Independent domestic violence advocate jobs in crook, county durham

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your reason for applying and how your past work experiences make you suitability for the role

Deadline: Monday 21st July

Please note we reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time if we receive a high volume of applications or if a suitable candidate is found, therefore we suggest submitting your application as soon as you can.

This post is:

• subject to Enhanced DBS Disclosure
• subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. It will be necessary for a disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and barring Service for details of any previous criminal convictions.
• Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK
• Open to women* only (*exempt under the Equality Act 2010 Schedule 9, Part 1

The Angelou Centre is aware that women and people of the global majority are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification and requirement. So, if you are excited by the role, but your past experience doesn’t quite match every requirement we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the person we are looking for.

Role Overview

Contract: Full-time fixed term for 12 months,

with possibility of extension subject to funding

Salary: £23,387 to £27,445.60 (per hour £12.85 to £15.08)

Depending on experience and qualifications

Hours & Days35 hours a week

Monday to Fridays 9am to 5pm

Additional benefits 25 days paid holiday,

employer’s pension contribution of 6%,

enhanced maternity leave

Location: 3 days in Sunderland and 2 days in Newcastle upon Tyne

As an Outreach Advocate within The Angelou Centre you will be part of our front-line team providing emotional and trauma informed support to women and children experiencing gender based domestic abuse.  The primary responsibility of all advocates within The Angelou is to provide women and children with continuous one-to-one support, practical advice and advocacy, such as writing referrals for women to access the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). Much of this work takes the form of casework, and report writing, as well as ensuring that the women receive comprehensive support that addresses their health, social care, housing, immigration and benefit-related needs.

All advocates are required to spent at least 30% of your time on outreach work to engage with communities outside of The Angelou Centre. However, as our new Outreach Advocate you will spend 3 days with Wearside Women in Need (WWIN) based in Sunderland and 2 days working within our office in Newcastle. This is a new partnership work to ensure that we continue to provide specialist Black and racialised support across the North East. You will work in Sunderland and Newcastle to provide tailored support, advice and advocacy, raising awareness of domestic abuse through outreach activities ensuring our services are accessible to women of the Black and racialised community.

Our ideal candidate is someone who;

• Is confident and pro-active in advocating on behalf of our survivors and able to represent their needs when working with partner agencies
• Is compassionate, non-judgmental and committed to supporting survivors of domestic abuse
• Has excellent written skills with some experience of casework within legal, healthcare or an educational setting.
• Has experience of conducting risk and needs assessments within legal, healthcare or an educational setting.

Key Responsibilities

 Advice and Advocacy Support

• Provide tailored, one-to-one continuous support, advice, and advocacy to black and minoritised victims and survivors of domestic abuse and exploitation
• Provide weekly drop-in opportunities for black and racially minoritized women in the local area
• Support improved mental wellbeing and resilience, measured using Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well Being Scale and the Chaos Index for those with complex needs.
• To be aware of external service processes to safeguard individuals who are exposed to sexual exploitation.

Outreach Support

• To attend external team meetings and presentations in relevant forums and partnerships
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with key organisations and their staff to support women to gain access to the services they require.

Casework

• Complete regular risk assessment tools for each case supported and risk management plans, including DASH RIC assessments.
• Complete reports, to assist Line Manager in providing detailed reports to funders
• Maintain in depth and up-to-date knowledge of all practice, procedures and policies.
• To deal with complaints, feedback and suggestions and identifying practical solutions to any barriers.

Outreach Advocacy Specific

• To develop specialist knowledge in the area of domestic abuse, immigration abuse and gender-based violence, and how this impacts women from Black and racialized minorities differently, through attendance at relevant training, learning events and conferences
• Raise awareness on domestic abuse education through outreach activities, ensuring services are accessible to those with protected characteristics and/or facing multiple disadvantages.
• Help improve local services understanding of the dynamics of domestic abuse for women and girls from the Black and racialised communities and the long-term impact.

