Housing and welfare benefits advisor jobs

At Release, we believe that expert advice can change lives — especially for people who are pushed to the margins by poverty, stigma, criminalisation and complex legal problems. We are looking for a debt adviser who wants to do more than provide technical advice: someone who shares our commitment to social justice, dignity and practical support, and who wants to be part of a specialist legal team working alongside people at the point they need help most.

This is not a traditional debt adviser role. It is an opportunity to help shape a newly established debt unit within our legal team, creating a holistic service that responds to the full reality of people’s lives rather than treating debt in isolation. You will work alongside legal advisers and solicitors delivering free welfare benefits, debt and housing advice through our outreach services, with referrals coming directly from colleagues supporting clients with overlapping legal and financial problems. You will also provide training and support to colleagues and host centre staff, helping build confidence and understanding around debt, its impact, and how to identify when someone may need specialist advice. Many of the people we work with are facing crisis, exclusion and multiple barriers to support. In this role, you will help ensure they are met with compassion, specialist advice and joined-up support that gives them a clearer route forward.

The new Debt Adviser wil join Release’s multidisciplinary legal services team. The postholder will provide high-quality, non-judgmental debt advice to people experiencing financial hardship alongside issues such as substance use, homelessness, poor mental health, benefit problems and social exclusion. Ideally, you’ll be qualified to Level 3 Certificate in Money and Debt Advice, the Certificate in Money Advice Practice (CertMAP), or the CMA Award in Generalist Debt Advice. Should you not have these or equivalent certifications, the appointee would be required and supported to achieve a certification within an agreed timeframe.

Key Responsibilities:

Deliver specialist debt advice through direct referrals for our legal team who support clients in trusted community and treatment settings.

• Complete financial assessments, income and expenditure work, debt screening, priority-debt triage and casework using clear, accessible and trauma-informed approaches.
• Advise on appropriate debt options, including Breathing Space, Debt Relief Orders, negotiated write-offs, informal and formal repayment arrangements, and referrals where another provider is better placed to help.
• Work closely with legal advisers, drug and alcohol services, keyworkers, peer advocates, volunteers and partner organisations to support warm referrals and coordinated care.
• Record casework accurately on AdvicePro and contribute to monitoring, evaluation, quality assurance, client feedback and learning from the debt advice project.

Essential Requirements:

• At least 12 months’ experience delivering debt advice in a community, advice, legal or outreach setting.
• Strong understanding of UK debt solutions, priority debts, social security, housing-related debt and the impact of financial hardship on people in vulnerable circumstances.
• Ability to provide clear, fair and not misleading advice, based on a full assessment of the client’s financial and personal circumstances.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write accurate case notes, letters and reports in plain English

• Holidays: 29 days + public holidays
• Location: Hybrid - Spitalfields, London / Remote (minimum 3 days in the office)
• Closing Date: Until vacancy filled
• Interviews: Rolling
• Start Date: As soon as possible

An enhanced DBS check will be required for the successful candidate.

We particularly welcome applications from people from Black and racialised communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people, people from working-class backgrounds, and people with lived experience of the issues we work on. We are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve, and we know that lived experience and diverse perspectives strengthen our legal practice and our work for systemic change.

Release is committed to equal opportunities.

Important Notice: For this job, Release will only consider applications from those who already have the right to live and work in the UK.  See the Home Office Immigration & Nationality Directorate for information on the UK Government's immigration policy. 

Join Navigate CIO and Make a Real Impact!

Are you passionate about making a difference in people's lives?

Do you have strong communication and problem-solving skills?

Whether you're experienced in money advice or looking for a career change, we provide full training and development opportunities to help you succeed in this role. At Navigate CIO, we are a registered charity dedicated to providing free, impartial, and confidential money and debt advice across Devon and Somerset.

Our work supports individuals and families facing financial hardship, helping them build financial resilience and regain control of their lives. This is more than just a job—it's an opportunity to transform lives and strengthen communities.

This role is funded by the British Gas Energy Trust (BGET), allowing us to provide specialist energy and money advice to those who need it most.

Why Join Us?

• Full training provided – no prior experience in debt advice needed.

• A rewarding role – support vulnerable individuals to improve their financial wellbeing.

• Career development opportunities – ongoing training and professional growth.

• Flexible working environment – work across various locations, including home visits and remote support.

• Supportive team culture – be part of a dedicated and passionate team that values collaboration.

About the Role

We are looking for a compassionate Debt & Energy Adviser to provide money, debt, and benefits advice to individuals who are often in crisis and face multiple barriers to accessing the support they need. The role primarily involves face-to-face home visits, supported by telephone, video, email, and digital advice. You will be at the forefront of delivering essential money and debt advice to clients with high level needs, helping them navigate their financial challenges.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assess and review client needs to ensure appropriate support.
• Identify and address barriers preventing clients from accessing money advice.
• Provide comprehensive, caseworker-level advice on money management, debt solutions, and financial capability.
• Develop individual action plans tailored to client needs, ensuring dignity and respect.
• Maintain accurate case records and documentation. 
• Deliver high-quality money advice services in partnership with key stakeholders.

• Offer tailored support, in clients homes, online and via telephone

What We’re Looking For:

We are looking for individuals with the right skills and attributes, even if you don’t have direct experience in money and debt advice. If you are passionate about helping others and eager to learn, we encourage you to apply!

Essential Skills & Attributes:

• Strong people skills – ability to build rapport and communicate effectively.
• Ability to support vulnerable individuals with multiple and complex needs.
• Empathy and a non-judgmental approach.
• Understanding of confidentiality, GDPR, and safeguarding policies.
• Ability to prioritise tasks and manage workloads effectively.
• IT proficiency (Word, Excel, email, case management systems).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willing and able to travel across Somerset for client appointments.
• A full DBS check will be required.

Desirable Skills & Experience:

• Experience in advice, advocacy, or support work (paid or voluntary).
• Knowledge of welfare benefits, housing, and debt advice.
• Experience in sectors such as mental health, addiction, housing, or social prescribing.
• Willingness to train as a DRO (Debt Relief Order) Intermediary.

