Overview
As one of our High Support Needs IDVAs, you will be part of our experienced adult team reporting to the HSN IDVA Manager, covering the Ashford District area. The role involves a mix of remote and office working and provides a frontline service to survivors of domestic abuse, focusing on advocacy, risk assessment, safety planning and empowerment for clients with more complex needs. You will help survivors recognise the features and dynamics of domestic abuse, support them to make informed and safe choices, and work with partner organisations to strengthen multi-agency working and improve outcomes. A genuine passion for supporting people, confidence, resilience and the ability to build strong relationships are essential. You will have experience delivering domestic abuse interventions with survivors, including those with complex circumstances such as homelessness, mental health issues or drug and alcohol use. The role may impact your wellbeing, so self-awareness and boundaries, regular clinical supervision and self-care are essential. The Rising Sun team currently consists of approximately 50 staff, and you will contribute to its valued work, making a lasting difference for those affected by domestic abuse.
Equal Opportunities Rising Sun is an equal opportunities employer. We recognise intersecting identities and value the diversity of our team as it enhances service delivery. We encourage applicants from all sections of the community, with an emphasis on increasing diversity. Flexible working is available in most roles.
Responsibilities
* Provide high quality case work support and information to victims/survivors who have experienced domestic and/or sexual violence with high support needs.
* Support survivors in accessing services to stay safe and address their needs, including themselves and their children.
* Identify and assess needs using an evidence-based risk identification approach with a trauma-informed mindset.
* Provide 1:1 support to survivors in the Ashford, Canterbury and Folkestone and Hythe districts, via phone, community venues or Rising Sun offices.
* Manage a caseload in line with organisational policies and maintain confidentiality.
* Collaborate within the team, fostering positive working relationships with colleagues.
* Attend regular clinical supervision and case review meetings.
* Hold weekly information and advice drop-in sessions and facilitate relevant programmes (e.g., Freedom Programme) when required.
* Participate in street walks to meet and build relationships with street homeless individuals.
* Advocate for high risk victims with agencies to address domestic abuse needs through partnership working and coordinated safety plans, including MARAC involvement.
* Identify training opportunities and provide training and support for housing staff and other relevant agencies as appropriate.
* Work with volunteers to enhance service capacity as appropriate.
* Attend wider team meetings and contribute to organisational development.
* Ensure the service user is at the heart of service delivery, encouraging participation in service development and reporting on recommendations and complaints.
* Be willing and available to work occasional evenings and weekends to support wider team activities and events (time off in lieu may be taken).
* Contribute to publicity materials and literature development as required.
Qualifications and Experience
* The successful candidate will demonstrate the following experience, knowledge, skills and attitudes (D = Desirable): an accredited VAWG/domestic abuse qualification (e.g., IDVA/DAPA) (D); ISVA qualification (D).
* A good understanding of the causes and dynamics of domestic abuse and its impact on survivors, children and communities.
* Knowledge of housing, welfare and policy relating to domestic and sexual violence; safeguarding practice and legislation (adults and children).
* At least two years direct experience with survivors of domestic abuse; experience with those with complex needs (e.g., homelessness, mental health, substance use) (D).
* Experience managing a caseload, working under pressure, prioritising workloads and risk assessment and safety planning; multi-agency partnership work.
* Experience of facilitating group programmes (D) and delivering training (D).
Skills and Attributes
* Excellent listening, written and verbal communication skills; personal resilience; self-awareness and self-care.
* Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint; strong negotiation, advocacy and interpersonal skills.
* Ability to collect and present data, write reports, work independently and as part of a team, and liaise with a diverse range of stakeholders.
* Strong crisis management skills and a commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities.
* A flexible approach and commitment to using survivors’ perspectives in service development.
* Driving ability and access to a reliable car for meetings and events across the organisation’s areas (desirable).
Other Information
Rising Sun Domestic Violence and Abuse Service (Rising Sun) is an independent charity in Kent working to prevent domestic abuse and support survivors and their children. We provide one-to-one support and trauma-informed group programmes to help survivors recognise healthy behaviours and understand the impact of domestic abuse, and we work to ensure survivors can draw strength from one another.
Salary: £25,845 - £30,790 pro rata for part-time hours (£15,507 - £18,474 for 22.5 hours per week). Contract: Part-time (3 days per week). Fixed-term for 12 months with potential for extension. Actively interviewing.
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