Victim Support is looking for an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate co-located in Kings College Hospital, London

Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity for people affected by crime in England and Wales. We work towards a world where people affected by crime or traumatic events get the support they need and respect they deserve.

VS is looking for a skilled experienced IDVA for our Kings College Hospital colocation. The successful candidate will have a thorough understanding of domestic abuse and its impact on victim/survivors and their children, as well as experience of providing emotional and practical support and strong casework management skills. Working as a member of the London Domestic Abuse team you will be supporting domestic abuse clients through the colocation at Kings College hospital liaising directly with hospital departments such as ED/ Safe Guarding/ Maternity as well as through the criminal justice system, heightening awareness of the processes and outcomes, whilst having the ability to work in partnership with other agencies aiming to increase the level of domestic abuse prosecutions.

Candidates will have the skills to provide effective crisis intervention, carry out risk assessments, safety planning, assessment of needs and individual support planning. You will work in partnership with other agencies to develop and deliver risk management plans to ensure victims' safety. You will be responsible for advocating on behalf of survivors of domestic abuse and managing and reviewing your cases.

You should have demonstrable experience of working in an IDVA or similar position with this or a similar client group, or an outstanding knowledge of supporting those experiencing domestic abuse, including the MARAC process. Candidates will need to have proven knowledge of the criminal justice system and social care and understand how they relate to survivors of domestic abuse. You will possess excellent communication, written and IT skills, the ability to engage with clients and liaise and deliver training and presentations to external agencies and stakeholders effectively

Victim Support offers competitive rewards and benefits including pension and life assurance, 25 days annual leave (pro-rata), voluntary benefits such as season ticket loans, and the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing world-class services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.

Applications should be explicit enough to provide good evidence against the shortlisting criteria, which are marked in the person specification as A. In order to apply, please create a profile in our website (jobs section), complete and submit an online application form.

VS are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks will be required.

Victim Support is committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment for our staff. We believe having a diverse workforce at all levels allows us to represent the communities we serve and connect better with people affected by crime. We welcome applicants from all communities and as part of our commitment to the we would particularly welcome applicants from BAME communities.

If you have the drive to make a difference within an organisation which makes a difference we look forward to hearing from you.

We are looking for a creative and proactive individual who is experienced at working with boys and young men and building trust in the relationships. As the Adolescent Boys Outreach Worker you will play a crucial role in supporting children and young people who are dealing with the trauma of witnessing or experiencing domestic abuse.

As part of our passionate and committed team of approximately 30 staff, our aspiration is that you will thrive and develop in this varied role. You will be contributing to the invaluable work of the Rising Sun and making a lasting difference to the lives of those who’ve experienced domestic abuse.

Rising Sun Domestic Violence and Abuse Service (the Rising Sun) is an independent charity in Kent working to prevent domestic abuse and improve the lives of survivors and their children suffering from its effects. We have an ambitious vision for a world in which women and children live free from actual or threatened domestic abuse and all forms of violence.

Our team provide a range of services to adults and children who’ve experienced domestic abuse. We understand the impact of domestic abuse on survivors and so we listen to individual needs and respond in a trauma informed way. We provide one-to-one support and also deliver therapeutically informed group programmes to help survivors to recognise healthy/unhealthy behaviours in relationships and to understand the impact of domestic abuse. Bringing survivors together validates experiences and enables them to draw strength from one another.

JOB PURPOSE

To work within the Children and Young People (CYP) team to deliver services relating to children and young people affected by domestic violence and abuse. 

To lead on a programme delivering one-to-one and group support to adolescent boys aged 11-24 across various locations in East Kent, including Canterbury, Ashford, Shepway and Swale. The programme focuses on the impact of domestic abuse and on understanding healthy relationships.

