Health independent domestic violence advisor jobs

About Us 

Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid have for over 45 years supported women and children with services around domestic violence and abuse. Could you be a part of our team as we continue our mission to end domestic violence and abuse? 

The region’s leading charity in tackling violence against women and girls, BSWA offers a helpline, webchat, drop in and and community support as well as emergency accommodation in six refuges across the area.

Projects supports women in the criminal justice system, in healthcare settings, and throughout the community, offering support to women and children experiencing domestic violence. Alongside this, we also have staff offering training and consultancy to businesses and health and social care professionals alike, raising awareness on gender based violence issues.

We seek like-minded women to join our enthusiastic team of workers, all of us passionate about the vital and valuable work we do to support women and children who have experienced domestic abuse, and tackling the wider issues of violence against women and girls. 

Key Responsibilities -

To plan and implement high quality support and advocacy services for women affected by domestic violence who are deemed as being high risk.

To work within a multi-agency framework to ensure the safety of women is prioritised.

Experience Required- 

Providing practical and emotional support to women and children affected by domestic violence. 

Offering advice and information and advocating for service users on a range of issues including homelessness, benefits, legal, social welfare issues etc. 

Developing and maintaining effective working relationships with external agencies 

Working within safeguarding guidelines to protect and promote the well-being of children and vulnerable adults. 

Benefits

• 31 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays) 

• Up to 6% matched pension contribution 

• Free access to Employee Assistance Programme 

• Life Assurance scheme while in employment (a lump sum of 4 times salary) 

• Cycle to Work scheme 

• Health Cash Plan scheme available to all employees from day one 

• Successful candidates may have the opportunity to work under hybrid working arrangements, subject to the role and to the terms of our Hybrid Working Policy 

BSWA is a Disability Confident Employer. We want everyone to have equal chance at being considered for our jobs. Should you be unable to submit your application online and would prefer an alternative method, or you are experiencing another barrier to completing your application, please contact us via our website. 

These posts are covered by a Genuine Occupational Requirement (Schedule 9; Equality Act 2010) and women only need apply.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is at 12 noon on Wednesday 6th May. Interviews will take place weeks commencing 18th May. 

We are looking for a resilient and dedicated person to join our team in Avon & Somerset team as an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) dealing with Adolescent and Child to Parent Violence (APV/CPV). The service provides support across the whole geography of Avon & Somerset.

This role involves making initial contact with victims of adolescent and child to parent violence and providing initial support in a dynamic and ever-changing environment. The role is part-time and is hybrid working both from home and our office in Bristol (a suitable and confidential workspace at home is required).

Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it?

Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care?

If yes, then we'd love to hear from you…

What we offer

At Victim Support, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent. Our competitive rewards and benefits package includes:

• Flexible Working Options: Including hybrid working.
• Generous Annual Leave: 28 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 33 days plus Bank Holidays, with options to buy or sell annual leave.
• Birthday Leave: An extra day off for your birthday.
• Pension Plan: 5% employer contribution.
• Enhanced Allowances: Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity payments.
• Exclusive Discounts: High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment, and leisure discounts.
• Financial Wellbeing: Access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary-deducted finance.
• Wellbeing Support: Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
• Inclusive Networks: Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes.
• Sustainable Travel: Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans.
• Career Development: Ongoing training and support with opportunities for career progression.

About the Role:

You will provide high quality support to all victims of APV/CPV, leading on completing initial impact and risk assessments that are comprehensive and holistic. You will also provide cover for the local VS Helpline.

Please note that due to the nature of the contract, an IDVA qualification is considered an essential requirement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify and assess the risks and needs of APV/CPV victims using an evidence-based risk identification checklist.
• Focus on and prioritise high risk cases and provide a pro-active, short to medium term crisis intervention service. Deliver individually appropriate tailored support and information, advocacy, and practical support.
• Work with victims of APV/CPV to assist them in accessing services to keep them and their family safe. Develop individual safety plans to meet client's needs as identified in the risks and needs assessment.
• Ensure each victim receives an individually appropriate tailored support and information service that fully meets their needs, keeping complex needs central to all processes and decisions.
• Work within the legal framework relating to the protection of children and vulnerable adults, including the policy and procedures of the Local Safeguarding Adult and Children's Boards.
• Providing advocacy and information to victims including exploration of legal and civil options, housing, health and finance and support clients through the criminal justice system.
• Support the empowerment of the client.
• Comply with data protection legislation, confidentiality and information sharing policy and procedures, as well as all legislation connected to your work.