In order to deliver services effectively, a degree of flexibility is required and the post holder may be required to perform work not specifically referred to above. Such duties however, will fall within the scope of the job at the appropriate grade. This job description will be subjected to review with the post holder, to ensure that it accurately reflects the duties and range of the post. The aim is to improve the quality of service for black and racialized women and all matters relating to their wellbeing.

Person Specification

Experience & Abilities

• Experience of supporting women who have experienced or are at risk of domestic abuse
• Experience of risk and needs assessment, safety and support planning, particularly with clients with complex/multiple needs
• Experience of partnership working and of maintaining excellent working relationships with a range of stakeholders; particularly social care.
• Experience of managing a high caseload
• Strong IT skills with experience around data collection and monitoring
• Excellent written abilities, with some experience within preparing reports for courts, case conference and information for MARAC
• Experience around setting clear professional boundaries with clients and partners
• Ability to work cooperatively within a team and with statutory organisations

Knowledge & Qualifications

• An excellent understanding of sexual violence
• An excellent understanding of UK policies and legislation around domestic abuse
• Good knowledge of UK adult safeguarding practice, procedures and legislation.
• Safeguarding Adults and Children Level 1
• A good understanding of confidentiality and anti-discriminatory practice; safe practice and health and safety procedures

Values & Approach

• Commitment to anti-racist, trauma-informed, and feminist practice.
• Empathy, kindness, and cultural competence, with a commitment to supporting Black and racially minoritised women
• Has a ‘can do’ positive approach with a curious open to learning approach
•  Able to work flexibly and respond to crisis situations with a trauma-informed approach
• Able to priorities workload and work independently using your own initiative
• Has a commitment to shared responsibility in a team context approach
• Willingness to undertake training and show a commitment to continuous personal development, reflecting on own practice with a willingness to make changes if needed

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in crisis management
• IDVA and/or ISVA qualification
• An excellent understanding of domestic abuse and of UK policies and legislation around domestic abuse
• Good working knowledge of UK adult safeguarding practice, procedures and legislation.

About the Angelou Centre

With over 30 years in service of Black and racialised women and children

The Angelou Centre is a Black-led organisation based in Newcastle. We specialise in supporting Black and racialised women and children at risk of experiencing domestic abuse and other forms of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).

We help women, children and young people recover after experiencing violence, abuse or unfair treatment.

We listen, we understand, and we never judge.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your reason for applying and how your past work experiences make you suitability for the role. You can find the full job description on our website - Careers - The Angelou Centre

Deadline: Monday 21st, July

Please note we reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time if we receive a high volume of applications or if a suitable candidate is found, therefore we suggest submitting your application as soon as you can.

This post is:

• subject to Enhanced DBS Disclosure
• subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. It will be necessary for a disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and barring Service for details of any previous criminal convictions.
• Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK
• Open to women* only (*exempt under the Equality Act 2010 Schedule 9, Part 1

The Angelou Centre is aware that women and people of the global majority are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification and requirement. So, if you are excited by the role, but your past experience doesn’t quite match every requirement we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the person we are looking for.

Role Overview

Contract: Full-time fixed term for 2 years

with possibility of extension subject to funding  

Salary: £23,387 to £27,445.60 (per hour £12.85 to £15.08)

Depending on experience and qualifications

Hours & Days 35 hours a week

Monday to Fridays 9am to 5pm                                        

Additional benefits 25 days paid holiday,

employer’s pension contribution of 6%,

enhanced maternity leave

 Location: Newcastle upon Tyne

As an Advocate within The Angelou Centre you will be part of our front-line team providing emotional and trauma informed support to women and children.  As an Advocate working within Haven team your primary focus is on supporting the women and children living within our refuges.  Refuge Advocates are responsible for providing women and children with continuous one-to-one support, practical advice and advocacy, such as writing referrals for women to access immigration support. Much of this work takes the form of casework, and report writing, as well as ensuring that the women receive comprehensive support that addresses their health, social care, housing, immigration and benefit-related needs.

