Job overview
As a Health/ Hospital IDVA you will provide a domestic abuse service to victims who have been identified via the hospital and NHS employees.
Initially the role will include guiding and supporting health professionals at the hospital on the identification and referral route in the service. Your
role will also focus on embedding routine enquiry in domestic abuse by working alongside health professionals; and from there in you will directly
support any victims who are identified whilst in the care of ELHT services. You will undertake and regularly review risk assessments, develop
safety and support plans and assist victims with signposting into other relevant support services. The role will also have a key relationship and be
part of the ELHT Safeguarding Team.
You will have strong communication skills and experience of partnership working, as the role will involve maintaining effective multi-agency
relationships, attending MARRAC and case conferences and adhering to statutory protocols and procedures. You will work to ensure safety,
confidentiality and risk minimisation for victims of domestic abuse, supporting and enabling them to access services which maximise their safety
and which support their emotional, physical, intellectual and social wellbeing.
Main duties of the job
Please see job description attached, which outlines the main duties of this role. If you have any queries about this please do not hesitate to
contact us.
Working for our organisation
At East Lancashire Hospitals Trust, our vision is to be widely recognised for providing safe, personal and effective care. We currently provide high
quality services and treat over 700,000 people across East Lancashire and the surrounding area. We employ over 8,000 staff, many of whom are
internationally renowned and have won awards for their work.
We have an exciting opportunity for an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to work as a key member of the Hospital Safeguarding
Team, with additional professional support from local specialist Domestic Abuse Services.
You will hold a recognised formal IDVA qualification or have an extensive portfolio working as an IDVA. This must be evidenced within your
application. Experience of working as a Hospital IDVA is desirable, and knowledge and understanding of the role is essential. You must be
confident in your role, and able to make decisions about complex situations.
You will have strong communication skills and experience of partnership working, as the role will involve maintaining effective multi-agency
relationships, attending MARAC and case conferences and adhering to statutory protocols and procedures. You will work to ensure safety,
confidentiality and risk minimisation for victims of domestic abuse, supporting and enabling them to access services which maximise their safety and which support their emotional, physical, intellectual and social wellbeing.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
MAIN DUTIES
• Identify and assess the risks and needs of domestic abuse victims identified through hospital services 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.
• Liaise with local Domestic Abuse providers for their provision of continued support in line with initial safety plans following discharge
from hospital.
• Accept joint working arrangements with local Domestic Abuse providers for individuals who may benefit from support from the hospital
IDVA whilst under the care of ELHT.
• Advocate for high risk victims with agencies who can help to address the domestic abuse by:
1. Understanding the role of all relevant statutory and non-statutory services available to domestic abuse victims and how your
role fits into them.
2. Providing advocacy, emotional and practical support and information to victims including in relation to legal options, housing,
health and finance.
3. Working directly with all key agency partners to address the safety of high risk victims and ensuring that their safety plans
are coordinated particularly through the MARAC.
• Manage a case load for an agreed timeframe 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.
• Understand multi-agency partnership structures and work within a multi agency setting which will include preparation and participation
at the MARAC. 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.
• Be proactive with your designated line manager/ professional lead in carrying out periodic case reviews based on a review of risk and
abuse
• Access supervision from other Domestic Abuse providers in relation to the specialist role and caseload
• Support colleagues and partner agencies, through awareness raising and institutional advocacy, in order to provide the best possible
service for victims of domestic abuse.
• Provide training to identified health service staff and raise awareness of domestic abuse, forced marriage, honour based violence, etc.
with staff across the hospital sites.
• 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.
• To participate in policy development and the implementation of routine enquiry across more services within ELHT.
• To carry out any other duties as requested which are commensurate with business service delivery.
Shortlisting pack
CLINICAL
• Contribute to a safe working environment for patients and staff and ensure that patient dignity is not compromised.
• Attend meetings as required with the clinical teams
COMMUNICATION
• Use range of communication skills to effectively communicate with patients, staff and families
• With support, communicate sensitive and distressing information to those who are experiencing domestic abuse, and the clinical teams
caring for them as appropriate
• Participate in multi-disciplinary case conferences and multi-agency conferences as required.
• Ensure effective communication in demanding and challenging situations, with support from senior staff within the safeguarding team
or clinical teams
• Participate in meetings to share ideas and exchange information.
• Ensure clear concise documentation is adhered to in line with Trusts Policy
TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
• Maintain an up to date professional portfolio.
• Take personal responsibility for own development and keep up to date with evidence based practice and research.
• Participate in supervision in accordance with guidelines.
• Participate in annual appraisal as an apraisee.
• Ensure you are up to date with core mandatory training.
• Assist in undertaking clinical audit and peer reviews to contribute to practice development and quality improvements.
• Regularly gain feedback from users, to inform developments in the service.
ORGANISATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
• Ensure that appropriate resources are available at all times.
• Ensure the safe use and maintenance of equipment.
• To ensure that patient outcomes are recorded in a timely way as per Trust policies and processes.
• Provide quality written reports for patients, parents/carers and other professional within the Trust processes.
• To develop resources that could/can be used in the deliverance of services.
• Keep up to date with relevant legislation and statutory requirements for Domestic Abuse
PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
• To actively liaise with other professionals within the Caldicott data protection and information governance.
• Develop professionally through self development – extending own knowledge in line with professional IDVA training standards
• Participate in research and learning projects which are relevant to Domestic Abuse
• Ensure accurate record keeping as per Trust policy and professional Guidelines on paper and electronic patient records
Person specification
Experience
Essential criteria
* Experience as a qualified IDVA, usually 2 years or extensive portfolio
* Knowledge of the Hospital & community IDVA role
Desirable criteria
* Experience within a hospital or community IDVA role
Work Skills
Essential criteria
* Able to prioritise and plan workload
* Proven ability to plan and comply with procedures
* Accurate record keeping
* Ability to use databases effectively
Communication
Essential criteria
* Clear and accurate written/verbal communication, including management of databases and systems
Desirable criteria
* IT skills
Flexibility
Essential criteria
* Able to work the hours required by the need of the service.
* Able to adapt to the changing needs of the service.
Personal Skills
Essential criteria
* Proven ability to work within a team and also, when required, work independently
* Demonstrate a sympathetic /sensitive approach and to be able to speak effectively to colleagues, staff and patients
Learning Ability
Essential criteria
* Actively seeks to develop own skills and knowledge in relation to the role
Desirable criteria
* Willingness to undertake future study for own professional development and service needs
Other Skills
Essential criteria
* Demonstrate ability to use own initiative and work without close supervision
* Able to deal with confidential information in the appropriate manner.
Practical Requirments
Essential criteria
* Access to a vehicle/transport for work purposes