About you:

You will need:

• A good command of the English language both verbally and in writing.
• A good understanding of APV/CPV and/or domestic abuse including the impact of these on victims and their children.
• Understand the principles of risk assessment, safety planning and risk management for victims of domestic abuse and their children.
• Understand Safeguarding issues and the legal responsibilities surrounding these issues
• Direct service delivery experience to victims of domestic abuse or APV/CPV
• Experience of working within a multi-agency and legislative framework
• Experience of managing a complex caseload, to prioritise work and deal with competing demands
• Strong crisis management skills and the ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations
• Good communication, negotiation and advisory skills, both written and verbal when interacting with a range of agencies and individuals
• To hold an IDVA qualification

Please note that duties may differ to those listed in the job description due to the nature of APV/CPV work so this provides an indication of duties.

This role involves regular travel and due to the location, a driving license and access to a vehicle is considered an essential requirement. If you are unable to drive because of a disability, please indicate this in your application in your personal statement so we can explore the feasibility of alternative arrangements.

About Us:

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.

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 may be required.

At Victim Support, we're proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We're committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.

How to apply:

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date. If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.

We are looking for a new Independent Sexual Violence Advisor to join our team in providing advocacy and support to survivors of rape/sexual violence and sexual abuse.The ISVA will be based in our central Reading office, with the option of hybrid working. ISVAs will need to travel within Thames Valley to meet clients as required.

Main Purpose of the Role:

To provide advocacy and support to survivors of sexual violence.  The ISVA will support adults who have reported or are wishing to report this crime navigate the criminal justice system. The ISVA will work closely with the Police Service, Sexual Assault Referral Centre, CPS, and other relevant organisations. 

ISVA Main Duties

· Provide advice, guidance and information to adults who have experienced rape and sexual abuse.

· Support service users that have been referred to Trust House Reading.

· Support clients in making informed choices about their future options.

· Explain relevant criminal, legal and civil remedies and housing options to clients as required.

· Assess the risk and support needs of clients.

· Develop individual support plans to address risks /support needs of clients.

· Ensure that clients are aware of the services to which they are entitled and advocate for them to help them access services.

· Understand the legal framework relating to the protection of children and vulnerable adults including the policy and procedures in relation to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

· Support ISVA clients through the criminal justice system, explaining the procedures and their role and rights within that system, referring to Victim Support or the Witness Care Service as appropriate.

· Support the service user in making a witness statement and attending court.

· Keep the service user informed about case progress on behalf of the police in line with the requirements of the Service Code of Practice.

· Participate in case conferences with the police, CPS and prosecuting barrister.

· Assist clients accessing special measures.

· Liaise with the police, CPS and other service providers on behalf of the service user.

· Provide information and support in relation to Criminal Injuries Compensation.

· Help clients to develop their own support network.

· Refer on and arrange meetings with other agencies/services as necessary, for instance, sexual health services, mental health, drug and alcohol, counselling, housing etc.

· Actively and positively engage with other voluntary sector agencies, including sexual violence specialist agencies e.g. domestic violence service outreach, IDVA and refuge providers.

· Maintain and update records of all cases including initial referral, risk assessment, subsequent risk assessment, care and safety plans, and action taken.

· To understand and assess other support needs of clients, for example translation or interpretation needs and be fully aware of available resources.

· Where an assault is related to domestic violence and the client is assessed as high risk, refer on to Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) following locally agreed protocols (including working proactively with the Independent Domestic Violence Advisor Service), attend and participate in meetings and follow-up on actions agreed in MARAC.

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

· Collate areas of service gap and service inadequacy to feed back to the commissioner and the relevant strategic groups.

· Note and feed back to the commissioner and the relevant strategic groups or other appropriate body any consistent difficulties clients are having accessing services.