Ready to Make a Difference? If you’re looking for a career where you can grow professionally while transforming lives, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Apply today and start your journey towards empowering individuals and communities through financial resilience! 

We are looking for a Housing and Destitution Caseworker to join our small, impactful team and provide or co-ordinate advice on welfare and housing issues to migrants. 

ABOUT US

Hackney Migrant Centre (HMC) is a community-based charity providing free legal advice, casework support and holistic support services to refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants.

Approximately 50% of the people we support are homeless, and many are experiencing destitution due to precarious immigration status, the No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) restriction or whilst living undocumented in the UK. HMC’s work is informed by our vision of a UK where no one is forced into destitution, exploitation, or vulnerability because of their immigration status.

HMC is currently a small team of 7 employees, including a CEO, Community Manager, Immigration Team Manager, Immigration Caseworker and Access to Justice Coordinator, and an Administrative Support Officer alongside a larger team of up to 60 volunteers.

ABOUT OUR SERVICES

We are based in our office in Stoke Newington, where we provide immigration advice & representation and our housing advice and casework support services. We also offer regular community sessions in a local venue on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month. We call these sessions our ‘Wednesday Service’. The Wednesday Service has historically been the heart and soul of HMC, and it continues to play a key role in our service delivery, accessibility and community presence.

Our Wednesday Service is a multi-functioning hub, offering a warm, welcoming and accessible space for:

• Legal advice appointments with HMC advisors and external specialist partners

• Casework appointments with staff and specialist volunteers

• Holistic advocacy appointments delivered by our volunteers

Our team supports an average of 350 people across all our service areas.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Housing and Destitution Caseworker will provide or co-ordinate advice on welfare and housing issues to migrants. This will include people visiting the Wednesday Service or referred by the Immigration Team. The post holder will assist with follow-up casework, and recruit and develop a small volunteer Housing and Destitution Support Team to support with these tasks. The post-holder will work to build partnerships with external specialist advisers, to expand our diagnostic advice provision and support with successful referrals for onward legal challenges.

Main duties

• Provide casework and advocacy support to homeless and destitute migrants regarding housing, and welfare entitlements including asylum support, Children Act and Care Act duties, mainstream benefits and homeless duties.

• Develop and coordinate partnerships with external specialist housing advisors to deliver housing advice and take on cases where able.

• Recruit and induct volunteers to a small Housing and Destitution Support Team and supervise their work.

• Keep up to date with legislation and practical guidance required to support destitute migrants, including attending relevant training sessions.

• Provide training to HMC’s volunteers on housing and destitution issues.

• Make referrals to public law/community care and housing legal representatives for complex casework and legal challenges such as judicial review.

• Identify where visitors need to access mental health or specialist support and escalate safeguarding concerns in line with HMC’s safeguarding procedures.

• Maintain records on all casework, regularly review progress during the casework journey, and ensure that cases are closed when support has ended.

Partnerships

• Develop links and partnerships with other organisations to enable effective joint working.

• Collect information, statistics and case studies on destitute migrants and the issues they face for the purposes of improving service quality and to meet the requirements of funders.

• Contribute case studies and statistical data to relevant policy/strategic legal work carried out by HMC and other partner organisations.

• Attend forums of organisations working in the sector to share best practice and evidence from HMC’s frontline work.

Additional responsibilities

• Administrative tasks relevant to the post

• Help to cover the work of the team during absences

• Contribute to HMC’s housing and destitution guides and signposting materials

• Support with the wider work of the organisation as needed, including assisting with the set-up and pack-down of the Wednesday Service and associated events.

• Implement sensitively HMC’s policies and procedures, especially with regards to confidentiality

• and diversity, equity and inclusion

• Work collaboratively with other HMC staff, volunteers and professional advisors

• Participate actively in staff meetings, and other meetings as may reasonably be required

• Attend HMC Trustees’ meetings as required

HOW TO APPLY

If you would like to apply for this position, please submit a Covering Letter (no more than 1 page) and CV, demonstrating how you meet the requirements in the person specification (below) via the Charity Job website.

Two professional references will be requested if successful at interview. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an appropriate level of DBS check.

We know that women and people from marginalised or under-represented groups- including people of colour- tend to apply only for roles where they meet 100% of the criteria. We encourage you to apply if you have an interest in the role even if you do not meet all the criteria below, particularly if you have lived experience of migration.

Please note that we can only accept applications from candidates who have the right to work in the UK. If you do not have the right to work in the UK but you are interested in supporting HMC, please see our website for opportunities to volunteer with us.

The application deadline is 23.30 on Saturday 19th September, and we expect to hold interviews in the week beginning 5th October 2026.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

E = Essential, D = Desirable

Experience

E – Experience providing advice and casework support to destitute migrants and/or experience of providing housing advice and casework support to people facing homelessness.

E – Experience of providing support, supervision and training to volunteers

E- Experience communicating clearly and professionally with a range of audiences, including the public and statutory services.

E – Track record of working in a team in a highly pressurised, front-facing environment.

D – Experience of maintaining effective working relationships with a wide range of agencies

D – Experience of recording and reporting outcomes to funders

Knowledge / Skills

E - Knowledge of the rights of migrants seeking housing, and community care support in the UK and the UK’s housing and homelessness services and support provision.

E – Understanding of the UK asylum support provisions.

E – Knowledge of refugee, migrant and homelessness organisations and other relevant organisations to support referrals and signposting.

E - Excellent IT skills, including Outlook, Microsoft Office, Sharepoint, CRM databases (HMC uses Lamplight).

D - Working knowledge of UK immigration legislation affecting refugees and migrants and the impact of the hostile environment on migrants.

D – Experience of recognising and responding to safety and safeguarding concerns, and supporting members of the public in a trauma-informed way.

Personal

E - Highly effective communication and interpersonal skills.

E - Ability to work with vulnerable migrants with sensitivity and cultural awareness.

E - Demonstrable commitment to the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion and of advancing the rights of migrants in the UK.

E - Commitment to ongoing learning and development and keeping up to date with legislative developments which will have an impact on migrants.