To work in collaboration with the CYP team and wider Rising Sun team to support other programmes delivered within the organisation.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Service delivery

• Facilitate and lead on a programme delivering targeted trauma informed support to adolescent boys in East Kent.
• Hold own caseload and show empathy and understanding in meeting the needs of the young people the Rising Sun supports.
• Work in a mentoring capacity with children and adolescents with a specific focus on a trauma informed approach, which recognises domestic abuse and its impact.
• Work creatively and flexibly in offering a needs led approach to support a vulnerable and at times challenging client group.
• Help young people recognise and build on their strengths and abilities, while understanding the impact of trauma.
• Work holistically in recognising the needs of the family alongside the young person.
• Support and facilitate group programmes and activities in schools and in the community.
• Work flexibly with young people and meet with them in a variety of settings such as schools, colleges, family homes and community centres, depending on their needs.
• Offer support to young people face to face or remotely, via phone or video call, depending on the needs of the young people and current guidance around social distancing.
• Maintain up to date records and ensure, reports and evaluations are completed as required.
• As part of the CYP team, deliver workshops and training to external agencies and organisations to promote awareness of domestic abuse and share knowledge and learning.
• Attend meetings on behalf of the Rising Sun where necessary, promote multi-agency working and build positive working relationships with external partner agencies such as social care, early help, schools, police and health services.
• Work as part of a team, supporting colleagues and building positive working-relationships with team members.
• Contribute to wider team meetings and discussions to share learning and feed into organisational developments.
• Be willing and available to work some evenings and weekends as required to support wider team activities such as representing Rising Sun at events (time off in lieu can be taken by arrangement with your line manager).

General

• At all times work professionally and to a high standard, setting an example to the wider team and external partners.
• A good knowledge and understanding of using IT programmes such as Word and Excel.
• Complete administrative tasks and ensure paperwork and evaluations are kept up to date.
• Demonstrate a commitment to continued professional development, being responsible for personal learning and keeping up to date on research, relevant legislation, policy and practice, and other literature relevant to the role.
• At all times protect the safety and security of the Rising Sun, service users, staff, volunteers and buildings, and the confidentiality of records and other information.
• Uphold the rights of women, children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse, and proactively assess the gender specific, trauma informed needs and  the safety of children and women to ensure that any risks/needs identified are addressed, having full regard to Rising Sun Safeguarding Children policy and Safeguarding Adults policy.
• Be proactive and solution focussed while paying attention to detail.
• Participate in supervision, training and meetings as required.
• Ensure the effective implementation of Rising Sun’s policies and procedures and uphold the core values of the Rising Sun.
• Work across teams and undertake such other duties, appropriate to the grade and nature of the work, as may reasonably be expected.

This job description sets out the duties of the post at the time when it was drawn up and will be reviewed from time to time. Duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibility entailed. Such variations are a common occurrence and cannot of themselves justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post.

PERSON SPECIFICATION  

Knowledge and qualifications

• A relevant qualification in working with children and young people (Desirable)
• A thorough understanding of violence against women and girls with a particular focus on domestic abuse (coercive control, sexual violence, so-called ‘honour- based violence’, forced marriage and FGM)
• Excellent understanding of the impact of domestic violence and trauma on children and young people, families and communities. 
• Thorough knowledge of safeguarding practice, procedures and legislation
• Good understanding of the operation of  the agencies working together to support young people, such as schools, social services, CAHMS etc.

Experience

• 2+ years’ relevant experience of working with young people, including adolescent boys
• Experience of working with adolescents boys who have experienced trauma (Desirable)
• Experience of facilitating group programmes and activities with children and adolescents
• Experience of advocating for the rights of survivors to access safety and freedom
• alongside partner agencies such as schools to facilitate this
• Experience of delivering training or presentations. (Desirable)
• Experience of building and maintaining networks and working with partner agencies and other stakeholders to develop and deliver services. (Desirable)
• Experience of working for a charity or not for profit organisation. (Desirable)

Skills

• Excellent listening and communication skills with a wide range of people of all ages and backgrounds
• The ability to work well within a team and responsibly on own initiative
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries with clients and partner agencies.
• A flexible, proactive approach and a good ability to prioritise work.
• Good project and time management skills and the ability to work effectively under pressure and to deadlines.
• Good data collection, monitoring and IT skills, including word processing and using databases and Excel spreadsheets.