ISVA Person Specification

Essential:

· Educated to A-level standard.

· Experience of working with vulnerable clients.

· Knowledge of the impact of rape/sexual violence and sexual abuse on service.

· Knowledge of the criminal justice system for survivors of rape and sexual abuse.

· Understanding of the principles of risk assessment and safety planning.

· Pro-active.

· Empathic, with a non-judgmental approach.

· A good listener.

· Strong crisis management skills.

· Understanding of the process of seeking help and barriers to seeking help.

· Good written and verbal communication skills.

· Ability to work on own without close supervision.

· Ability to manage caseload and work priorities.

· Ability to share sensitive information, adhering to protocols.

· Understanding of child protection and safeguarding issues and legal responsibilities.

· Willingness to undertake regular training.

· Willingness and ability to work with clients of all genders.

· Commitment to continued professional development.

· Knowledge of and commitment to diversity issues.

· Ability to work safely and within boundaries.

· Completed accredited ISVA training course (or equivalent) or willingness to complete the training.

· Willingness and ability to travel across the Thames Valley when necessary.

· Computer literate: word-processing, emailing, data collection/spreadsheets.

· Ability and willingness to work in partnership and as part of a team.

Desirable:

· Professional qualification in social work or related field.

· Current full driving license and own vehicle.

We are currently recruiting for a Finance and Business Assistant

We are committed to operating within the legal framework of the Equality Act 2010. As our organisation qualifies for an exemption under Section 9 of the Act, we only recruit female candidates for this role. This exemption is applied lawfully and in accordance with the specific occupational requirements of our organisation.

Job Summary

Location : Hybrid – main office and remote. 

Changing Pathways main office is in Felmores End, Basildon.

Type: On site – hybrid

Salary: £26,500 (pro rata) per annum

Hours :  22.5 hours per week

Term: Permanent

MAIN DUTIES: 

1. Monitoring and processing bank, petty cash and credit card transactions

onto the accounting software (Quickbooks).

2. Management of bank and petty cash and credit card reconciliations.

3. Responsibility for the purchase ledger function, ensuring all expenditure

is correctly recorded onto the accounting software, supplier queries are

adequately dealt with, purchase orders raised where relevant and

payments processed promptly. 

4. Responsibility for the sales ledger function, ensuring income is correctly

recorded onto the accounting software, sales invoices raised, sent, with

reminders where necessary and donor income records are updated and

maintained.

5. Updating of database OASIS system, reporting and assistance with

controlling of refuge income (rent) and debtors (housing benefit charge).

6. Assist with recording, processing and reporting of client recharges,

including liaising with our partners for timely payments and

reimbursements. 

7. Support coordination of cash banking and petty cash processing for all

sites.

8. Obtain relevant authorisation for financial transactions.

9. Monitor shared and personal finance inboxes daily, responding to queries

in a timely fashion.

10. Assist with the provision of information and preparation of reports for

internal and external clients.

11. Support with implementation of new finance operational and

administrative systems.

12. General filing and administrative tasks.

13. Such other tasks that may be required from time to time as is necessary

to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the finance function

and the organisation.

GENERAL: 

1. Identify own training and development needs and participate in all

training courses relevant to the Changing Pathway’s commitment to

providing high quality services. 

2. Work at all times with due regard to the policies and procedures of

Changing Pathways, including financial regulations, participating in

their development and amendment where required.

3. Willingness to work outside normal working hours including evenings

and weekends and to participate in promotional, fundraising and

income generating events, activities and any other duties as may be

reasonably required by the organisation.

OTHER: 

1. The post is subject to a DBS disclosure which will be carried out at

appointment of a candidate.

2.  This post is subject to completion of a six-month probationary period.

3.  Must be able to drive (the Pool Vehicle to visit sites) and work across

the whole contract area as required.

4. Must hold business cover insurance on their own vehicle.

5.  Post is open to women only under the Equality Act 2010, schedule 9,

part 1

This job description is not designed to provide an exhaustive list of tasks and

therefore the post holder is expected to undertake any other reasonable

duties within the scope of the post as specified by their line manager.