E - Ability on occasion to work outside of normal office hours (e.g. evening meetings).

We Are Hiring – Union Advisor

We are seeking a dedicated and student-focused individual to join our Advice Team as a Union Advisor. In this role, you will play a key part in advocating for and supporting students, ensuring they receive the guidance and representation they need on a range of issues, including academic, housing and wellbeing. Full training will be provided.

Working at the Union offers a rewarding opportunity to make a real impact on the student experience. We provide a range of benefits, including:

28 days of annual leave, plus concessionary days and bank holidays
Flexible working arrangements, including flexi-time
Monthly breakfast mornings
A supportive and collaborative work environment
If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, we would love to hear from you. Find out more and apply here:

Money Advice Support Officer.

This is a community-based role requiring regular face-to-face appointments with clients across Exeter. We're looking for people who genuinely want to make a difference. You don't need to have worked in money advice before. If you're an excellent communicator, a natural problem solver and enjoy working with people, we'll provide the training and support you need to succeed. This role is about much more than providing advice. It's about building trusted relationships with people who may be experiencing financial hardship, poor mental or physical health, trauma, disability, homelessness, digital exclusion or other barriers that make accessing traditional services difficult. If you're compassionate, resilient, organised and committed to helping people rebuild their confidence and financial stability, we'd love to hear from you.

Job Purpose:

The Client Liaison Officers are the first point of contact for individuals referred into the Crisis & Resilience Service and play a vital role in ensuring people receive timely, compassionate and person-centred support. Acting as the gateway into the service, you will build trusted relationships from the very first contact, undertaking holistic assessments to understand not only an individual's financial situation but the wider circumstances affecting their wellbeing and resilience.

You will respond quickly to people experiencing financial hardship or crisis, helping to stabilise their immediate situation through income maximisation, welfare benefits advice, crisis planning and practical support. Working closely with partner organisations, you will ensure every client is connected to the right support at the right time through a coordinated 'no wrong door' approach. You will maintain regular contact with clients throughout their journey, preventing disengagement and ensuring individuals feel supported whilst awaiting ongoing casework. Through empathy, knowledge and flexibility you will remove barriers to engagement, helping clients prepare for specialist advice and supporting them to build the confidence and skills needed for long-term financial resilience.

The role combines triage, welfare benefits advice, crisis intervention, client engagement and case coordination to provide an accessible, responsive and trauma-informed service for some of the most vulnerable people in the community.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Client Engagement and Triage

· Act as the first point of contact for all referrals into the Crisis & Resilience Service.

· Contact new referrals promptly, normally within one working day wherever possible.

· Build positive, trusting relationships from the first interaction.

· Complete holistic needs assessments to understand each client's circumstances, priorities and support needs.

· Identify risks relating to homelessness, utility disconnection, enforcement action, safeguarding and financial crisis.

· Assess barriers to engagement including poor mental health, disability, trauma, digital exclusion, literacy, caring responsibilities and rural isolation.

· Undertake and maintain appropriate risk assessments, including those relating to lone working, to support and safeguard the health, safety and wellbeing of clients and staff.

· Agree preferred communication methods with each client and tailor support accordingly.

Crisis Intervention

Provide immediate practical support to help stabilise clients experiencing financial hardship by:

· Maximising household income through welfare benefits advice and applications.

· Supporting Crisis Fund applications where appropriate.

· Completing benefit entitlement calculations.

· Assisting clients to gather supporting evidence.

· Developing emergency budgets.

· Identifying priority debts.

· Negotiating with priority creditors where appropriate.

· Supporting Breathing Space applications.

· Protecting essential services including fuel and housing.

· Arranging emergency support including food, fuel and other crisis assistance where available.

Aim to stabilise urgent situations within three working days wherever possible.

Welfare Benefits Advice

· Provide high-quality welfare benefits information and advice.

· Complete benefit entitlement checks.

· Support new claims and changes of circumstances.

· Assist clients with mandatory reconsiderations and appeals where appropriate.

· Identify opportunities to maximise household income.

· Keep knowledge of welfare benefits legislation up to date.

Client Journey and Case Coordination

· Allocate clients to the most appropriate adviser based on complexity and need.

· Maintain oversight of client journeys.

· Ensure no client disengages or is lost within the system.

· Maintain regular contact with clients awaiting specialist advice.

· Support clients to engage with "Get Advice Ready" sessions to help clients prepare documentation and understand the advice process.

· Make warm referrals to partner organisations with client consent.

· Support seamless transitions between crisis intervention and longer-term casework.

Outreach and Accessibility

· Deliver support flexibly through telephone, video, secure digital communication, outreach venues and home visits where appropriate.

· Remove barriers preventing individuals from accessing advice.

· Adapt communication styles to meet individual needs.

· Promote financial education opportunities and encourage participation where appropriate.

Partnership Working

· Develop positive working relationships with partner organisations.

· Liaise with statutory agencies including housing, adult social care, DWP and health services.

· Attend multi-agency meetings where appropriate.

· Promote the "No Wrong Door" approach to service delivery.

Systems, Recording and Compliance

· Maintain accurate and timely case records using AdvicePro.

· Complete all monitoring requirements.

· Record outcomes, interventions and client progress.

· Maintain GDPR compliance.

· Use digital systems including client portals, Open Banking and automated workflows where appropriate.

· Ensure safeguarding concerns are recorded and escalated immediately.

Continuous Improvement

· Participate in supervision and reflective practice.

· Contribute ideas for improving systems and processes.

· Support service evaluation through client feedback and case studies.

· Keep professional knowledge up to date through continuous professional development.

We're looking for a proactive and approachable Registered Manager of 16-17 Supported Accommodation who will thrive in a busy, fast-paced environment, has high standards, enjoys delivering results and believes everyone should be treated with kindness, fairness and respect.Part-time applications are also welcome.

As Registered Manager, you will oversee YMCA's Supported Accommodation Service, ensuring young people aged 16–17 receive safe, high-quality, aspirational support that enables them to belong, contribute and thrive as they prepare for adulthood and independent living.

