5 x Client Support Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVA): Vacancy Ref: IDVA1 & 2 x Liaison Officers: Vacancy Ref: CLO3

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1 5 x Client Support Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVA): Vacancy Ref: IDVA1 & 2 x Liaison Officers: Vacancy Ref: CLO3 Are you passionate about making a difference? Do you have experience of working with victims of Domestic Abuse? Would you like to support adults and their children to break free from a life of abuse? Do you like to work in a busy and professional environment? If so, a role within our Sheffield based High Risk Domestic Abuse Team, could be for you! Action is a regional, charitable provider of support and housing, to some of the most vulnerable and excluded members of society. We help our Clients reduce significant risks in order to achieve safety and security, whilst also empowering them to make changes in their lives and build hope for a positive future. We welcome diversity and encourage applications from people of all faiths, culture, ethnicity, physical ability, sexuality and gender. From April 1 st we will deliver the Independent High Risk Domestic Abuse Services in Sheffield and as part of some exciting changes we are looking to recruit a number of posts to complement the existing IDVA services. We are looking to recruit a variety of fixed term and permanent positions on full and part time hours. What skills will you need? IDVAs We are looking for people with experience of managing a caseload and working with vulnerable people in a multi-agency framework. We expect candidates to understand domestic abuse and the impact upon victims and children. We are looking for candidates with excellent communication, negotiation and time management skills and the ability to remain calm and professional in a busy and challenging environment. Ideally we are seeking candidates with a clear understanding of the legal framework relating to the protection of children and vulnerable adults along with knowledge of civil and criminal justice remedies. Experience of working with younger victims would be advantageous, but not essential. In your role you will identify and assess the risks and needs of domestic abuse victims using an evidence-based risk identification checklist. You will focus on and prioritise high risk cases and provide a pro-active, short to medium term crisis intervention service through individual safety planning and personal support. You will provide advocacy, emotional and practical support and information to victims

2 including in relation to legal options, housing, health and finance. You will also work with a variety of key agency partners to address the safety of high risk victims and ensure that their safety plans are coordinated, ideally through the MARAC. Liaison Officers We are looking for applicants with experience of administrative work and/or working with vulnerable people in a multi-agency framework. The successful candidate will have excellent communication, personal organisation and time management skills along with the ability to remain calm and professional in a busy and challenging environment. Ideally we are looking for people with an understanding of domestic abuse and the impact this has upon victims and their children. In this role you will process referrals to the IDVA service, entering details into the case management system and assisting with all aspects of record keeping and data management. You will also provide telephone support to clients and stakeholders, taking messages and signposting as appropriate and cover a range of general office duties in support of the IDVA team. Both posts have the potential to become permanent and we are prepared to negotiate on hours for the right candidate. Please also note that all posts are subject to both Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and also police vetting. Decisions by the police are final and cannot be appealed. Much of the IDVA role is office based, however it is essential that you are able to travel to meet with clients either at home or a location convenient to them What you will get You will join a rapidly evolving charity seeking new and creative ways to empower and support people in an increasingly challenging economic climate. You will have access to a range of training and development opportunities; the ability to work flexibly, and the opportunity to work towards a competitive salary, excellent pension scheme, and generous terms and conditions How do find out more? If you want more information or have some questions about these roles, please recruitment@actionhousinguk.org How do I apply? To apply please complete an application form, which can be found at Once you have completed it it to: recruitment@actionhousinguk.org

3 Closing date for application forms is 27 th February 2015 Interviews are scheduled to take place on 5 th March 2015 Please find below additional information relating to this role: Contract Type: Fixed term and permanent positions available Location: Department: Hours: Sheffield High Risk Domestic Abuse Team Full and part time positions available Salary: IDVA s - 18,340-24,520 Liaison Officers - 14,061-17,827 Starting salaries are dependent upon experience

