Specialist Domestic Abuse Practitioner, Wakefield

Job Description

Overall Purpose of the Post: The purpose of this post is to provide an Independent Domestic Violence Advocacy role and support the achievement of an effective range of specialist support services for all victims and survivors of domestic abuse. The post holder will work as part of a multi-agency team to provide a high-quality front line service to all victims of domestic abuse, prioritising those at highest risk of serious harm, particularly in relation to court proceedings. The post holder will work within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC, Integrated Early Team (Early Help Hubs) and local partnership responses to domestic abuse. Qualifications/ TrainingHold a CAADA IDVA training certificate or a relevant degree, or demonstrate equivalent experience, or vocational qualification (requirement to obtain CAADA IDVA certificate within 12 months of appointment if the qualification is not initially held) Basic Counselling qualification.Key Outcomes/ ActivitiesIdentify and assess the risks and needs of domestic abuse victims using an evidence-based risk identification checklist.To provide casework prioritising response to women and men at high risk following an initial assessment of client needs, working within a structured key working relationship.Deliver standard, medium and high risk interventions and support for all victims and children, prioritising those at highest risk of harm. To provide an Independent Domestic Violence Advocacy role to all victims of domestic abuse. Maintain accurate and confidential case management records and databases and contribute to the ongoing monitoring, evaluation and development of the service. To support the Domestic Abuse Service by leading on all aspects of Court matters.To act as lead officer for a thematic area determined by the team manager. To maintain up to date knowledge of the subject area locally and nationally including research, practice and policy drivers. To act as first point of contact in relation to this thematic area for colleagues within the integrated and wider team. Provide duty cover within the Coordinated Central Service. Develop individual safety and support plans tailored to client need, in accordance with level of risk identified. Support clients with additional specialist needs to access other specialist services and collaborate with partners to identify how best to meet current and future needs, e.g. debt management, homelessness, drugs and alcohol, mental health. To lead on the development and co-ordination of specific development areas for the Service such as training packages relating to Court support role within the local Criminal Justice setting. To implement new initiatives around dealing with survivors of domestic abuse and the services that are required to assist them leaving an abusive relationship. To develop the role of the Specialist Domestic Abuse Practitioner within the Wakefield District. To contribute to the community safety and crime reduction strategies around domestic abuse to aid the reduction of incidences within the Wakefield District. To contribute to the development of early intervention and preventative services within the district. Keep other relevant agencies informed about important changes in clients situation. To ensure that any issues in relation to child or adult protection concerns are responded to appropriately and are brought to the attention of the Line Manager within the Integrated Area Team (Early Help Hubs) and the Coordinated Central Service. Respect and value the diversity of the community in which the services works in, and recognise the needs and concerns of a diverse range of survivors ensuring the service is accessible to all. Accompany and/or support clients through Criminal and/or Civil Courts, MARAC and any other official meetings, which has a direct impact on the client and/or their family. Attend the Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC) to present or support cases. Hold operational responsibility for the day to day co-ordination and delivery of the Specialist Domestic Abuse Practitioner Service.Carry out Outreach work to victims to support maintenance of own home.Be responsible for identifying and assessing the need for the Sanctuary Scheme, providing the rationale for the necessary works and coordinating this through the Coordinated Central Service. Provide the integral link between the Coordinated Central Service and the Integrated Area Team (Early help Hubs).Ensure referrals for a Specialist Domestic Abuse Practitioner intervention are managed, co-ordinated and tracked appropriately. Provide quality data around the Specialist Domestic Abuse Practitioner interventions.Actively promote the work of the Domestic Abuse Service in general, and the inclusion of the role of the Specialist Domestic Abuse Practitioner aspect in particular to local, regional and national audiences. Provide written reports, briefings and presentations on the service as required to partner or other agencies. Provide support and expert guidance around the development of the Specialist Domestic Abuse Practitioner Service.Based in the Integrated Area Team (Early Help Hubs) the post holder will provide advice and guidance to colleagues within a multi-agency team in supporting assessments and delivery of services for victims of domestic abuse. To provide a point of contact for other partner agencies and offer support and guGi Group are committed to protecting the privacy of all of our candidates and clients. Following some recent changes to data protection laws we have updated our Privacy Policy. To view a copy and to help you understand how we collect, use and process your personal data please visit