Initially, you will lead the successful mobilisation and Ofsted registration of our first service before overseeing multiple sites as the service grows.

About the Role & Key Responsibilities

Exceptional Service Delivery

• Lead on ensuring that the day to day operation of the service is in line with the Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations 2023 and Supported Accommodation Quality Standards.
• Lead, supervise and develop a high-performing staff team - preparing every staff member for registration and future Ofsted inspections.
• Motivate, inspire and develop multiple supported housing teams including 4+ direct reports to successfully manage their own teams, including the delivery of recorded monthly supervision and case management.
• Complete a monthly case management review of each site with relevant manager, including an in-depth audit to ensure young people are receiving the best possible support including high quality case notes, interventions, goals, and a consistency of delivery and approach across all teams.
• Work to build effective staff teams that meet and exceed their set goals and targets and monitor their performance, pro-actively addressing any challenges with the support of HR colleagues.
• Empower your teams to meaningfully engage, involve, and devolve decision making power to young people wherever possible to enable them to highlight and design areas for service development and co-create possible solutions or opportunities for change.
• Model for your teams the use of coaching and motivational interviewing techniques to empower young people with complex needs to regularly set and achieve ambitious person-centred goals, praising them for their achievements, and celebrating where appropriate through the resident incentive scheme.
• Work with your teams to ensure all young people understand and meet the terms of their licence agreement, outlining the expectations we have of them and what they can expect in return from the team at YMCA.
• Ensure you and your teams follow our agreed policies and procedures, including our Positive Change procedure if young people do not meet the expectations shared with them in their licence agreement practicing ‘elastic tolerance’ giving them the opportunity to recognise and change their behaviour.
• Build and maintain excellent working relationships with Local Authorities and ensure the team develop and maintain excellent working relationships with Social Workers, Personal Advisers, local education providers and other partner agencies.
• Be the primary organisational representative at Ofsted inspections, commissioning meetings and placement reviews.

Collaborate with the Head of Resident Services & Head of Housing Services

• Utilising the YMCA Emotional Needs framework, ensure that each young person has a person-centred support plan in place where they set themselves goals focused on independence, emotional wellbeing, education and employment.
• To ensure young people develop practical life skills needed for independent living – including cooking, budgeting, tenancy management, health and wellbeing and positive relationships.
• To ensure that young people are supported with challenges as they present in a curious, empathetic, and solution focused way, responding in a timely manner, as part of or in addition to any planned sessions.
• To deliver a person-centred, asset-based, and trauma-informed approach at all times, recognising that one of the stages of change is relapse which is an important part of the journey towards achieving long term success.
• To ensure smooth transitions between placements.
• Share opportunities to signpost young people for specialist internal and external support with your teams wherever possible i.e. ARC, MK ACT, Mental Wealth.
• Arrange and ensure your teams actively engage in all Reflective Practice sessions designed to allow space for practitioners to consider, reflect on, and improve their practice on an ongoing basis.

Compliance

• Lead on ensuring that all aspects of service delivery, including H&S, Facilities etc are compliant with the necessary regulations, to ensure smooth Ofsted registration, working with teams from across the organisation where necessary.
• Ensure you and your teams collect and record all data required for monitoring and evaluation purposes and write regular case studies to demonstrate the ongoing impact of your work.
• Complete audits, quality assurance processes and continuous improvement plans to ensure continued compliance and success.
• Monitor incidents, complaints and outcomes for young people.
• Ensure that all contract and funding reporting is completed on time and to a high standard to protect and grow our vital commissioning and funding relationships.
• Ensure you and your teams record all information and actions taken factually and as if written to the young person on In-Form (our housing management system) and MyConcern (our safeguarding record system) in a way that you would feel happy to share with the young person if requested.
• Ensure all teams record and complete any actions needed in terms of licence management following property checks, damage to property, or abandonment of property etc.
• Receive and record all compliments and complaints about the housing service on In-Form in line with all Housing Ombudsman requirements and respond to all complaints in writing in a timely manner in line with the appropriate policy and procedure.
• Ensure that all service areas are delivered within budget, reporting any concerns to SLT in a timely manner.
• Ensure service level risk assessments and other health and safety compliance documents are completed as and when necessary for all relevant housing support areas.
• Ensure all H&S and Facilities checks are completed to ensure compliance with Ofsted requirements, raising this promptly with the SLT if Ofsted registered properties are not compliant.

Safeguarding

• Ensure safeguarding lies at the heart of every aspect of the service.
• Act as a Designated Safeguarding Lead and ensure all members of your team record any Safeguarding concerns immediately on MyConcern and make any referrals requested in line with the Safeguarding policy.
• Act as the first point of contact for on-call queries from your direct reports, escalating any significant incidents or safeguarding concerns to SLT, and ensuring adequate cover is in place where necessary.
• Ensure teams are regularly trained in Professional Boundaries to remind staff of their obligation to uphold & maintain them at all times.

About You

You're an experienced leader who enjoys raising standards and making things better. You naturally see opportunities to improve services, simplify processes and create environments that people are proud to be part of. You're equally comfortable developing long-term plans as you are supporting your team to resolve day-to-day operational challenges.

You'll ideally have:

• Experience of managing and motivating a large team providing 24/7 support across multiple sites.
• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare, or other qualification accepted by Ofsted (or willing to work towards).
• At least 2 years experience working in supported accommodation, residential childcare leaving care or other supported housing setting for young people.
• Excellent knowledge of safeguarding, risk management and partnership working.
• Strong understanding of the Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations 2023 and Supported Accommodation Quality Standards.
• Experience of working in an asset-based, person-centred, trauma-informed Psychologically Informed Environment (PIE).
• Experience of effective reporting and data collection for the purposes of monitoring and evaluation.
• Excellent leadership, communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong planning, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• The confidence to challenge poor performance, influence others and drive operational excellence.
• A proactive, customer-focused mindset with a genuine passion for raising standards.

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity to make a genuine impact within a growing organisation that's ambitious about both its people and the communities it serves.