Refuge Advocate are required to attend police meeting, court hearings, immigration meetings. You will support women with housing benefits as well as ensuring they are attending training classes ran by The Angelou Centre. Working as a Refuge Advocate can be emotional demanding but is a highly rewording role.

Please be aware that this role will require you to sometimes work unsociable hours when rota-ed to be on-call.

Our ideal candidate is someone who;

• Is confident and pro-active in advocating on behalf of our survivors and able to represent their needs when working with partner agencies
• Is compassionate, non-judgmental and committed to supporting survivors of domestic abuse
• Has excellent written skills with some experience of casework within legal, healthcare or an educational setting.
• Has experience of conducting risk and needs assessments within legal, healthcare or an educational setting.

Key Responsibilities

 Advice and Advocacy Support

• Provide tailored, one-to-one continuous support, advice, and advocacy to black and minoritised victims and survivors of domestic abuse and exploitation
• Provide weekly drop-in opportunities for black and racially minoritized women in the local area
• Advocate for women with external agencies and promote social justice.
• Establish and maintain good working relationships with Local Authorities, Children's Social Care and any other relevant voluntary and statutory agencies.
• Ensure that the health, wellbeing and rights of women and children are promoted throughout service delivery.
• To develop specialist knowledge in the area of domestic abuse, immigration abuse and gender-based violence, and how this impacts women from Black and racialized minorities differently, through attendance at relevant training, learning events and conferences

Casework

• Complete regular risk assessment tools for each case supported and risk management plans, including DASH RIC assessments.
• Complete reports, to assist Line Manager in providing detailed reports to funders
• Maintain in depth and up-to-date knowledge of all practice, procedures and policies.
• To deal with complaints, feedback and suggestions and identifying practical solutions to any barriers.
• Provide practical support to women taking all necessary steps to ensure the general safety, protection and wellbeing of women and children.
• Write quality assessment reports and support letters, collect evidence and statements, as well as undertake appropriate representation where necessary.
• Write quality risk assessments for referral to the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARACs) and Child Protection Conferences and to be in attendance when required.
• Assist women with their additional immigration needs, with the ability to work closely and effectively with legal representatives.

General Responsibilities

• Contribute to the smooth running of The Angelou Centre and our activities
• Assist in maintaining high standards; including conduct with colleagues, external agencies and service users and complying The Angelou Centre’s confidentiality, equal opportunitiesand other policies and procedures 

In order to deliver services effectively, a degree of flexibility is required and the post holder may be required to perform work not specifically referred to above. Such duties however, will fall within the scope of the job at the appropriate grade. This job description will be subjected to review with the post holder, to ensure that it accurately reflects the duties and range of the post. The aim is to improve the quality of service for black and racialized women and all matters relating to their wellbeing.

Person Specification

Experience & Abilities

• Experience of supporting women who have experienced or are at risk of domestic abuse
• Experience of risk and needs assessment, safety and support planning, particularly with clients with complex/multiple needs
• Experience of partnership working and of maintaining excellent working relationships with a range of stakeholders; particularly social care.
• Experience of managing a high caseload
• Strong IT skills with experience around data collection and monitoring
• Excellent written abilities, with some experience within preparing reports for courts, case conference and information for MARAC
• Experience around setting clear professional boundaries with clients and partners
• Ability to work cooperatively within a team and with statutory organisations

Knowledge & Qualifications

• An excellent understanding of sexual violence
• An excellent understanding of UK policies and legislation around domestic abuse
• Good knowledge of UK adult safeguarding practice, procedures and legislation.
• Safeguarding Adults and Children Level 1
• A good understanding of confidentiality and anti-discriminatory practice; safe practice and health and safety procedures

