JOB TITLE - Mental Health Specialist/Partnership Worker - JOB DESCRIPTION
Hours of work
Full time hours per week
Responsible to
Team Leader
Function
To provide therapeutic support to people who have experienced domestic abuse, specialist advice and partnership work
Work location
Conwy and Denbighshire
This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Job Role
To work with internal and external stakeholders to identify and support individuals identifying with mental health to reduce barriers to accessing support by establishing working partnerships.
To provide practical and emotional support to individuals who are experiencing domestic abuse through both face to face and telephone support. To develop individual support plans which address the risk of harm, and to offer information, advocacy and sign-posting on a risk and needs led basis. Empower the client and assist them in recognising the dynamics of domestic abuse and support them to recover and regain control of their lives
Main Duties
· Develop links with statutory mental health organsations and third sector providers to provide information, advocacy and support for individuals experiencing domestic abuse
· Provide specialist mental heath support and advice to colleagues
· Manage a caseload in accordance with all organisational policies and procedures
Assess risk using the DASH risk indicator checklist, ensuring that this risk is reviewed on a regular basis
· Work with individuals to develop tailored support plans with a focus on reducing the risk of harm, increasing their personal safety (and that of any children) and responding to their individual
needs.
· Support individuals to be able to identify and manage the risks to themselves and their children
· Provide information to individuals in relation to their options, including guidance in relation to their housing, legal and welfare rights
· Focus on the prevention of future homelessness where applicable
· Assist clients in accessing services and benefits, and to accompany them to appointments and advocate on their behalf as require
· Work effectively in partnership with other agencies and refer on appropriately, dependant on need and risk. This may include referral to specialist agencies.
· Attend multi-agency meetings where required.
· Take part in the On call cover on a ROTA basis.
· Keep timely, factual and accurate records of all work done with or on behalf of clients using the organisation's database ensuring compliance with our Leading Lights accreditation, and produce high standard written reports and data where required, this could include Court, child protection and multi-agency meetings
· Contribute to monitoring and evaluation of the service for funding purposes
Person Specifications
Essential
Knowledge and experience of working within mental health in a partnership setting
Knowledge and experience of the issues facing individuals with mental health issues
Knowledge and understanding of the issues facing those experiencing Domestic Abuse Ability to communicate sensitively with individuals who may be distressed in a trauma informed way
Knowledge of a range of options for and rights of those experiencing domestic abuse Understanding of Safeguarding, and the legal responsibilities surrounding these issues.
Ability to liaise with external organisations
Ability to work under pressure and to plan and prioritise own workload
Ability to communicate effectively with a range of professionals
Ability to establish and maintain appropriate boundaries when working with those who are
experiencing crisis
Ability to maintain effective office systems and use an electronic case management database
Ability to manage time effectively and prioritise competing tasks
Knowledge of relevant legislation relating to domestic abuse
Knowledge of welfare benefits
An understanding of the needs of minority groups experiencing domestic abuse
Excellent verbal and written communications skills
Understanding of and commitment to equal opportunities
Full UK driving licence and use of own vehicle.
Flexibility to travel locally and cover other counties if needed.
Desirable Experience
· Providing support to people experiencing domestic abuse and mental health, whether in a paid or voluntary capacity OR Demonstrable transferable skills and good knowledge and understanding of the issues facing those experiencing Domestic Abuse.
· Risk assessment and support/safety planning
· Data recording – preferably experience with electronic data recording systems
· Report writing and the collection and analysis of data
· Building and maintaining partnerships
PERSONAL QUALITIES, ATTITUDE AND PRESENTATION
It is desirable that the post holder has the following qualities:
Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice
Able to critically assess own performance and reflect on own practice
Reliable and trustworthy
Efficient and punctual
Consistent and flexible – able to deal with changing and competing demands
Ability to think creatively and show initiative
Non-judgemental and non-directive approach to empowering survivors along with the ability to understand the individual needs of clients.
Corporate Responsibilities
The above range of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive: post holders will be expected to
perform work of a similar level and responsibility when requested to do so.
Remain up-to-date and compliant with all organisational procedures, policies, values and
professional codes of conduct and uphold standards of best practice.
Observe duty to all Health and Safety rules and take all reasonable care to promote the health and safety of yourself and others.
Act in a way that supports and promotes DASU's Equal Opportunities Policy, which
aims to ensure everyone has equal treatment and equal access to employment and services.
Working in an effective, efficient and economical way, and to suggest
and implement improved ways of working wherever possible.
Additional Information:
DBS Disclosure at Enhanced level will be required for this post.
The successful candidate will be required to participate in DASU's on call rota
For more information please see DASU's website
APPLICATIONS WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED VIA OUR APPLICATION FORM ON THE WEBSITE
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £30,595.00-£31,200.00 per year
Ability to commute/relocate:
* Conwy: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Work Location: In person