You'll have the opportunity to:

• Make a real difference in a purpose-driven organisation.
• Build trusted relationships across the organisation.

Everyone is Welcome Here

At YMCA South Midlands, we believe everyone should feel they belong.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and communities. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the people we serve and where everyone is treated with dignity, respect and fairness.

As a charity with a Christian heritage, our faith inspires our values and our commitment to serving others. We welcome people of all faiths and none. All appointments are made on merit.

Reasonable Adjustments

We want every candidate to have the opportunity to perform at their best throughout our recruitment process.

If you have a disability, long-term health condition or are neurodivergent and would benefit from any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply or contact us at any stage. We'll be happy to discuss how we can support you.

Safer Recruitment

YMCA South Midlands is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all colleagues to share this commitment.

As part of our safer recruitment process, the successful candidate will be required to complete pre-employment checks, which will include a DBS check, verification of identity and right to work in the UK, employment references, qualification checks (where applicable) and other relevant pre-employment screening in line with our Safer Recruitment Policy.

Ready to Apply?

If you're passionate about people, thrive in a fast-paced environment and want to help build a culture where people are supported, challenged and inspired to achieve their best, we'd love to hear from you.

Advice Service Manager

Do you have a passion for helping people and a solid understanding of the current welfare benefits system? Do you have excellent Microsoft Excel skills (to efficiently manage, analyse and visualise data)?

We're looking for highly motivated, committed and experienced individual to join the existing Management Team as an Advice Service Manager.

If this sounds like you, then apply today!

Position: Advice Service Manager

Location: Chesterfield or Ilkeston (hybrid mix of home and office working)

Salary: £36,887.00 per annum, pro rata

Hours: Full-Time (37 hours per week)

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: 31st August 2026

About the Role

In this role you will take the lead on managing assigned advice services, projects and the staff working on these, as well as contributing to the running of the wider organisation and working in collaboration with Service Managers and Supervisors. You will be responsible for monitoring and improving the performance of the services, including oversight of KPIs and quality metrics.

Main areas of responsibility include:

• Service Management
• Performance and Quality
• Stakeholder Engagement and Development
• Data, Reporting, and Compliance
• Staff and Team Leadership
• Training and Development
• Teamwork and Relationships

There is flexibility in this role which allows for some irregular shift patterns and remote or home working where appropriate, as well as travel to the offices when required.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. The organisation is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and hold the Derbyshire LGBT+ Rainbow Accreditation.

About You

We are looking for someone with strong and wide-ranging advice knowledge, an understanding of the holistic services offered by the organisation, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidates will have:

• Excellent communication skills
• A non-judgemental, empathetic approach to people
• Strong IT and digital skills, with the ability to learn new systems quickly
• Strong, demonstrable Microsoft Excel skills with the ability to efficiently manage, analyse, and visualise data
• A commitment to working to performance targets and KPIs
• A solid understanding of the current welfare benefits system

With experience of:

• Managing, recruiting, motivating, and developing staff.
• Supervising or managing an advice service or project.
• Monitoring and managing performance against quality standards and KPIs.
• Using case management systems and producing performance reports.
• Leading teams, prioritise workloads, and make decisions in a high-demand environment

About the Organisation

Join a local charity that provides free, confidential, independent and impartial advice to everyone across Amber Valley, Chesterfield, Derbyshire Dales, Erewash and High Peak.

This advice can help people find a way forward with their problems, whoever they are, whatever the problem.

What is on offer:

The charity offers a comprehensive benefits package that supports your wellbeing, work-life balance, and professional growth:

• Generous annual leave: 35 days per year (pro rata), including all bank holidays and Christmas
• Buy/sell leave scheme: Flexibility to buy or sell up to one week of leave each year (pro rata)
• Employee Assistance Programme: Includes wellbeing support, free counselling, and lifestyle perks
• Contractual sick pay: depended on length of service
• Long service rewards: Extra leave and gift cards after five years of service and beyond
• Workplace pension: Auto-enrolment into our pension scheme
• Hybrid working: the option to work from home, if it works for you and for the team

Successful candidates will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and provide proof of Right to Work. Please note that the organisation does not hold a sponsor licence.

Other roles you may have experience of include Welfare, Benefits, Housing, Welfare Advisor, Benefits Advisor, Housing Advisor, Welfare Officer, Benefits Officer, Housing Officer, Advice, Advisor, Caseworker.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client, Not For Profit People. #INDNFP

We have an exciting opportunity for an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate who is passionate about supporting victim/survivors of abuse within the Criminal Court.

Do you want to join a committed and inspiring team? Do you want to help make a real difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improve the quality of lives of male survivors of domestic abuse?

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

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

What we offer:

At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:

• 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.
• Practice Support: Clinical supervision and group reflective practice

About the role:

As an IDVA you will:-

• Provide a pro-active, high quality, frontline service to victims of domestic abuse through on-going risk assessment, individual safety planning, advocacy, emotional and practical support.
• Work within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC and local partnership responses to domestic abuse to keep safety central to all services for victims of domestic abuse
• Promote the service and raising awareness of issues arising, minimising barriers and improving access to support

You will need:

• Experience of providing support those affected by domestic abuse
• An understanding of the principles of risk assessment, safety planning and risk management for victims of domestic abuse and their children
• Knowledge of safeguarding issues, and the legal responsibilities surrounding these issues.
• A good understanding of Housing Law to be able to provide up to date advice and information on housing related needs
• A strong knowledge of Criminal Courts and the Criminal Justice Service
• Strong communication, negotiation and advisory skills, both written and verbal when interacting with a range of agencies and individuals.
• An understanding of commitment to equal opportunities and diversity issues in policy and practice.
• Strong crisis management skills and the ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations.

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

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 proactive, resilient and compassionate Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) to join our team supporting Victims & Survivors on a hybrid basis working both at home and from our office in Shoreham-by-Sea that may require regular travel throughout Sussex.

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

As an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate you will provide frontline services to support medium-risk victims of domestic abuse and work within a multi-agency framework to complete risk assessments, safety planning and offer advocacy & practical support.