4 Guidance Notes On Completing Your Application Completing Your Application Please ensure that you study the job description/person specification carefully before completing your application. These documents will tell you about the job and the skills etc that we are looking for. Do not assume that because the job title appears familiar to you that you will be familiar with the job role. Before completing the form consider how your current and previous employment, or any voluntary work which you have done, may be useful in helping you to demonstrate that you meet the selection criteria. When listing your previous employment and education please ensure that they are given in date order. If you are interviewed you may be asked to explain any time gaps on your form. Please make sure that you complete the form fully and legibly. If you submit any additional sheets please ensure that you attach these securely to your application form. Disclosures Note: You are advised that under the provision of the Rehabilitation of Offender Act 1974 (Exceptions) Amendment Order 1986, a person should declare ALL cautions and convictions where applying to work with vulnerable adults or children, whether spent or unspent. Failure to do so may result in withdrawal of an offer or dismissal. Disclosure of a caution or conviction does not automatically debar applicants from consideration. The offence will only be taken into account if it is considered to be one that would make the applicant unsuitable for the type of work for which they have applied. The information provided will be treated as strictly confidential and will be considered only in relation to this job application For posts involving direct contact with vulnerable adults or children, successful applicants will be required to undergo a Disclosure & Barring Service Check. Equal Opportunities Monitoring It would be very helpful for us if you could complete the Equal Opportunities Monitoring form. We constantly strive to represent the diverse communities in which we work and use this information to monitor our recruitment processes and staffing profile. Information is reported in anonymous form only.

5 JOB DESCRIPTION AND PERSON SPECIFICATION Job Title: Independent Domestic Violence Advocate Responsible to: Service Manager (High Risk Domestic Abuse Service Job Purpose: To provide a high-quality frontline service to victims of domestic abuse, delivering a service to those at highest risk. To work within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC and local partnership responses to domestic abuse. Key Duties: Identify and Manage Risk Identify and assess the risks and needs of domestic abuse victims using an evidence-based risk identification checklist. Focus on and prioritise high risk cases and provide a pro-active, short to medium term crisis intervention service through individual safety planning and personal support. Work with high risk victims of domestic abuse to help them access services to keep them and their children safe. Work with the management team to continually review, improve and uphold best practice in risk management. Deliver Support Provide advocacy, emotional and practical support and information to victims including in relation to legal options, housing, health and finance. Manage a case load ensuring each client receives the appropriate service individual to their needs. Support the empowerment of the client and assist them in recognising the features and dynamics of domestic abuse present in their situation, and help them regain control of their lives. 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. Ensure that cases are handed over appropriately and closed at the most appropriate time in terms of risk management and making best use of service resources. Work with others Work directly with all key agency partners to address the safety of high risk victims and ensure that their safety plans are coordinated, ideally through the MARAC. Understand multi-agency partnership structures and work within a multi-agency setting which may include attendance at MARAC and will include preparation for MARAC and follow up of subsequent actions. You will contribute interventions and help design a plan to protect victims and any children, while maintaining an independent role on behalf of your client, keeping their safety as central to any response. Support colleagues and partner agencies, through awareness raising and institutional

6 advocacy, in order to provide the best possible service for victims of domestic abuse. You will be an ambassador for Action and will conduct your role in a professional manner at all times. Participate within the wider requirements of the organisation as and when required. Maintain Records and Data Protection Help maintain accurate, high quality and confidential case management records Contribute to monitoring information for the service. Comply with data protection legislation, confidentiality and information sharing policy and procedures. Comply fully with internal auditing processes and respond promptly to fully address any identified errors, omissions or records that do not meet required standards Remain Current and Compliant Understand the role of all relevant statutory and non-statutory services available to domestic abuse victims and how your role fits into them. Remain up-to-date and compliant with all organisational procedures policies and professional codes of conduct and uphold standards of best practice. Keep up to date with and adhere to all key legislation connected to your work. Key Relationships: Internal Service Manager, HRDA team IDVAs and Lead IDVAs Client Liaison Officers Area Manager, Sheffield Client Support Workers, Domestic Abuse Floating Support Service Manager, Domestic Abuse Floating Support External South Yorkshire Police Adult Social Care Children s Services Domestic Abuse Standard/Moderate Risk team Relevant health services General: A proportion of the role is office based, however it is essential that you are able to travel to meet with clients and other professionals: therefore access to a vehicle and clean driving licence is desirable. Essential Knowledge Domestic abuse and the impact upon victims and children Child protection issues and legal responsibilities around those issues

7 The principles of risk assessment, safety planning and risk management for victims of domestic abuse and their children Equality and diversity issues Experience Working with vulnerable people Managing a caseload Working within a multi-agency and legislative framework Qualifications & Skills Computer literacy GCSE English Grade A-C (or equivalent) Excellent communication, negotiation and advisory skills, both written and verbal when interacting with a range of agencies and individuals. Have strong crisis management skills and the ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations Personal Qualities Compassion and empathy with your client s situation. Initiative and the ability to be proactive when managing your case load and interacting with your clients and agencies you re working with. Integrity and respect when working with all clients, agencies and individuals. The ability to be flexible and cooperative as part of a team. Optimistic about the possibility of personal growth and change. Dynamism, drive and ability to motivate individuals and agencies to move through courses of action and decision making processes. Excellent time management skills and the ability to work quickly and efficiently to juggle multiple priorities Resilience and the ability to cope with difficult, intense and distressing cases of abuse Desirable Knowledge The remits and resources of relevant statutory bodies and voluntary agencies in Sheffield Civil and criminal justice remedies for victims of domestic abuse and their children Experience Working with victims of abuse Working in a high risk and/or high pressure, busy environment Qualifications CAADA IDVA certificate or relevant degree Experience of working with databases Other requirements Access to a vehicle and clean driving licence are desirable

