Independent Domestic Violence Adviser

Job Description

About theService/ DepartmentSlough Domestic Abuse Services delivers an Independent Domestic Abuse Advocacy / Advice service across Slough, Berkshire. The service also provides a Specialist Domestic Abuse Worker and Domestic Abuse Educational Programmes. The main office is based inSlough.Working closely with key stakeholders such as the Police, local authority, social services and community groups, the aims of the service is to provide an integrated domestic abuse response to survivors of abuse to reduce risk and facilitate a life free fromabuse.About the Role

• Provide immediate high quality trauma informed support and advice to victims of domestic abuse and link the service users to longer term community support.
• Deliver Advocacy services for all (Male and Female) high-risk survivors of Domestic Abuse.
• Provide a single point of access to females and males at all levels of risk, aiming to return calls within 24 hours.
• Ensure that written Individual Safety and Support Plans are written following completion of Domestic Abuse, Stalking, Harassment and Honour Based Violence Assessment (DASH).
• Develop, and regularly review person-centred support plans to address individual support needs relating to domestic abuse, legal advice, housing needs, tenancy support, support of children, access to learning or employment dependent on the individualsaspirations and needs.
• Support victims/survivors at the point of crisis identifying a range of options available, including access to civil or criminal legal routes, housing options, social welfare benefits and safety planning.
• Advocate for and on behalf of the service users with external agencies where appropriate in order to meet the service users needs.
• Create and provide a detailed safety plan for those people experiencing Domestic Abuse and ensure that this is communicated to the appropriate services and make relevant referrals at discharge to reduce the risks.
• Make appropriate adult and child safeguarding referrals when safeguarding issues are raised.

About You

• Excellent knowledge of the impact of domestic abuse and other gender based violence on survivors and their children.
• Experience of providing emotional and practical support to survivors of domestic abuse and other gender based violence.
• Ability to build positive relationships with the service users and to work in a non-judgmental way and non-directive way to empower the service users to achieve their goals and aspirations.
• Experience of risk assessing, safety and support planning for the survivors of domestic and other gender based violence.
• Awareness of risks associated with domestic abuse in a working environment.
• Knowledge and experience of participating in the Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) process.
• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding issues and ability to address them appropriately.
• Highly developed interpersonal, written and oral communication skills and ability to manage complex tasks in clearly defined time frames (including accurate records, reports, case notes and interpersonal communication).
• Section 7(2) b & e of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 apply to this position – (Only Female applicants please).

Please noteif offered a role with Hestia, you will be issued a conditional offer based on satisfactory references and a Basic or Enhanced DBS check.Disability confidentHestia is adisabilityconfidentemployer,committedto the employment and careerdevelopmentofindividualwithdisabilities. As part of thiscommitment, we operate a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicantswithdisabilitieswho meet the minimumcriteriaforthe role they have applied for. We will alsoaccommodatereasonableadjustment during the selection and interview process and throughout your employmentwithus.Hestia positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. But we particularlywelcome individuals from an ethnic minority background and those with disabilities to apply. As an organisation, we are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, differentpeople and communities bring to our organisation.