Key tasks include:

• Assessing risks and needs using evidence-based checklists.
• Delivering tailored support and information.
• Working with other agencies and advocating on behalf of service users in order to help them access services to keep them safe.
• Understanding legal frameworks for protecting children and vulnerable adults.
• Providing advocacy on legal, housing, health, and financial options.
• Empowering clients to recognise domestic abuse dynamics.
• Participating in Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC) when required.
• Working with a team to deliver respectful, dignified, and sensitive services.
• Maintaining accurate and confidential case records.
• Complying with data protection laws and organisational policies.
• Staying updated with procedures, policies, and professional codes.

About You

You will need:

• Experience of working in support and advocacy with victims of domestic abuse is advantageous
• Experience managing caseloads; identifying and assessing risks and needs, providing a tailored service through individual safety planning, advocacy, emotional and practical support.
• To be able to prioritise work and deal with competing or conflicting demands/needs and interests and promote organisation interests and values.
• To ideally hold a SafeLives IDVA accreditation, relevant degree, vocational qualification or relevant experience of delivering a service and working with domestic abuse victim's/service users in a statutory, voluntary or community work setting. Additional training will be provided to achieve SafeLives IDVA accreditation if not currently held.
• Strong understanding of domestic abuse and its impact.
• Demonstrate proficiency in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Commitment to equal opportunities and diversity.

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.

As a Domestic Abuse (DA) Team Leader, you will lead the team of DA Practitioner’s and our Armed Forces Independent Domestic Violence Adviser’s (IDVAs). You will be responsible for overseeing risk assessments, safety planning and case management, working within Trevi’s Domestic Abuse Team.

About the role

This role focuses on empowering women and families to improve their safety, wellbeing, and independence. The successful candidate will lead the team to provide support through emotional support, practical guidance, advocacy, and access to specialist services which will include legal resources, employment, education, finances, benefit support and group work.

 What you will do 

·   Supervise DA Practitioners, & Armed Forces IDVAs, providing daily guidance, case management oversight, and supervision

· Providing constructive feedback, conducting appraisals, and managing employee performance

· Lead on high-risk cases, ensuring comprehensive risk assessment (e.g., DASH) and safety planning for victims

What you will bring 

· Experience of working in domestic abuse delivery service

· IDVA Qualified

·       Ability to prioritise, work independently, and reflect on practice

· Strong communication and organisational skills

“Providing free, independent, confidential and impartial advice”

Citizens Advice Southwark has a track record of delivering high-quality services from its offices in Peckham and Walworth and at outreach locations across Southwark and South East London. We sort out problems together, for good, by providing free, independent, confidential and impartial advice across all areas of social welfare law, and through using the experience of our clients to bring about positive change through research and campaigns. 

Are you an experienced debt advice specialist ready to step into a leadership role? Do you want to use your technical expertise to support a team making a real difference in South London?

We are seeking a Money Advice Technical Supervisor to lead our dedicated debt and money advice services in Southwark. In this vital role, you will ensure our community receives the highest quality financial guidance while directly shaping the skills of our frontline advising team.

What you will do:

• Lead Quality Assurance: Conduct file reviews and case audits to maintain compliance with FCA regulations and the Advice Quality Standard (AQS).
• Support the Team: Act as the technical point of escalation, providing daily guidance, coaching, and feedback to advisers and volunteers.
• Manage Complex Cases: Oversee high-level casework, including Debt Relief Orders (DROs), bankruptcy, and severe housing arrears.
• Drive Performance: Monitor team outcomes against local project targets to ensure efficient and impactful service delivery.

What we are looking for:

• A minimum of 2 years of experience delivering specialist money or debt advice.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, or checking the work of other advisers. 
• Ability to manage a challenging caseload, meet targets and prioritise work in the face of competing demands on your time.
• Ability to respond sensitively to clients from a variety of backgrounds who are under pressure and negotiate with third parties in order to minimise conflict.

Closing date: 9.00 am Monday 24 August 2026

Interviews will take place on: Thursday 27 August 2026

For further information and an application pack please go to our website via the apply button.

We offer a range of employee benefits, including generous annual leave, an employer matched pension contribution up to 10% salary, and training and development opportunities to continue your professional development.

Citizens Advice Southwark is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all applicants who meet the person specification irrespective of sex, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief, age, or disability.

Job Title: Refugee Support Worker.

Location: The Gap Centre, 42 Stow Hill, Newport, NP20 1JG.

Hours: 35 hours per week, Usual working pattern Monday – Friday 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (including a 30-minute unpaid break).

The successful candidate will be expected to support occasional evening community activities, which may include our weekly Games Night programme.

Salary: £27,773.20 per year (actual), 35 hours per week.

About Us:

The Gap Wales – The Sanctuary Newport is committed to supporting asylum seekers and refugees as they rebuild their lives in Newport. We provide a welcoming, trauma-informed space where individuals can access advocacy, wellbeing support, community activities, and opportunities for social connection. We believe wellbeing grows through belonging, meaningful relationships, and participation in community life. Alongside practical support and advocacy, we create opportunities for people to build confidence, develop skills, strengthen social connections, and contribute to their local community.

Every week, refugees and people seeking sanctuary arrive at The Gap Wales needing practical guidance, emotional support, and a sense of belonging. As our Refugee Support Worker, you will help people rebuild confidence, navigate complex systems, and develop meaningful connections within the community.

Our work is rooted in transformation: personal, social, and community. Every interaction, every conversation, and every act of support helps to "fill the gap" where existing systems fall short.

The Role:

We are seeking a Refugee Support Worker to provide compassionate, practical and trauma-informed support to refugees and asylum seekers accessing our services. The role combines one-to-one support, advocacy, community engagement, practical assistance and partnership working to help individuals rebuild their lives, develop independence, improve wellbeing and become active members of their community.

You will support individuals to access essential services, overcome barriers, build confidence and strengthen social connections. You will also help coordinate community activities and community lunch programmes, working alongside volunteers and partner organisations to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for people seeking sanctuary.

This is a frontline role where your empathy, organisational skills and ability to build trusting relationships will make a tangible difference to the lives of refugees and asylum seekers in Newport.