Values & Approach

• Commitment to anti-racist, trauma-informed, and feminist practice.
• Empathy, kindness, and cultural competence, with a commitment to supporting Black and racially minoritised women
• Has a ‘can do’ positive approach with a curious open to learning approach
• Able to work flexibly and respond to crisis situations with a trauma-informed approach
• Able to priorities workload and work independently using your own initiative
• Has a commitment to shared responsibility in a team context approach
• Willingness to undertake training and show a commitment to continuous personal development, reflecting on own practice with a willingness to make changes if needed

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in crisis management
• IDVA and/or ISVA qualification
• An excellent understanding of domestic abuse and of UK policies and legislation around domestic abuse
• Good working knowledge of UK adult safeguarding practice, procedures and legislation.

The Role:

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Specialist Trainer: Domestic Abuse, Gender-Based Violence, and Trauma Informed Working to deliver training to a variety of different audiences. You will be delivering training on an ad-hoc basis, in a range of settings including corporate clients, public sector workers, and other charities.

We are seeking trainers with both frontline and training experience, who can deliver this type of content in compassionate, articulate and accessible ways both in person and online. Rise for Change is dedicated to creating learning spaces that are safe for all folks, in content and delivery style. 

Rise for Change is the training arm of Hope After Harm and currently provides domestic abuse, sexual harassment, and trauma-informed working training programmes for non-specialist professionals, however, we are aiming to expand our training offer to cover other areas of gender-based violence. Uniquely created by our subject matter experts, our training directly addresses the need for intersectional, and trauma informed training on gender-based violence for professionals in all sectors. We actively promote self-reflection, critical thinking and survivor voice to affect sustainable, inclusive change for survivors. Our aim is to empower participants, no matter their professional role, to be able to respond safely and appropriately to survivors both within the workplace and in the wider scope of their lives.

Hope After Harm

Hope After Harm is an established, registered charity aimed at empowering adults and young people recover from harm and trauma. We want to see a society where everyone feels safe and can thrive, regardless of who they are and where they come from. Through support, advocacy and education we enable people to rebuild their lives and reclaim their future. And we inspire others to do the same, creating safer, more inclusive communities.  We have a proven track record of service delivery across Thames Valley and beyond, with our digital and training programmes supporting professionals and survivors globally.

This is what a Specialist Trainer will do:

• Deliver specialist training about domestic abuse, gender-based violence and trauma informed working to a range of clients, primarily online with some face-to-face sessions.
• Ensure that the way they work is aligned with the values of our team.
• Respect and value the diversity of the community in which the training will be delivered and recognise the needs and concerns of a diverse range of clients, ensuring the service is accessible to all.
• Respect and uphold the value and necessity of intersectionality within domestic abuse and sexual violence prevention and safeguarding, across all areas of work.
• Treat all participants with respect and care, positively representing Rise for Change and Hope After Harm in every interaction.
• Encourage feedback from participants for each session delivered to support with the continued development of Rise for Change training programmes.
• Undertake any training and continued professional development required for the role.
• Uphold GDPR and confidentiality of any data and content whilst in this role.
• Complete any necessary admin, as required as part of the session delivery.

This is what you will bring as a Specialist Trainer:

• A strong knowledge of domestic abuse and other forms of gender-based violence, it’s impacts and working from a trauma-informed perspective.
• Experience as a highly skilled trainer, with the ability to engage people through both in person and remote delivery.
• Preferably, frontline experience of supporting survivors of gender-based violence.
• Understanding of supporting survivors in various settings (e.g. the workforce, as a manager, as a professional with a safeguarding role).
• An empathetic, caring approach to training- to you, learning is not just about providing information but ensuring a holistic approach to the learning environment.
• Skilled user of technology with high literacy of key presenting programmes, video platforms and databases.
• Have a good understanding of the nuances of culture, race, sexual orientation and gender identity within domestic abuse and sexual violence, and be committed to intersectional ways of working.
• Knowledge of adult learning techniques and safeguarding procedures.
• Have excellent communication, negotiation and advisory skills, both written and verbal when interacting with a range of agencies and individuals.
• Places the survivor at the centre of all that you do.