General

• Able to work co-operatively with colleagues, statutory and non-statutory agencies.
• Able to set clear boundaries and a willingness to accept line management and make effective use of clinical supervision.
• A good understanding of the importance of confidentiality, safe practice and health and safety procedures.
• A good understanding of cultural issues, and commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities.
• A firm commitment to women, children’s and young people’s rights and to work within Rising Sun framework and its core values.
• Able to travel independently across East Kent to meet children and young people in their schools or another suitable location.
• Willingness to carry out the policies and procedures of the Rising Sun and to work to agreed guidelines and codes of conduct.

Equal Opportunities Statement

Rising Sun values diversity and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community; especially from minority groups/groups with a protected characteristic such as BME, who are currently underrepresented at Rising Sun.

We are recruiting two Domestic Abuse Outreach Workers to provide emotional and practical support and advice to survivors of domestic abuse. You will work in partnership with other agencies to support client safety, empowering survivors to move forward with their lives. The work is highly confidential, challenging but incredibly rewarding. Working as part of a team you will be responsible for managing your own case work and develop effective relationships with clients enabling them to access support through the different services provided.

Excellent communication skills, empathy and organisational skills are required along with proven experience of providing emotional and practical support to those in crisis. An ability to work independently and prioritise a busy workload is essential. An understanding of the dynamics of domestic abuse would be beneficial, however, training will be provided.

This is a varied and fast paced role with real opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives.

South West Surrey Domestic Abuse Service provides free, confidential, independent and impartial advice to individuals affected by domestic abuse living in the boroughs of Guildford and Waverley.

Victim Support is looking for a full time IDVA (maternity cover) to be based at Whittington Hospital, London

Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity for people affected by crime in England and Wales. We work towards a world where people affected by crime or traumatic events get the support they need and respect they deserve.

The main purpose of the job is to provide a high-quality frontline service to victims of domestic violence, with a view to improving their confidence, increasing their safety and reducing the risk of domestic homicide, honour-based violence, and harm from abuse.

You will work in partnership with other agencies to develop and deliver risk management plans to ensure victims' safety. You will be responsible for advocating on behalf of survivors of domestic abuse and managing and reviewing your cases.

The successful candidate will have a thorough understanding of domestic abuse and its impact on victim/survivors and their children, as well as experience of providing emotional and practical support and strong casework management skills.

You will have the skills to provide effective crisis intervention, carry out risk assessments, safety planning, assessment of needs and individual support planning. You should have demonstrable experience of working in an IDVA or similar position with this or a similar client group.

You will understand the legal system in how it relates to survivors of domestic abuse and have strong communication skills and the confidence and ability to present and educate service users and agency partners on the realities and impacts of domestic abuse in a variety of settings. An ability to work independently and prioritise a busy workload is essential.

To be successful in this role you will ideally hold a SafeLives (CAADA) accreditation or commensurate experience (normally at least 1 year of direct casework experience supporting high and very high risk victims of domestic abuse).

An enhanced criminal record check is required for this role.

Victim Support offers competitive rewards and benefits including pension and life assurance, 25 days annual leave (pro-rata), voluntary benefits such as season ticket loans, and the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing world-class services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.

Applications should be explicit enough to provide good evidence against the shortlisting criteria, which are marked in the person specification as (A). In order to apply, please create a profile in our website (jobs section), complete and submit an online application form.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks will be required.

Victim Support is committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment for our staff. We believe having a diverse workforce at all levels allows us to represent the communities we serve and connect better with people affected by crime. We welcome applicants from all communities and as part of our commitment to the we would particularly welcome applicants from BAME communities.

Domestic Abuse Charity

Domestic Abuse Helpline Support Worker

Salary - £23,313 / £24,313 per annum dependent on qualifications

Hours - 37.5 Hours per week

Home-based

Charity People are delighted to be working with this growing domestic violence/abuse charity based in Yorkshire. If you are an experienced domestic abuse support worker who would love to join an organisation which supports women, men and children victim/survivors of domestic abuse then please read on. This supportive charity is looking to recruit three Support Workers to offer emotional support, helpline listening and initial assessment of risk and needs.