· Providing one-to-one support and advocacy to refugees and asylum seekers

· Supporting individuals to access housing, healthcare, education, welfare advice and other services

· Conducting needs assessments and developing support plans

· Coordinating community activities, community lunches and opportunities for social connection

· Working alongside volunteers, partner organisations and community groups to strengthen support networks

Key Responsibilities:

Casework & Emotional Support

• Provide one‑to‑one practical and emotional support
• Conduct needs assessments and create personalised support plans
• Support individuals experiencing trauma, domestic violence, or other vulnerabilities
• Signpost to counselling, therapeutic services, and specialist mental health providers

Advocacy & Signposting

• Advocate for service users with statutory and community agencies
• Support individuals to understand and exercise their rights within the UK asylum system
• Liaise with social services, legal advisors, and mental health professionals

Group Work & Community Engagement

• Develop and facilitate wellbeing, confidence‑building, and social inclusion groups
• Organise community activities that promote integration and peer support
• Work with volunteers and community leaders to strengthen support pathways

· Organise community activities and community lunch programmes that promote integration and peer support

· Support the planning, purchasing and preparation of food for community meals and events

· Work with volunteers and community leaders to strengthen support pathways

Monitoring & Evaluation

• Maintain accurate case notes and data records
• Contribute to monitoring reports for trustees and funders
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding and data protection policies

Employment Details

· Reporting to: Operations Director

· Reasonable work-related expenses will be reimbursed in line with organisational policy. Benefits include 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (Pro rata) and a pension scheme with contributions in line with organisational policy.

· This role is initially offered on a one-year fixed term, with the intention of securing funding to establish a permanent position. As The Gap Wales continues to grow, the responsibilities of this role may evolve in response to organisational needs.

What We’re Looking For:

· Experience supporting vulnerable individuals in a community, support, advice, housing, wellbeing or similar setting

• Understanding of trauma‑informed practice
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust with people from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to manage sensitive situations with empathy and professionalism
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion

Desirable

• Experience working with refugees or asylum seekers
• Group facilitation experience
• Multilingual abilities

Why Join Us?

This role is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of people who have experienced displacement, trauma, and significant barriers. You will be part of a supportive team committed to compassion, dignity, and community transformation.

· Regular supervision and reflective practice

· Opportunities for training and professional development

· A supportive and collaborative team environment

How to Apply

· Application Deadline: Sunday, 23rd August 2026 with interviews taking place in September.

· For enquiries or to apply, please send your CV and a cover letter. Interviews will be conducted shortly after the closing date, with an expected start date of Monday, 5th October 2026 (subject to agreement).

Safeguarding Statement

The Gap Wales is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate DBS checks. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity and promotes equality of opportunity.

The aims and objectives of The Gap Wales are motivated by a Christian ethos. While we welcome applications from people of all faiths and none, all staff are expected to uphold and support the values, mission, and objectives of the organisation and not act in a manner that would knowingly undermine its Christian ethos.

Title: Head of Operations

Responsible to: CEO

Hours: 35 hours per week

Salary: £45,000 - £48,000 FT (depending on experience and qualifications)

Based: Willesden, NW10 2JR; Haringey borough (including Hornsey, N8 9LP and Tottenham Hale, N17 9FU) + other locations if required

Contract: Permanent (subject to continuation of funding)

Please Note: Enhanced DBS check will be required

JOB OVERVIEW

Do you want to work for an organisation that makes a real difference, every day, to people from all walks of life? Do you want to use your operational management experience to have a tangible impact in the community? This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced team leader looking to take on a meaningful new career challenge to join the Brent Irish Advisory Service (BIAS) as Head of Operations.

The Head of Operations oversees all of BIAS’s projects, managing a small, high-performing team of project coordinators and frontline advice and community-support staff to ensure that we provide the highest-quality service to our clients. You will need to have demonstrable team-management experience, strong people and communication skills, and a willingness to take a hands-on approach to project delivery, along with excellent organisational and strategic abilities to ensure that projects are delivered sustainably, effectively and efficiently.

In 2025, BIAS expanded its successful Brent-based advice service and active ageing clubs into Haringey borough. The Head of Operations will take the lead on further building and developing the new services in Haringey, ensuring that we replicate our excellent quality of service, strong record of positive outcomes and loyal service-user base.

This is a key role within the BIAS senior leadership team, which will give you the opportunity to have a direct impact on shaping the organisation’s future strategy and direction.

KEY WORK AREAS AND MAIN DUTIES

Staff management

• Manage a team of five project coordinators and five front-line staff to ensure effective delivery and monitoring of BIAS’s core welfare and housing advice, active ageing, volunteering and befriending projects, which support over 900 people per year.
• Manage HR procedures, including employment contracts, probation assessment, leave administration, staff supervision, performance management and exit procedures.
• Conduct recruitment procedures where needed, and supervise the onboarding process for new joiners.
• Oversee training and development needs and budgets.
• Ensure good teamwork and lines of communication between staff, including by chairing regular staff meetings.
• Create a positive working environment in which equity and diversity are promoted and staff can do their best.

Project management

• Project-manage the further development of new advice and active ageing services in Haringey borough.
• Take the lead on promotion and marketing of BIAS’s services, including by representing the charity to partner organisations and at external events.
• Contribute to the organisation and running of regular community and fundraising events.
• Deputise for the Advice Services Manager where needed, supporting the welfare and housing advisers with complex casework, forward planning and client management.
• Support the Active Ageing Coordinators and volunteer teams wherever needed with the day-to-day running of the active ageing clubs.

Quality and service delivery

• Oversee quality-assurance procedures in line with the Advice Quality Standard (AQS), and spearhead biannual renewal of BIAS’s AQS accreditation.
• Oversee running of BIAS’s volunteer project in line with the Investing in Volunteers quality accreditation standards.
• Serve as internal data protection officer, monitoring GDPR compliance, managing risk and responding to any potential data breaches.
• Serve as BIAS safeguarding lead, ensuring that safeguarding policies and training are kept up to date, and that all safeguarding concerns are appropriately addressed.
• Work with the Fundraising and Communications Manager to administer the BIAS website and implement BIAS’s social media strategy.
• Administer BIAS’s IT and client management systems (Microsoft 365, SharePoint, BrightHR, Lamplight CRM), coordinating training, updates and troubleshooting.

