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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.
Hours: 37 hours
Location:The post holder will work primarily from Whitehawk and/ Hollingdean Food banks, as well as CABH offices in Hove.
Contract: Fixed term until September 2025 with possibility of extension
Application deadline: 5th June 2024 at 9am
Expected interview date: 12th June 2024
Job outline:
Citizens Advice Brighton & Hove is seeking a dedicated adviser to establish and deliver our outreach project with Trussell Trust Partners Whitehawk and Hollingdean food banks. The postholder will be primarily based within the two food banks providing drop in services and one-to-one one-to-one appointments for advice on income maximisation. They will need to deliver services in line with funder requirements, maintain our high quality of advice and make sure clients get the best advice and outcomes available.
We are looking for an experienced benefits adviser with a commitment to tackling food poverty. The ideal candidate will also be trained to deliver full debt casework to FCA standards. We will provide training to fully equip the adviser to deliver high quality advice and casework, as well as an ongoing focus on continual professional development.
For more details about this rewarding opportunity and how to apply, please read the full job information pack, application form and guidance notes on our website via the apply button.
Appointment to this role will be subject to successful references and a basic DBS check.
Knowsley Carers Centre, a network partner of the Carers Trust, is a registered charity providing information, support, advice, and a voice for carers living and caring in the Borough of Knowsley.
Knowsley Carers Centre is a growing charity, established in ~October 1997 to support the borough's 16000 unpaid/family carers.
A highly motivated and experienced person is required to prove welfare benefits advice to unpaid carers.
Proven experience of the sector and an understanding of unpaid carers’ issues are essential along with the ability to work independently.
Location: Predominantly based in Kirkby but will be part of the team at Knowsley Carers Centre and will be expected to spend some time at other venues across Knowsley.
Job Purpose: To find and assist Carers and Young Carers Families in Knowsley by providing welfare benefits advice, accessible information through advice and support, drop-in sessions, home visiting and a variety of other methods highlighted by Carers in Knowsley.
Duties and Responsibilities
Welfare Benefits
1)Provide casework covering the full range of welfare benefits.
2)Act for the client where necessary by calculating, negotiating, drafting or writing letters and telephoning.
3)Negotiate with third parties as appropriate.
4)Ensure income maximisation through the take up of appropriate benefits.
5)Assist clients with other related problems where they are an integral part of their case and refer to other advisers or specialist agencies as appropriate.
6)Make home/outreach visits as necessary.
7)Provide advice and assistance to other staff across the whole range of issues.
8)Maintain case records for the purpose of continuity of casework, information retrieval, statistical monitoring and report preparation.
9)Ensure that all work conforms to the organisations systems and procedures.
10)Keep up to date with legislation.
11)Attend relevant internal and external meetings.
12)Use IT for statistical recording and record keeping
13)Maintain close liaison with relevant external organisations
Information and Support
1) Identify hidden Carers and provide them with high quality information, advice and support. This will include:
a)Answering enquiries about available services, and other organisations of interest to Carers
b)Sending Carers appropriate leaflets and application forms.
c)Referring Carers for carers’ assessment
d)Providing an empathetic and supportive ear to Carers about the difficulties they may be experiencing.
e)To signpost carers to relevant voluntary and statutory organisations.
2) Keep up-to-date with services, and organisations relevant to Carers.
3) To promote the work of the organisation by use of media, talks, presentations, displays etc.
4) Make links with relevant statutory and voluntary organisations.
Casework/Individual Support
1) Work on behalf of Carers both by phone and in writing to help them to obtain the services they need.
2) Attend meetings, case conferences, complaints procedures etc. as necessary to support individual Carers.
3) Make home-visits as necessary to carry out this aspect of the work and initial support to new carers via home visit.
4) Liaise with other advice/advocacy organisations to develop and maintain referral systems.
Administration and Monitoring
1) Produce statistics and other monitoring reports to the management
2) To be primarily self-servicing including word processing letters, keeping appropriate records of work undertaken, write reports and complete monitoring forms.
3) To enter information on to the database.
General Tasks
1) To work as part of a team contributing to the smooth and effective running of Knowsley Carers Centre.
3) To produce articles for the Carers Centre newsletter and to distribute
to establishments around Knowsley.
4) To attend and actively participate in regular supervision, team meetings and annual appraisal sessions.
5) To undertake relevant training and staff development activities as required.
6) To undertake occasional evening/weekend work where necessary.