For this role you will need:

• To be free from any criminal conviction which would conflict with the responsibilities of the post; you may be required to have a DBS Enhanced disclosure.
• To be able to deal with all information on a confidential basis and understand data protection requirements.
• To have Citizenship of the UK or have entitlement to work in the UK
• Sign a declaration that you are self-employed and responsible for all your tax and other liabilities. 

You will be provided with training in delivery of Rise for Change’s existing and future programmes.

Hope After Harm is committed to equality and diversity. While not a requirement for application, we do strongly encourage those of black and ethnic minority background, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQIA+ community to apply for this role.

Hope After Harm is an equal opportunities employer; the aim of our policy is to ensure no job applicant, employee or worker is discriminated against either directly or indirectly on the grounds of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, religious belief, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, age or disability.  We do not disbar applicants with criminal convictions and are mindful of the requirements of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, 1974.

Job Summary

Location : Requirement to attend our sites in Basildon, Harlow and Thurrock if required and to team meetings quarterly.

Type: Remote

Salary: £48,000.00 per annum

Hours :  37.5 hours per week

Term: Permanent

Main Responsibilities:

Leadership

1. As a member of the Operational Leadership Team and wider Senior Leadership Team, work collaboratively and take collective responsibility for the strategic management and leadership of the organisation.

2. Work closely with the CEO, Treasurer and Board of Trustees to facilitate good governance and risk management.

3. Manage, maintain and develop all financial systems and control; increasing their impact and quality, and implementing best practices in financial management.

4. To supervise finance assistants and ensure that they are adhering to financial code of practices.

Financial Management

1. Lead and manage all aspects of the financial cycle, including budgeting, forecasting, fixed asset management, reserves & designated fund management and financial reporting.

2. Work with HR & Payroll Officer to manage and retain oversight of the day to day financial operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, banking and general ledger maintenance, including the reconciliation of petty cash, credit cards and all bank accounts on a monthly basis reviewing and approving payment runs and payroll.

3. Work with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team to prepare the annual budgets and forecasts.

4. Lead and manage the provision of regular budget monitoring and reports to budget holders.

5. Assist with the budget preparation for funding bids. Manage, monitor and keep track of any grants, funding or commissioned income, working with relevant managers to provide relevant financial information for inclusion in monitoring reports.

6. Lead and manage the provision of quarterly financial reports to the Board and advise them on financial issues as appropriate

7. Provide insightful financial analysis and reporting to inform and support organisational management, development and decision[1]making, and funding applications across the organisation.

8. Work with the CEO to prepare medium term financial forecasts for the organisation to support strategic decision-making and delivery of strategic priorities.

9. Lead on the audit process and the preparation of year end accounts to trial balance including preparation of the audit file and the closing down of the accounts on our accounting management system to ensure that the organisation is compliant with legal requirements and good practice.

10. To work closely with the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and designated Trustees to advise, review and cost the annual pay award.

11. To provide back-up and holiday cover for the processing of monthly payroll.

12. To work with and support the HR & Payroll Officer in providing payroll information and reconciling payroll monthly.

Governance and compliance

1. Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations and reporting requirements (e.g. Companies House, HMRC and the Charity Commission).

2. Attend Trustee Board meetings to report on financial matters, including the identification and management of financial risk, and provide any relevant reports.

3. To support the Trustees, SLT and line managers in managing our finances carefully and within our financial means, through provision of advice, guidance, support and training.

4. To be the main point of contact with external auditors.

5. To ensure that robust financial controls are in place, underpinned by appropriate financial policies and procedures and to ensure that they are adhered to and that the organisation is protected from fraud and error.

Closing date for applications : 21st July 2025