Temporary Advocacy Jobs
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Location: Hybrid working: a combination of working from home and being based at Rising Sun Offices in Canterbury
Responsible to: Head of Adult Services
Probation Period: 6 months
Benefits: 25 days holiday pro rata, bank holidays, plus 3% matched pension contribution, employee health cash plan and discounts scheme
Please note: This post is restricted to women under schedule 9, Part 1, Equalities Act 2010.
OVERVIEW
Rising Sun Domestic Violence and Abuse Service (the Rising Sun) is an independent charity in Kent working to prevent domestic abuse and improve the lives of survivors and their children suffering from its effects. We have an ambitious vision for a world in which women and children live free from actual or threatened domestic abuse and all forms of violence.
Our team provide a range of services to adults and children who’ve experienced domestic abuse. We understand the impact of domestic abuse on survivors and so we listen to individual needs and respond in a trauma informed way. We provide one-to-one support and also deliver therapeutically informed group programmes to help survivors to recognise healthy/unhealthy behaviours in relationships and to understand the impact of domestic abuse. Bringing survivors together validates experiences and enables them to draw strength from one another.
We are looking for a creative and proactive individual who has experience of supporting survivors of domestic abuse. Working with survivors of domestic abuse as an outreach worker, you will play a crucial role in advocacy, risk assessment, safety planning and empowerment.
As part of our passionate and committed team of approximately 45 staff, our aspiration is that you will thrive and develop in this varied role. You will be contributing to the invaluable work of the Rising Sun and making a lasting difference to the lives of those who are impacted by domestic abuse.
JOB PURPOSE
- To provide practical and emotional support to survivors of domestic abuse, including crisis intervention, risk assessment and safety planning.
- To develop individual support plans, which address the risk of harm and offer information, advocacy, advice and signposting to survivors, underpinned by individual risk and need.
- To empower survivors, thereby increasing self- esteem, reducing isolation and helping survivors to keep safe.
- To provide survivors with information relating to their rights and ensuring survivors are empowered to make decisions based on their options.
- To work in collaboration with the adult team and wider Rising Sun team to support other programmes delivered within the organisation.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Service delivery
- Work as part of a team providing high quality support, advice, advocacy and information to survivors of domestic abuse.
- Manage a caseload in accordance with organisational policies and procedures and adhere to confidentiality.
- Work in a needs led way with a specific focus on a trauma informed approach, which recognises domestic abuse and its impact.
- Work holistically with survivors, recognising individual needs, and help survivors to recognise and build on their strengths and abilities to build self-esteem and resilience.
- Offer support face to face or remotely, via phone or video call, depending on the needs of the survivor and current guidance around social distancing.
- Attend regular supervision and appraisals with line-manager.
- Work effectively in partnership with other agencies and refer on appropriately, dependant on need and risk. This may include referral to specialist agencies, to other specialist DVA services or other external processes (for example MARAC).
- Assess risk to individuals on a regular basis using the DASH risk indicator checklist.
- Work with survivors to develop tailored support plans with a focus on reducing the risk of harm, increasing their personal safety (and that of any children) and responding to their individual needs.
- Support survivors to be able to identify and manage the risks to themselves and their children
- Provide information to survivors in relation to their options, including guidance in relation to their housing, legal and welfare rights and advocate on their behalf as required.
- Encourage service users’ participation in service development, continuous improvement and feedback exercised.
- Represent the Rising Sun at relevant community meetings and forums.
- Support Rising Sun’s community services including our One Stop Shop drop in service and group programmes.
- Maintain up to date and accurate records and ensure, reports and evaluations are completed as required.
- Work as part of a team, supporting colleagues and building positive working-relationships with team members.
- Contribute to wider team meetings and discussions to share learning and feed into organisational developments.
- Be willing and available to work some evenings and weekends as required to support wider team activities such as representing Rising Sun at events (time off in lieu can be taken by arrangement with your line manager).
General
- At all times work professionally and to a high standard, setting an example to the wider team and external partners.
- A good knowledge and understanding of using IT programmes such as Word and Excel.
- Complete administrative tasks and ensure paperwork and evaluations are kept up to date.