Responsibilities:

• Assess individuals for and refer on within the partnership for provision of intervention identified

• To provide a high quality and pro-active front-door service to individuals experiencing DSA; delivering a pathway of care focusing on immediate safety and initial support plan

• Ensure a whole family approach to safeguarding and support planning

• Initiate, develop, maintain and monitor multi-agency links through procedures and protocols to keep safety central to all services for victim's

We are seeking experienced domestic abuse support workers, who are passionate about the amazing work this organisation does.

Closing date is Monday 9th November with interviews taking place that week.

Domestic Abuse Charity

Domestic Abuse Helpline Support Worker

12 Month Maternity Contract

Part-Time -22.5 Hours per week

Salary - £13,988 /£14,588 per annum dependent on qualifications

Home-based

Charity People are delighted to be working with this growing domestic violence/abuse charity based in Yorkshire. If you are an experienced domestic abuse support worker who would love to join an organisation which supports women, men and children victim/survivors of domestic abuse then please read on. This supportive charity is looking to recruit three Support Workers to offer emotional support, helpline listening and initial assessment of risk and needs.

Responsibilities:

• Assess individuals for and refer on within the partnership for provision of intervention identified

• To provide a high quality and pro-active front-door service to individuals experiencing DSA; delivering a pathway of care focusing on immediate safety and initial support plan

• Ensure a whole family approach to safeguarding and support planning

• Initiate, develop, maintain and monitor multi-agency links through procedures and protocols to keep safety central to all services for victim's

We are seeking experienced domestic abuse support workers, who are passionate about the amazing work this organisation does.

Closing date is Monday 9th November with interviews taking place that week.

Refuge is the UK’s largest provider of specialist services for victims of all forms of gender-based violence (domestic, sexual, so called ‘honour’ violence, modern slavery and human trafficking, prostitution, forced marriage, stalking and FGM). Every day we support over 6,000 women and children in our national network of services.  These include Independent Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Advocacy services (IDVAs/ISVAs and IGVAs), community outreach, specialist refuge accommodation, sanctuary services, culturally-specific services and the Freephone 24 Hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline. We advise Government and lobby hard to keep violence against women and girls high on the public agenda. We run award-winning prevention and public education campaigns, manage a busy press office and website, and we are an accredited training provider. We give a voice to the voiceless.

We are recruiting for a skilled domestic violence advocate to provide high quality advocacy and support to survivors of domestic violence. You will work in partnership with other agencies to develop and deliver risk management plans to ensure victims’ safety. You will be responsible for advocating on behalf of survivors of domestic violence in a range of settings and managing and reviewing your cases.

The successful candidate will have significant proven experience of providing emotional and practical support to survivors of domestic violence. You will understand the legal system in how it relates to survivors of domestic violence and have strong communication skills to deliver presentations and reports to stakeholders effectively. An ability to work independently and prioritise a busy workload is essential.

All candidates must demonstrate a commitment to the feminist values of empowerment and equality which underpin all of our work. Successful applicants will be expected to work within Refuge’s Values and Behaviour Framework and demonstrate these in their everyday work.

Competitive salary offering annual progression within points of the salary grade, 28 days annual leave increasing to 30 days, pension scheme with People’s pension that includes a 6% Employer contribution, comprehensive EAP.

Refuge is proud to be a leader in its field and an employer of choice with leading edge systems for supervision, quality management and development. We offer the first Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) accredited qualification for our profession. 

Please visit Refuge’s website for further details and other opportunities.

Closing Date: 26th October 2020

Interview Date: 4th November 2020

These are 3 permanent and full time roles with 37.5 hours per week.

An enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) certificate will be required for this role.

Refuge is committed to quality, equality and diversity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. This post however is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

No agencies please - as a charity we work hard to keep our costs down.

Victim Support is looking for a Domestic Abuse Case Worker on a fixed term contract until 31st October 2021, based in Hampshire.

Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity for people affected by crime in England and Wales. We work towards a world where people affected by crime or traumatic events get the support they need and respect they deserve. In Hampshire and the Isle of Wight VS is commissioned to deliver the Victim Care Service. The Service provides support to victims of all types of crime, aged 4 upwards, and has a specialist Domestic Abuse (DA) team.

This role is to offer and provide, where that offer is accepted, tailored one-to-one support to victims of DA, as part of the SafeLives Leading Lights accredited DA service. This will include the provision of wraparound support to help victims cope and recover and will involve multiagency working where appropriate to address complex needs. The post holder will assist those victims in ensuring they receive the support required to complete their journey through the criminal justice system where appropriate and access additional support services.

You will deliver front line support and advocacy to victims of DA within Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. You will contact clients referred to the service to offer support, conduct risk assessments, referring onwards as appropriate, as well as managing a caseload of clients providing emotional support, advice, information and advocacy. You will work in partnership with local agencies whose services victims may require, such as housing, social services and health providers to develop personalised action plans for victims and ensure delivery against these plans through regular monitoring and feedback.

You will have experience of direct service delivery to those affected by DA, multi-agency working, undertaking risk assessments using the Safe Lives DASH risk and needs assessment tool. You will have comprehensive knowledge of the impact of DA on victims and their families as well as the role of statutory agencies including the criminal justice system. You will be organised and be able to manage a demanding caseload with changing priorities and will be able to work well independently and as part of a team. You will have a supportive and empathetic approach to service users who are often in distressing situations.

Successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and Police Vetting.

A full driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential.

Victim Support offers competitive rewards and benefits including pension and life assurance, 25 days annual leave (pro-rata), voluntary benefits such as season ticket loans and the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing world-class services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.

Applications should be explicit enough to provide good evidence against the shortlisting criteria, which are marked in the person specification as (s). In order to apply, please create a profile in our website (jobs section), complete and submit an online application form.

If the vacancy has not specified the essential criteria for shortlisting, please use this section to express how your experience and skills are relevant for the role.

If you have the drive to make a difference within an organisation which makes a difference we look forward to hearing from you.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks will be required.

Victim Support is committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment for our staff. We believe having a diverse workforce at all levels allows us to represent the communities we serve and connect better with people affected by crime. We welcome applicants from all communities and as part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we would particularly welcome applicants from BAME communities.

The Weekend Hospital IDVA (HIDVA) will work within a dynamic, fast paced, crisis intervention, advocacy and support service to ensure the voice of survivors informs every stage of the process.

They will work directly with survivors in the hospitals, both patients and staff. Survivors are often in the immediate aftermath of a crisis, such as physical assault, drug/alcohol medical need, attempted suicide or self-harm and the HIDVA will provide high quality support focussing on a strengths based, needs led approach.

The post is being offered as a 6 month fixed term contract, however we hope to extend the role following this period, subject to funding. As this is a very short term contract, the post holder will receive a £1000 bonus at the end of the 6 month period, subject to passing their probation.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Referrals and Assessments

• Carry out needs and risk assessments, including DASH, to effectively establish client needs and enable support to be offered as quickly as possible.
• Produce safety plans with the client, enabling them to assess and manage risk(s) to their own safety.
• Attend Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) meetings and refer service users to MARAC when appropriate.
• Complete referrals to ongoing support services where appropriate.

Support to Survivors

• Be present in the hospitals to respond to referrals or requests for domestic abuse advice and to meet with survivors. 
• Ensure that survivors currently living in abusive situations are aware of their rights and options.  Give safety-planning advice and explain the effectiveness of criminal and civil sanctions available to them.
• Assist clients in gaining access to solicitors, benefits agencies, housing departments, education, medical treatment, counselling, support networks and community groups, employment support etc.
• Work in partnership with other agencies and services e.g. the police,  housing etc. to make referrals and to advocate for survivors.
• Recognise, respect and address the needs of survivors who face particular barriers when seeking help to access the service, including those from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, LGBT communities, Gypsy Traveller Communities, disabled people, women with complex needs and other marginalised groups. 
• Safeguard the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk; working within safeguarding policies, Child Protection Procedures and local procedures for safeguarding adults at risk.
• Be aware of potential issues around Rights to Access Public Funds/Refuge Spaces for asylum seekers.
• Participate in an out of hours rota, providing a HIDVA service in the hospital on Friday evenings and weekend days as timetabled.