8 Role Title: Liaison Officer Client Support Role Code Number: LOCS Section: Client Support Grade: 14,061-17,827 SPC Section B Details of Current Post Occupant Name: - Date of Appointment: - PART 2 ROLE DESCRIPTIONS Section C Dimensions of the Role Role Purpose: The role of the Liaison Officer Client Support is to support the Client Support Team in predominantly office-based tasks around client support. This may be dealing with assessments, making telephone calls to clients, arranging visits or carrying out low-level support work either in the office or occasionally at client s houses / partner agency premises. Reports to: Organisation Chart: Client Support Team Leader Director of Client Support Services Client Support Manager Client Support Team Leader Lead Support Worker Liaison Officer Client Support Client Support Worker Working Environment: Usually works out of an office-base but may be required to visit client s homes or partner agency buildings. Takes responsibility for their own health and safety when lone working, ensuring that risk assessments and associated documentation is current. Attends training and multi agency meetings as required. Will participate in service user group learning or information sessions as required. Where the service requires there needs to be a willingness to be flexible and work unsocial hours (eg evenings, weekends, bank holidays). Team Development: Is responsible for own learning, development and performance, measurable against key performance targets and personal development plans as set by Team Leader. Will participate actively in regular one to one and annual appraisal meetings and be fully engaged in team meetings. May be required to provide coaching and mentoring to colleagues or deliver briefings to team members to disseminate information and learning. Section D Checks Required Check A: Disclosure & Baring Service Enhanced check plus Barring Check B: Right to work in the UK

9 Section E Functions of the Role Main Responsibilities 1. Delivery of Client Support Liaison Officer s Client Support are responsible for supporting client activities relating to support and engagement, from when a client enters the service to when they leave. They will interact with clients, partners and colleagues in a professional manner at all times, undertaking such duties as requested by the Team Leader to best ensure good quality support to all clients and stakeholders of the service. % Time Support may include carrying out assessments, arranging appointments, signing clients up to service or holding a low intensity caseload. The key principles of the organisation s HOPE strategy (Homes, Opportunities, Pride and Employment) will be fundamental in the delivery of regular client support. The Role holder will deliver all aspects of their work in line with the Charity s mission and core values. 60% The Role holder will take responsibility for ensuring that all tasks are carried out in a timely fashion, and all paperwork completed accurately and fully, being stored correctly. Initiative is expected to be employed in all elements of client support, and to be carried out in accordance with company procedures. The Role holder will have good verbal and writing skills and ensure records and documentation is clear, accurate and legally compliant. 2. Liaison and Partnership Working Multi-agency working is an element of the role of Liaison Officer Client Support, to ensure that partners are happy with AH&S s response to their contact. Client duty workers will build strong and positive working relationships with partners, other stakeholders and local communities, promoting projects and the work of Action Housing and Support in a knowledgeable and professional manner. 3. Contribution to the Client Support Worker Team The Liaison Officer Client Support is a pivotal role in the teams they are in, as they will support the working of the team and ensure continuity of processes. The Role holder will therefore be responsible for ensuring that tasks are not missed in the event of a colleague s absence, team meetings take place as planned, resources are available for group work, conferences and stakeholder events, and processes are in place for exits from, the service. This list is not exhaustive and individual projects may identify different tasks. The Roleholder will ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the project base(s), through liaison with the business support team, dealing with unplanned visitors to the office, ensuring the customer service/service delivery is professional at all times and using initiative to identify and resolve other relevant issues. 20% 10% The Roleholder will understand objectives, aims and targets of the project, and work towards performance targets.