- Demonstrate a commitment to continued professional development, being responsible for personal learning and keeping up to date on research, relevant legislation, policy and practice, and other literature relevant to the role.
- At all times protect the safety and security of the Rising Sun, service users, staff, volunteers and buildings, and the confidentiality of records and other information.
- Uphold the rights of women, children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse, and proactively assess the gender specific, trauma informed needs and the safety of children and women to ensure that any risks/needs identified are addressed, having full regard to Rising Sun Safeguarding Children policy and Safeguarding Adults policy.
- Be proactive and solution focussed while paying attention to detail.
- Participate in supervision, training and meetings as required.
- Ensure the effective implementation of Rising Sun’s policies and procedures and uphold the core values of the Rising Sun.
- Work across teams and undertake such other duties, appropriate to the grade and nature of the work, as may reasonably be expected.
This job description sets out the duties of the post at the time when it was drawn up and will be reviewed from time to time. Duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibility entailed. Such variations are a common occurrence and cannot of themselves justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Knowledge and Qualifications
- An accredited VAWG/domestic abuse qualification, e.g. IDVA / DAPA (Desirable).
- Good understanding of the impact of domestic violence and trauma on survivors, children and young people, families and communities.
- Knowledge of issues affecting survivors, and an understanding of the barriers they may face in accessing support.
- Thorough knowledge of safeguarding practice, procedures and legislation.
- Good understanding of the operation of the agencies working together to support survivors such as social services, police etc.
Experience
- Experience of working with survivors affected by domestic and sexual abuse.
- Experience of managing own case load, working under pressure and prioritising workload.
- Experience of risk assessment and management, and safety planning.
- Experience of multi-agency partnership work.
- Experience of facilitating group programmes. (Desirable)
- Experience of working for a charity or not for profit organisation. (Desirable)
Skills
- Excellent listening, written and verbal communication skills.
- Non-judgemental and non-directive approach to empowering survivors along with the ability to understand the individual needs of clients.
- Effective crisis management, negotiation, advocacy and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work well within a team and responsibly on own initiative.
- Good task management skills and the ability to work effectively under pressure and to deadlines.
- Good data collection, monitoring and IT skills, including word processing and using databases and Excel spreadsheets.
General
- Able to work co-operatively with colleagues, statutory and non-statutory agencies.
- Able to set clear boundaries and a willingness to accept line management and make effective use of clinical supervision.
- A good understanding of the importance of confidentiality, safe practice and health and safety procedures.
- A good understanding of cultural issues, and commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities.
- A firm commitment to women, children’s and young people’s rights and to work within Rising Sun framework and its core values.
- Able to travel independently across East Kent to meet survivors and attend meetings.
- Willingness to carry out the policies and procedures of the Rising Sun and to work to agreed guidelines and codes of conduct.
Equal Opportunities Statement
Rising Sun is an equal opportunities employer. We recognise intersecting identities, and value what having a diverse team brings, both in terms of effectively responding to client needs, and engaging with each other at work. We encourage applicants from all sections of the community; especially from minority groups/groups with a protected characteristic such as B.A.M.E., who are currently underrepresented at Rising Sun. We are disability-friendly, and flexible working is available in the majority of roles. We strive to offer accommodations to all applicants who need them.
Our vision is a world in which all women and children live free from actual or threatened domestic abuse and all forms of violence.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are recruiting for an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) to join our team in Hertfordshire; the scope on this job involves….
Job Title: IDVA (Maternity cover)
Location: Hertfordshire
Salary: £28,104 per annum
Contract type: Fixed-term (1 year), Full time
Hours: 37.5
We want kind and empathic people to work at Refuge, who believe in equality, diversity, and inclusion, are experts in their area of knowledge, want to make a positive difference and improve the lives of the women and children we support.
This is an opportunity to join Refuge as an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) to supporting women and children who are impacted by domestic violence. You will work closely with victims of domestic abuse from the point of crisis, to provide high quality independent advocacy and support to survivors of domestic abuse at the highest risk and their children.
This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.
