Job Title: Domestic Abuse Practitioner Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week, flexibility required. Salary: £27,921 Annual leave: 25 days plus back holidays and birthday leave Benefits: - Monthly car user allowance - Pension following 3-month probationary period of 5% Contract: Permanent Responsible to: Team Manager Location: Hexham base, outreach working across Northumberland. Relevant Background in working with adult victim/survivors and experience: children and young people. Qualifications: Level 4 NVQ or CAADA IDVA training desirable. Successful applicant will be required to undertake additional training. Northumberland Domestic Abuse Service NDAS provides support to all victims who have been the subject of domestic abuse/violence, supports them through the criminal justice system and offers relevant advice and assistance, both practical and emotional. NDAS empowers victims to make decisions, increase their options, their confidence and safety. Prevention and awareness raising activities are also delivered across Northumberland and counselling to the children of our service users. Established in 2003, NDAS has a track record of providing excellent services and is a key member of domestic abuse provision in Northumberland. We have a secure financial foundation and are looking forward to developing our team to continue to provide essential services in tackling domestic abuse. This is a key role within NDAS managing our operational delivery team working across the county. We are looking for a motivated professional who is passionate about delivering the best possible prevention and support services. OUR VALUES Welcoming: We welcome you, whoever you are Believing and accepting: We believe you, accept you and will not judge you. We do not discriminate Understanding: We understand what you are experiencing. Our staff are here to listen Protecting: We make sure you stay safe and will help you to make plans to ensure your safety Empowering: We help you to find your voice and gain confidence and independence United: Working with you, and with other local partner organisations, to find the right support MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB To provide practical and emotional support to victims of domestic abuse/violence; including supporting them through the criminal justice system and providing guidance and assistance. The role also involves empowering victims to make decisions, increase their options, their confidence and safety. DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Managing service delivery and performance Provide an efficient, effective outreach service to all victims of domestic abuse/violence across Northumberland. Establish the risks and the needs of the individual and deliver a service appropriate to that level of risk. Develop and deliver individual support and risk management plans to address the risk of harm to victims. Work with multi-agency partnerships with local agencies whose services victims may require, ensuring a coordinated community response. Work in partnership with other agencies and to advocate for victims to ensure their needs are met. Explain the intricacies of the criminal justice and family court systems to victims and give advice on how to proceed at different stages of the process. Ensure that victims are aware of their rights to legal protection and to arrange for the provision of legal advice as required and accompany victims to appointments if appropriate. Ensure the safety of the victim is paramount. Attend MARAC meetings when needed, Case Conference, Core Groups and CAF meetings when required. Liaise with other agencies as appropriate. Deliver training to colleagues and other professionals. Work within Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services management system following all policies and procedures. Provide statistical monitoring or reports as required to the planning officer. Note and feedback to other agencies any consistent difficulties clients are having accessing their service. Provide a service, which is sensitive to all cultural and other differences and needs. Ensure that the views and experiences of the victims and agencies are sought actively and inform the development of the service. Report any problems/difficulties/complaints to the Team Manager or CEO and participate in follow up investigations as required. Managing Security Maintain the security and well-being of victims of domestic abuse and to communicate immediately with the Team Manager/CEO any concerns regarding security. Maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries and security, when working with service users, staff and external bodies. General Duties Contribute to the overall development of Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services, by attending team meetings and participate in training and development working groups as agreed by the post-holder and CEO. This will include training specific to working with victims of domestic abuse. Contribute to the overall development of Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services, by the implementation of Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services. Develop effective and supporting working relationships with all Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services staff. Contribute to the overall development of Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services, by adhering to Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services policies and procedures including equal opportunities and health and safety when meeting the needs of service users. Assist in and maintain effective communication, which promotes free flow of non-confidential information and issues within Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services, other agencies and members of the public. Ensure that security of sensitive information is maintained and complies with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998. Whilst this job description attempts to cover the main duties of the post, it is not exhaustive. The Post-holder is, therefore, expected to undertake any other reasonable duties within their capabilities and the scope of the post as specified by the Service manager.