10 The Roleholder will be responsible for utilising available organisational systems (e.g. the intranet) to cascade learning, and identifying innovative ways of working to enhance and develop projects. It is expected that the Roleholder will take responsibility for keeping themselves and the team abreast of relevant legislative changes that will impact on the role. The Roleholder will be responsible for their own health and safety, as well as that of others within the company 4. Contribution to the Organisation The Roleholder will support the Team Leader by ensuring that the project is operating effectively within the context of the organisational aims to be business smart, administratively efficient and bureaucratically light, thus allowing resources to be deployed on client support. The Roleholder will ensure that they reduce unnecessary expenditure and work smart to minimise expenses, including phone bills, travel expenses, and other activities that incur cost to the organisation. Administratively, the Roleholder will help to minimise any waste and duplication, and make best use of the organisation-wide business processes and systems. They will be IT literate, and able to fully utilise the organisation s bespoke IT database or similar systems. The Roleholder will ensure that information is accurate and accessible, for internal use and statistical information, and appropriate external information sharing, having due regard to the organisation s confidentiality and data protection policies. 10% Key Relationships: Post Nature of Contact Frequency of Contact Area Manager Provide information to AM as As and when required requested and attend cross organisational meetings where Client support perspective is needed to inform policy / procedure. Team Leaders Accept direction, support and Daily / weekly advice and receive information on strategic developments. Participate in one to one supervision, appraisal and performance management meetings. Participate in team meetings. Client Support Workers Sharing information, providing Daily / weekly support, active participation in team meetings. Finance Officer Financial issues relating to As and when required charitable applications for individual clients. Business Development Funding applications, providing information and contributing to bids As and when required Property, Asset Development All aspects relating to the Weekly/Monthly

11 & Tenancy Staff Liaison Officer Business Support Clients Local Partners Neighbours and members of the Community properties used by the project All aspects relating to the processing of referrals and assessments for the project Delivering project-specific support to clients, carrying out assessments, risk assessments and support reviews. Working in partnership to support clients, promoting the Charity, providing information for reports. Attending multi-agency meetings as appropriate. Building strong and positive relationships, informing the work of the Charity, listening to and reporting compliments, concerns and complaints Weekly Daily / weekly Daily / weekly As and when required Service Delivery: Supportive role to Client Support Teams, in a predominantly office-based format. To make contact with potential clients via the telephone, and carry out assessments for appropriately lowlevel clients (both on the telephone and in person). To work closely with the team to identify how best to support them in order to ensure the smooth, consistent, high quality delivery of the service in that area. To provide accurate, concise and clear documentation that is easily understood by staff and clients and to complete the required fields and case notes on OSKA, the organisation s bespoke database. Decisions taken by the Roleholder: Reporting of safeguarding and significant risk issues to Team Leader Routine client management decisions relating to delivery of support Time management decisions that facilitate the administration of a full work load Decisions taken in conjunction with the Line Manager: Training and development activities One to one supervision targets Non-routine client support matters New initiatives for the team to ensure smooth processes What specific tasks to be allocated to LOCS for individual project, and at what point Decisions taken by the Line Manager following input from the Roleholder: Performance management targets Allocation of work and distribution of duties for the team Expenditure against allocated budget for project Scoping new client engagement activities and appropriate introduction of pilot activities Recruitment of LOCS & other project-based staff Routine line management decisions e.g. annual leave Implementation of targets and objects set by the Area Manager Problem Solving: - Project targets or objectives have not been disseminated to team Roleholder should attempt to identify them and if successful, pass on to colleagues. If unavailable, seek advice from line manager - Line manager not available and an urgent matter arises that cannot wait (eg risk, safeguarding) Roleholder to speak to colleagues if appropriate, or identify an alternative Team Leader from another base in the organisation - Allocated tasks are beyond current abilities Roleholder to discuss with line manager as

12 a matter of urgency and consider training needs, work shadowing and / or a mentor - Allocated tasks are not stretching Roleholder Roleholder to consider additional or different duties and make proposal to line manager for discussion Education & Qualifications Specialist Knowledge & Skills Interpersonal & Communication Skills PART 3 PERSONAL PROFILES GCSE or equivalent grade C or above in Maths and English (D) NVQ 3 in Social Care or other relevant subject (D) An understanding of the social issues facing the relevant client group An understanding of working with, and dedication to improving the lives of, vulnerable people A rudimentary understanding of housing law and local knowledge of housing options and services (D) Empathy Ability to communicate effectively and accurately orally and in writing A working knowledge of all Microsoft applications Ability to work with a wide range of people effectively Positive attitude, proactive, and ability to use initiative Commitment to working within AH&S core values and mission Ability to work on own as well as part of a team Creativity when faced with complex situations Ability to prioritise competing demands Relevant Experience Flexibility Working to deadlines and achieving results PART 4 OTHER INFORMATION The role holder will reasonably be expected to work across geographical locations and diverse projects in response to business need By the Roleholder: By the Line Manager: By Head of Section: PART 5 AGREEMENTS