Partnership Working and Training

• Promote the HIDVA service in the hospitals through building positive relationships with hospital staff, in particular safeguarding teams and clinicians, to ensure a steady flow of appropriate referrals.
• Attend safeguarding, doctor and nurse handover meetings to screen patients for potential domestic abuse.

Personal Development

• Actively participate in regular clinical supervision.
• Participate in training and development events, as required.
• Develop your understanding of trauma informed work and embed in your day-to-day practice.
• Maintain an up to date working knowledge to be able to advise women of their rights and options for seeking help and support from other agencies, such as housing options, legislation and welfare.

General

• Uphold the values and good name of Rising Sun at all times, represent the organisation in a way that is consistent with its philosophy and ethos and in line with all Rising Sun’s policies.
• Ensure all client records, outcome and monitoring data is accurately recorded using the organisation’s case management system. Prepare additional information or reports for the monitoring and evaluation of the service, as required.
• Work within Rising Sun’s Health and Safety policy and guidance and to ensure your own health and safety and that of others at all times.
• Ensure the service is delivered in a culturally sensitive way for all service users, including challenging stigma and discrimination.
• Observe the organisation’s equal opportunities, confidentiality and data protection policies.
• Undertake other duties and responsibilities in keeping with the nature of this post, as may be required from time to time.

For a further information about the role and person specification please download the job pack. https://bit.ly/RSWeekendHIDVA

An exciting and challenging new role delivering a new service for parents involved in Domestic Abuse. We are currently recruiting a team of DA specialist caseworkers to provide a range of innovative one to one and group-based interventions to support both the victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse.

This team will enable parents to recognise and understand power and coercive control dynamics and patterns of abuse, and support them to make future positive choices, aiming to improve outcomes for children as well as the family unit as a whole.  These new roles will be delivered in partnership with Reducing the Risk, and will be embedded in children’s social work services.  They will form part of the new Family Solutions Plus model being delivered by Oxfordshire County Council, designed to provide an inter-professional whole family response to support children and families.

We are looking for candidates who have experience of empowering individuals to make positive changes to their lives, with experience of delivering recovery focused support to clients with complex needs in a relevant field (preferably domestic abuse).  Successful candidates will need to be compassionate, non-judgemental, skilled in active listening, and experienced in risk management and safety planning, as well as being a skilled communicator able to develop partnership relationships in a multi-disciplinary team.  

Successful candidates will be provided with a range of training suitable for these new roles, including Motivational Interviewing.

We advise you to address the specific points of the person specification within your application. It is very important that you say why you meet each criterion by using examples, and not simply stating that you have the experience. For example, instead of just saying you have effective people management skills, please tell us what this experience is and give examples to prove your point.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Closing date for application: 9am Wednesday 28th October

Interviews will take place on: the week commencing 2nd November (please note we will also interview suitable candidates as applications are received)

Refuge is the UK’s largest provider of specialist services for victims of all forms of gender-based violence (domestic, sexual, so called ‘honour’ violence, modern slavery and human trafficking, prostitution, forced marriage, stalking and FGM). Every day we support over 6,000 women and children in our national network of services.  These include Independent Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Advocacy services (IDVAs/ISVAs and IGVAs), community outreach, specialist refuge accommodation, sanctuary services, culturally-specific services and the Freephone 24 Hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline. We advise Government and lobby hard to keep violence against women and girls high on the public agenda. We run award-winning prevention and public education campaigns, manage a busy press office and website, and we are an accredited training provider. We give a voice to the voiceless.

You will provide high quality independent advocacy and support to the highest risk survivors of gender based violence and their children. This will involve establishing and prioritising the risks to and the needs of survivors of gender based violence and developing and delivering individual support and risk management plans in partnership with other agencies who attend the MARAC. You will advocate both verbally and in writing in a range of settings including civil and criminal proceedings and with criminal justice professionals.