Operational leadership

• Advise the CEO on all staffing and service-delivery issues.
• Monitor and report on service delivery, including through monthly advice and volunteer-project reports, quarterly Board reports and regular funder reports.
• Carry out regular reviews of BIAS’s annual business plan, risk register, five-year strategy and internal policies and procedures, providing recommendations to the CEO and Board of Trustees on strategic direction.
• Research and secure funding from grant-making organisations, ensuring BIAS’s future financial sustainability.
• Work closely with the Finance Manager and CEO on budgeting, grant monitoring, cashflow and financial authorisation.

These are the basic duties required of the Head of Operations. However, it is necessary for all staff to be flexible and you may be required from time to time to perform other reasonable duties which are required for the efficient running of the organisation. We will also offer training opportunities to support your career development.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK. This role will be based in our advice offices and club venues in Willesden and Haringey but there may be some options for flexible working (e.g. one day per week from home). Occasional evening or weekend work may be required.

ABOUT BIAS

BIAS is a local charity which has supported England’s largest Irish community in Brent for almost fifty years. We deliver our support through our welfare and housing advice service, our active ageing clubs, our volunteer project and our befriending scheme. We raise over £2 million in extra income for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged every year and have over 7000 attendances at our club services. BIAS has recently expanded into Haringey borough and has exciting plans to further develop its project scope and geographical reach, supported by sustainable and diversified grant funding, including from Ireland’s Emigrant Support Programme.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please submit a CV and cover letter. The deadline for applications is 29th August 2026 but we encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible as interviews may be carried out on a rolling basis.

Job Title: Trainee or Qualified Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) working predominantly in the Cherwell and West Oxfordshire area

Locality: Cherwell and West Oxfordshire

Salary: £27,000 - £29,000

Hours of work: 37 hrs per week

Notice: 2 calendar months 1 month during the Probationary period. Probationary 6 months

Accountable to: Service Manager of Reducing the Risk of Domestic Abuse, CEO ultimately the Board of Trustees

Context of post

Reducing the Risk of Domestic Abuse is a company and charity set up to:

• provide inclusive services that reduce the risk of domestic abuse and promote the safety, choices and welfare of those affected
• enhance awareness of the nature and prevalence of domestic violence and help to foster good practice and an integrated multi integrated approach.
• The postholder will work in the high-risk team and be managed by the Service Manager with support from the Senior IDVA.
• A structured training and induction programme is in place to ensure new staff members are knowledgeable, confident and comfortable with the role.
• After 6 months of experience, the applicant will attend the Safelives IDVA training.
• Workload will be adjusted and study time will be given for attendance at training.
• Salary will be uplifted on successful completion of the course.

The trustees collectively have expertise in domestic abuse, child protection, criminal justice, voluntary sector governance, local authority community safety, training and quality assurance. While primarily a local charity the trustees anticipate that, with a focus on quality, some of the work of the charity may contribute to broader good practice development. The charity participates in a number of multi agency partnerships responsible for aspects of the county’s integrated domestic abuse strategy.

Function

The first priority of the charity is to provide an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor Service for the county. The post holder will be a member of the IDVA team and provide a pro-active service to victims of domestic violence to keep them safe and promote their wellbeing. They will use their skills to assess the risk a client is in, deliver a service appropriate to the level of risk and have a particular focus on providing an intensive service to those at high risk. The post holder will have the skills to act as lead professional, working to ensure an integrated service and co-ordinating multi agency work to keep people safe, in addition to working with victims and signposting to other services.

Responsibilities:

• Work as part of the Oxfordshire IDVA team to provide pro-active service and advice to victims at high risk of harm from domestic abuse to keep them and their children safe
• Risk assess and deliver service in keeping with the result
• Undertake safety planning with clients
• Develop individual service plans to meet the specific risks clients face
• Where relevant also support victims in their role as primary carers for their children
• Manage a caseload
• Maintain and update records of all cases
• Participate in champion networks and work closely with outreach workers and any other dedicated DA services as appropriate
• Participate in MARAC framework: refer clients to, attend and participate in meetings, follow-up on actions agreed in MARAC
• Keep other relevant services informed about important changes in client’s situation
• Support clients through the criminal justice system, explaining the procedures and their role and rights within that system
• Ensure that clients are immediately informed of any CJS developments and advised on any aspect affecting their safety
• Explain housing, civil and criminal legal options to clients
• Ensure that clients access the services to which they are entitled
• Refer on and arrange meetings with other agencies/services as necessary e.g. solicitors, benefit agencies, etc.
• Note and feedback to other agencies any consistent difficulties clients are having accessing their service
• Help clients develop their own support network
• Follow procedures and protocols so that the safety of the clients is kept central to any process
• Ensure Reducing the Risk fulfils its responsibilities in relation to safeguarding children
• Understand the legal framework relating to the protection of children, and the policy and procedures of Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children’s Board – including specific guidelines applied to the voluntary sector
• Participate in supervision and support systems for the service, and in training and professional development
• Bring casework issues and regular difficulties clients are having to the attention of the manager; contribute to efforts to improve Reducing the Risk practice and procedures and/or to work through multi agency partnerships to improve multi agency practice
• Any additional responsibilities as reasonably requested by the manager or trustees

The nature of this post will require flexibility to meet work needs as they arise. This may occassionally entail some work outside normal office hours. The post holder will be expected to adopt a flexible attitude to their duties. These may have to be varied after discussion, subject to the needs of the service and in keeping with the general profile of the post. There will also sometimes be a necessity to work effectively under pressure.

Appointment to the post will be subject to full enhanced DSB checks.

Full drivers licence with the use of a car for work

Ability to travel around the county

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: £27,000.00 to £29,000.00 per year depending on experience

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence (required)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person