7) To undertake any other duties as reasonably requested by the Centre Manager.
8) All employees are expected to read and abide by the organisations policies and procedures.
Benefits of working for Knowsley Carers Centre:
22 days annual leave plus bank holidays per year (pro rata)
Bonus 3 days of annual leave per year over the festive period (subject to Trustee approval)
6% Workplace Pension Scheme with The Pensions Trust
Knowsley Carers Centre aims to make a positive impact on the lives of any adult who lives in the Borough of Knowsley, who provides a caring role.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About us:
The Refugee and Migrant Forum of Essex and London (RAMFEL) is one of the largest immigration and asylum advice charities in the UK, supporting refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants to access justice. An OISC level 3 accredited organisation, we represent clients at all stages of the immigration and asylum process, up to and including the Upper Tribunal of the Immigration and Asylum Chamber.
We also actively campaign for a fairer and more humane immigration system. RAMFEL caseworkers therefore have the opportunity to work on systemic and strategic challenges and support broader advocacy work.
We particularly welcome and encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic individuals, and those who are migrants or refugees, and who have lived experience of the impact of UK immigration policy and/or of rough sleeping.
Purpose of the role:
The purpose of the role is to assist some of the most vulnerable people in our society. The focus of the legal work is on non-legal aid funded matters, supporting people who otherwise have no access to legal advice and support. There will be particular focus on working with people who are facing a crisis, providing legal representation and support that will take them out of destitution.
This is a vacant position being filled as a replacement. The role gives an opportunity to assist some of the most vulnerable people in our society. The focus of the role is on supporting people who otherwise have no access to legal advice and support.
We will primarily consider applications with relevant legal experience. Qualifications needed are OISC level 2/3 or Solicitor with IAAS accreditation.
Relationships: This post will report to the Rough Sleeping Casework Manager
Contract duration: Fixed term until 31 March 2025
Hours of work: The role is primarily a full-time position, requiring 37.5 hours per week. However, for the right candidate, we may consider accommodating part-time working hours. Given the nature of RAMFEL’s work, there may be instances where the Supervisor will need to exceed the standard hours. In such cases, compensatory time off can be arranged with the line manager
Specific Responsibilities
Case management
- Manage own caseload, working to advance the best interests of the client
- Adhere to standards set out by OISC/SRA and AQS to deliver high-quality advice
- Provide representation and advice up to OISC level 2/3.
- Engage with the Line Manager to create and follow a training plan to ensure compliance with OISC CPD, keeping up to date with changes in law, policy and guidance to ensure clients receive accurate and high-quality advice
- Liaise directly with the UKVI and related governmental agencies
- Complete forms, letters and immigration applications
- Liaise with and refer clients to Legal Aid Solicitors or other advisers, as appropriate
- Manage clients’ expectations by discussing deadlines, outcomes and timing
- Deliver legal advice outreach surgeries/drop in as and when required
- Progress cases in a timely manner in line with regulatory requirements.
- Implement organisational priorities into day-to-day casework.
Person Specification
Education/qualifications
- Ideally candidates must be Solicitors with IAAS Level 2 with at least 1-year immigration experience or OISC level 2/3 qualified
- If OISC level 1, the candidate will be expected to initially work under supervision completing level 2 work and qualifying at level 2 within 6 months. (Training is provided and study leave is accommodated.) Upon obtaining a higher level of accreditation, the candidate’s salary will increase in line with RAMFEL pay scales.
- IAAS level 2 caseworkers (non-solicitor) will be considered but if appointed must be prepared to work under supervision and qualify at level 1 within 6 months. (Training is provided and study leave is accommodated) Upon obtaining a higher level of accreditation, the candidate’s salary will increase in line with RAMFEL pay scales.
Experience/knowledge
- Experience in providing high-quality advice and representation to clients
- A good understanding of law and policy as it relates to immigration and asylum
- Experience in professional, independent, and impartial service delivery to the public
- Experience in maintaining a caseload of cases in line with OISC requirements in relation to the conduct of cases, file management and supervision
- Knowledge of and empathy with the backgrounds and experiences of asylum seekers, rough sleepers and vulnerable migrants
- Experience in using client databases
- Experience working with interpreters supporting clients with complex matters
Application process
We will only be shortlisting candidates who have submitted a CV and a cover letter explaining why they are applying for the role.
The interview consists of an interview, followed by a written exercise (45 min).
Interviews will take place during the week beginning 3rd June 2024.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.