With significant proven experience of providing emotional and practical support to survivors of gender based violence, you will be experienced in identifying and responding to the risks to and needs of survivors. With an ability to work in crisis or under pressure, you will have an up-to-date knowledge of criminal and civil legislation relating to gender-based violence. You will understand multi-agency partnership structures including the MARAC and have an ability to advocate on a client’s behalf in a range of settings. You will have strong written and verbal communication skills to write reports, deliver presentations and to communicate to stakeholders in a clear and effective way.

This role requires an exceptional individual who wants to make a difference. Occasional evening work may be required.

All candidates must demonstrate a commitment to the feminist values of empowerment and equality which underpin all of our work. Successful applicants will be expected to work within Refuge’s Values and Behaviour Framework and demonstrate these in their everyday work.

Competitive salary offering annual progression within points of the salary grade, 28 days annual leave increasing to 30 days, pension scheme with People’s pension that includes a 6% Employer contribution, comprehensive EAP.

Refuge is proud to be a leader in its field and an employer of choice with leading edge systems for supervision, quality management and development. We offer the first Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) accredited qualification for our profession. 

Please visit Refuge’s website for further details and other opportunities.

Closing Date: 27th October 2020

This is a permanent and full time role for 37.5 hours per week.

An enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) certificate will be required for this role.

Refuge is committed to quality, equality and diversity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. This post however is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

No agencies please - as a charity we work hard to keep our costs down.

The Victims First Specialist Service is an amalgamation of three existing services designed to cater for adult victims of crime with complex practical and emotional needs. The service is delivered in partnership by three well established charities: Thames Valley Partnership, Oxfordshire Sexual Abuse & Rape Crisis Centre (OSARCC) and Trust House Reading.  The postholder will be contracted to one of the three partner agencies. Many of those referred to us will have experienced sexual violence or criminal exploitation including modern slavery. We provide holistic, trauma focussed support from a team with a variety of specialist skills in supporting service users. 

We now have vacancies for three Outreach and Inclusion Workers (working with our Oxon, Berks and Bucks delivery teams) to work specifically with BAMER communities to improve their experiences of accessing and receiving support if they are affected by sexual violence and/or other abuse.  There will be an expectation of an ISVA qualification – or a willingness and interest to work towards this. You will manage a caseload of potentially complex cases, providing prevention, intervention, emotional and practical support (including crisis support) and will help to identify and engage with these individuals on a one-to-one basis, enabling them to access services and make positive, empowering choices to change their lives. You will need to work with your own team and other agencies to risk assess cases and create Safety Plans to manage the safety & needs of service users. A knowledge of the full range of civil, criminal and other practical support options available, and the role of an independent advisor within them is necessary. You will need compassion, empathy, sensitivity and an ability to work collaboratively.  You will also have sound organising and problem solving skills and flexibility around working hours when necessary.

The role will operate from offices in Reading, Oxford, MK or Aston Sandford - however you will not necessarily be expected to be office based as the work is hands on and will entail being out and about in your given  area dealing with service users, as well as occasional travel across the Thames Valley.  These are full time roles although job share and flexible working may be available on request.  Fixed term contract until July 2022 

JD and Application Form available from the Partnership website

Closing date for applications:  Friday 30th October 2020 at 5pm

Interviews will be held  on:  5th and 6th November 2020

Exciting new opportunity for a Violence against Women and Girls Specialist Support Worker join our Young Peoples service in Milton Keynes!

GBP 23,543 per annum, 40 hours per week, plus 25 days Annual Leave, Pension Scheme, staff discounts, healthcare and more.

Milton Keynes Young Peoples Service is for people aged 16 - 21 with the capacity to support 52 Young People at any one time. The service provides a high level of support to Young People that may be care leavers, looked after children and unaccompanied asylum seeking children. They are supported with a variety of complex support needs such as child sexual exploitation, gangs and offending, substance misuse and mental health.
You will be working alongside other specialists and supports workers to support Young People to meet their aspirations, stay safe and live independently. The service is compiled of 5 properties, the largest capacity at one site being 16 units with 24hr support.