Closing date: 9am on 3 June 2024
Interview date: 10 June 2024
Benefits
Refuge offers a variety of exciting opportunities to learn, develop and grow in your career. We recognise the value everyone brings to the organisation to achieve our aims and are dedicated to developing and rewarding our staff. More details of our benefits can be found in Job Information Pack.
About us
Room to Heal is a human rights charity and therapeutic community based in London. We support people who have survived torture and organised violence to rebuild their lives in exile, through an integrated programme of therapeutic and casework assistance. We offer a range of activities including: therapeutic support groups, gardening, individual therapy and casework, cooking and social gatherings, and therapeutic retreats.
At the heart of our work lies the cultivation of community, through which our members can restore meaningful relationships, overcome the legacy of their traumatic experiences and integrate into the UK. Our community is currently made up of over 100 members from over 30 countries: including former political prisoners; people who have been persecuted on account of their sexuality or religious belief; and those who have escaped trafficking.
Room to Heal is staffed by a team of committed individuals, who work hard but also recognise that a friendly, nurturing environment is crucial for all of our well-being. By joining Room to Heal you would also become a part of a small, close-knit, multi-cultural and inspiring community and be able to see first-hand the positive changes that your work enables in the lives of torture survivors.
About the role
Provide casework support to members of our community who need help with accessing housing, education, training and employment, benefits or asylum support, destitution and financial support, and support with accessing good immigration and asylum legal support. You will work closely with two other caseworkers, and a team of therapists. This role also includes supporting community activities during the week.
Hours: 3.5 days per week; Fridays essential
Contract: Fixed term until March 2027
Start-date: Immediate
Deadline: 15th June 2024
Interviews: w/c 24th June 2024
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are recruiting for an IRIS Advocate Educator to join our team in The Gaia Centre, Lambeth; the scope on this job involves….
Job Title: IRIS Advocate Educator
Location: The Gaia Centre, Lambeth
Salary: £30,095 per annum
Contract type: Full-time, Fixed term (until 31 March 2025)
Hours: 37.5
We want kind and empathic people to work at Refuge, who believe in equality, diversity, and inclusion, are experts in their area of knowledge, want to make a positive difference and improve the lives of the women and children we support.
This is an opportunity to join Refuge as an IRIS Advocate Educator responsible for promoting and recruiting local general practices to participate into the IRIS programme. This will be achieved by building and maintaining effective relationships with general practice teams and providing ongoing specialist advice and support around DVA to patients.
In the role the key responsibilities will include will work closely with the IRIS Clinical Lead and provide in-house training for general practice teams on understanding, recognising, and responding to domestic violence and abuse (DVA). You will also be responsible for providing individual and needs led DVA advocacy and support to female patients who have been referred by IRIS trained practices and provide onward referrals as needed.
This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.
As part of this role, you will be required to participate in an out-of-hours on call rota.
Closing date: 9am on 3 June 2024
Interview date: 7 June 2024
Benefits
Refuge offers a variety of exciting opportunities to learn, develop and grow in your career. We recognise the value everyone brings to the organisation to achieve our aims and are dedicated to developing and rewarding our staff. More details of our benefits can be found in Job Information Pack.
We are recruiting for a Health IDVA to join our team in Kingston; the scope on this job involves….
Job Title: Health IDVA
Location: Kingston
Salary: £28,104 per annum
Contract type: Fixed-term (6 months, until 5 December 2024), Full-time
Hours: 37.5
We want kind and empathic people to work at Refuge, who believe in equality, diversity, and inclusion, are experts in their area of knowledge, want to make a positive difference and improve the lives of the women and children we support.
This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Health Independent Domestic Violence Advocate to supporting women and children who are impacted by domestic violence. You will work closely with victims of domestic abuse from the point of crisis, to provide high quality independent advocacy and support to survivors of domestic abuse at the highest risk and their children.
This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.
Closing date: 9am on 20 May 2024
Interview date: 24 May 2024
Benefits
Refuge offers a variety of exciting opportunities to learn, develop and grow in your career. We recognise the value everyone brings to the organisation to achieve our aims and are dedicated to developing and rewarding our staff. More details of our benefits can be found in Job Information Pack.
