will inform them of all the sources of help available to them and to facilitate their access to other support services, where it is appropriate.

She will enable access to age appropriate and age effective group work and to support the development of preventative workshops delivered to young women and girls.

MAIN DUTIES

· To provide non-judgemental, one to one emotional and practical support to young women and girls (YW&G) aged 13-25, who have suffered domestic abuse and/or sexual abuse/exploitation.

· To engage YW&G in effective one to one support designed to meet their individual needs.

· To signpost YW&G on to other appropriate agencies and support mechanisms that will help them successfully move forward.

· Complete risk assessments and develop risk management plans to address the risk of harm.

· Undertake safety planning with YW&G to reduce levels of risk.

· Complete needs assessments and individual support plans with the YW&G to ensure their emotional and practical support needs are being met.

· To empower YW&G who have been victims of domestic/sexual abuse/exploitation to take control of their lives and make their own decisions.

· To assist YW&G to access relevant services and agencies within their local area such as housing, counselling, debt, legal advice, health, training, education and support groups.

· To refer service users onto other support services available in Pathway, if appropriate e.g. counselling, legal clinics.

· To work with other services within Pathway Project to deliver the most effective support possible.

· To work in partnership with other agencies and to advocate for YW&G to ensure their needs are being met.

· To advocate on behalf of YW&G, accompanying them to appointments, if appropriate, and ensuring that their wishes and feelings regarding the provision of those services has been taken into account.

· To help develop a programme of group work for YW&G looking at issues such as sexual exploitation, sexting, revenge porn, social media, grooming, healthy relationships and substance misuse.

GENERAL

· Manage an appropriate caseload.

· Maintain, update and keep accurate and factual case records.

· Keep other relevant agencies informed about important changes in YW&G situations, within information sharing protocols.

· Note and feed back to other agencies any consistent difficulties YW&G are having accessing their service, or failures to engage.

· Contribute to the development of service policies, protocols, guidelines and strategies within area of practice as necessary.

· To work within the policies and procedures of the organisation.

· Develop and maintain effective communication systems with key partners including Police, CPS, court service, social services, education, health, victim’s gateway, witness service, voluntary sector organisations, CAFCASS.

· Participate in team meetings.

· Provide specialist advice to other workers and agencies.

· To participate in networking opportunities.

· To provide monitoring and reports as required.

· To ensure that the security of sensitive data is maintained and complies with the policies, procedures and guidelines of the organisation.

OTHER

· Any other duties the CEO or Board of Trustees consider appropriate.

· The post holder must have a commitment to the aims of the Pathway Project, and uphold all agreed policies and procedures.

Person Specification

Essential

Ability to drive with a clean driving license and access to a vehicle.

Confident and eloquent speaker and networker.

Ability to write clear and concise reports and case notes.

Experience of supporting clients in any form.

Has an understanding of the issues facing YW&G.

Experience of working with vulnerable clients.

Experience of and an understanding of Safeguarding practice.

The ability to use initiative and be self directed in their work .

The ability to maintain professional boundaries and yet still build a rapport.

Being self motivated and able to generate connections and network locally to further the work to prevent violence against

YW&G.

Desirable

Confident presenter and deliverer or group workshops .

Ability to write and deliver workshops that are informative, fun and age appropriate for YW&G. 

Ability to manage a diverse caseload and manage competing priorities.

Experience of Domestic Abuse or worked in the domestic abuse field.

Experience of or the ability to work with challenging individuals or situations 

Experience of multi-agency working.

Knowledge of working in the third sector .

Ability to manage a crisis situation and remain calm and in control.