Job Overview:

Specialist Support Workers within Look Ahead are required to have either an extra dimension of experience or a higher qualification level as determined relevant for the particular post.
The Young People in Milton Keynes services will have complex and multifaceted needs. This could include emotional and mental health issues, drug and alcohol misuse, partaking in criminal activity and anti-social behaviours or being at risk of sexual exploitation.

The VWAG Specialist should have experience of working with young people that have experienced trauma and the complex issues that arise due to this. You will provide support around healthy relationships and what these look like using your skills to facilitate meaningful conversations and workshops. You should have knowledge of domestic abuse policies and the procedures that support them. Your involvement will be needed in attending and referring to panels such as MARAC and MASE. Safeguarding and partnership working will be a key part of your role.

Key Responsibilities:

- Building supportive, trusting relationships with customers and creating a positive atmosphere
- Carrying out holistic assessments of new customers which incorporate relevant statutory referral information
- Conducting regular key work sessions that are innovative and engaging in order to achieve Support Plan goals
- Create support plans for young people that are strength based and support them to achieve their goals.
- Ensuring ongoing assessment and management of risks associated with customers within an attitude of 'positive risk taking
- Provide support and access to relevant services to enable customers to continue their support independently
- Undertake support work in partnership with external stakeholders to compliment their interventions
- Developing productive relationships with partner organisations to improve service outcomes
- Demonstrate strong commitment to the functioning of the staff team and to support colleagues in providing a high level of service and safety to customers
- Involving customers in the design, development and delivery of the service
- Lead on group workshops for customers
- Share best practice and knowledge with the team.
- Adhering to lone working protocols and maintaining high levels of awareness in relation to the health and safety of yourself and colleagues
- Ensuring Look Ahead Health and Safety policies and local protocols are adhered to at all times e.g. fire risk assessments, fire alarm checks etc.
- Being responsible for the handover of key information between shifts
- Provide structured support and guidance to other front line staff in their area of expertise
- Adhering to all other Look Ahead's policies and procedures. Engaging in learning and development activity to increase knowledge and skills
- Undertaking any other duties consistent with the grade and nature of the post as assigned by the Team Leader/ Manager

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.

You've got a good understanding of mental health issues and really enjoy supporting others to achieve independence and lead their own recovery. All you need is the perfect environment to put your skills to great use. Welcome to Richmond Fellowship as a Recovery Worker.

Right now, our Newcastle Supported Housing service in North Shields is looking for someone like you to support the people who use our services to maintain their tenancy and independence in the community. Not only are we committed to putting them at the heart of everything we do, we recognise they should be involved in decisions that affect their future too. That's why we need you to inspire and support them to lead their own recovery. So, whether it's helping to come up with a personal support plan that will see them achieve their goals and aspirations, developing domestic and finance management skills or accessing work, leisure or educational opportunities, your empathy, enthusiasm and compassion will have every chance to shine. Entering accurate case notes onto our IT system will be important too. And, when it comes to regularly liaising with GP surgeries, the local council, charities etc. or promoting the service within the community, again, we'll 
count on you.

The chances are, you already work in the mental health field. What is for certain is that you're caring, consistent, flexible and creative, work well under pressure, know how to connect with people at all levels and, like us, are keen to break down the stigma of mental health.

This is a part time post at 30 hours per week.

The salary for this role is £17,004.00 per annum, with progression up to £17,230.00 per annum (pro-rata for 30 hours per week).

We are committed to increasing our diversity and we would welcome applications from those with lived experience and/or who are from a BAME background. 

Closing Date: 11:59pm on 8th November 2020 (We reserve the right to close vacancies before the specified closing date, should a large number of applications be received).

Richmond Fellowship is part of Recovery Focus, a national group of charities highly experienced in providing specialist support services to individuals and families living with the effects of mental ill health, drug and alcohol use, gambling and domestic violence. We know that recovery can look and feel very different to each and every one of us. But we also know that if we provide the right support, at the right time, we can inspire recovery nationwide and that recovery is possible for everyone.