The Refugee & Migrant Services Caseworker will join the Refugee & Migrant Services Support Team, who work alongside our ESOL team and volunteers to meet clients’ needs as directed by the R&MS Team Leader. The post is based at our offices in Bedford but will involve some local travel to deliver support and home appointments. Our team deliver a number of services, including:
- Welcoming and providing holistic integration support to resettled refugee families, empowering them to live independently with less support as time goes on.
- Providing vulnerable migrants with high quality information and advice, empowering them to make well-informed choices.
- Providing supported accommodation for people who have been refused asylum.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Building trust and maintaining positive working relationships with all clients, external agencies and other areas of KAP.
- Systematic recording of all notes and actions related to client support, maintaining up-to-date risk assessments and support plans using our case management system.
- Fulfilling funders’ & commissioners’ reporting requirements; generating statistics, case studies and keeping detailed records.
- Meeting resettled families at the airport and bringing them to their new homes.
- Ensuring clients understand their rights and responsibilities regarding their accommodation, supporting them to fulfil these.
- Supporting clients through advocacy to access; health & wellbeing services, welfare benefits, housing, immigration advice, community events, education, training, volunteering and paid work.
- Assisting resettled families’ children to access education and ensuring appropriate support is in place for them.
- Provide advice and support to resettled families through home appointments in Bedfordshire.
- Provide advice and support to clients both remotely and at in-person meetings
ADDITIONAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Maintaining working practices that reflect the overall ethos and vision of KAP, including following our policies, procedures and code of conduct.
- Respecting and supporting the whole KAP staff team, contractors and volunteers.
- Taking responsibility for your own workload and your own personal development.
- To actively participate in supervision sessions (1-2-1s, team meetings and annual reviews).
- Attending and being involved in team meetings, training, prayer / worship times and social activities, as well as all personal development meetings, including supervisions and mentor sessions.
- This role may require working occasional evenings and weekends.
In addition to the duties set out in this job description the post holder may at times be required to undertake additional or other duties to meet the needs of King's Arms Project.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Location: Home or office (Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire) working available. This role is available fully remotely.
Hours of work: This role is offered between 15 and 36.25 hours per week. This will be discussed with candidates at the interview.
Contract: This is a temporary position. Because of the uncertainty of the availability of funding, the Company cannot at this stage confirm exactly how long this will be for and cannot guarantee you any minimum or maximum period of employment.
*Candidates should be able to start as soon as possible and no later than 29 May 2024
About the role
The Welfare Scheme Assessor will be a part of a small, but committed team with big ambitions that works cohesively and effectively together to get things done.
You’ll be an important and valued member of the team and, with the support of North Lincolnshire Citizens Advice, will be responsible for ensuring client focused outcomes are met in a pressurised environment.
You’ll be the first point of contact for residents applying for support from the welfare assistance scheme. You’ll offer applicants a holistic assessment designed to maximise household income, reduce expenditure and build greater financial wellbeing.
You’ll enable people to move as quickly as possible to problem resolution and to manage their essential needs so they are less likely to fall into debt and manage cost of living increases.
You’ll be responsible for making decisions on applications for financially based welfare support and will administer funds to households who would otherwise struggle to buy food or pay essential utility bills or meet other essential living costs.
You’ll enable people to take control of their financial wellbeing and signpost them to local statutory services and community groups that provide practical, social and emotional support.
What we offer our staff
We provide an employee assistance scheme managed by LifeWorks. Benefits include:
- 24/7 - 365 telephone helpline
- LifeWorks online support website
- LifeWorks app
- 6 sessions of face to face counselling per issue – unlimited issues per annum
- Employee legal helpline
- Consulting services – financial, debt advice, housing, relocation, parenting, eldercare, work performance, health and wellness advice and much more
- Childcare and eldercare matching service
- Savings on everyday purchases and life events
- Access for family members and dependants – excluding counselling and legal advice
Annual leave: Annual leave is 25 days from 1st January to 31st December, plus 8 bank holidays. We offer additional long service leave of 5 days after 4 years of employment
How to apply:
The recruitment process and how to apply You should submit:
- A CV no longer than two pages
- Cover letter detailing how your skills and experience will help you in the role.
Applicants will be assessed and interviews offered on a rolling basis.