Outreach Worker
Location: Leicester City, Leicestershire and Rutland
Working Hours: 29–33 hours per week (flexibility required)
Salary: £13.38 per hour
Company Overview
Our client is a domestic and sexual abuse charity based in Loughborough, Leicestershire. They provide support to men, women and children affected by domestic abuse and/or sexual violence across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
The Role
* To work as part of the Lotus Service Team to provide an outreach support and information service to survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence
* To provide information, advice and options to enable service users to make informed decisions, including:
o safety planning
o legal rights and remedies and referrals to appropriate legal professionals
o welfare benefits
o housing options and tenancy issues
o education and leisure opportunities
o To offer practical and emotional support by:
+ completing necessary documentation with service users
+ acting as an advocate in relation to benefits, maintenance payments, housing and legal matters
+ supporting access to refuge and court attendance
+ supporting resettlement, including those leaving refuge accommodation
+ addressing tenancy and housing issues and supporting housing solutions
+ working with statutory and voluntary agencies to reduce risk of homelessness and social or personal disruption due to domestic abuse
+ delivering and/or leading group programmes including Freedom Programme, Unbroken and Unbreakable
+ supporting emotional wellbeing and referring to specialist agencies where appropriate
+ To complete, maintain, and review accurate client records, including:
# risk assessments and safety planning
# needs assessments and Individual Support Plans (ISPs)
# ongoing reviews of risk and needs assessments
# documented actions taken in response to assessments
# accurate updating of computerised case management systems
# To promote LWA and raise awareness of domestic abuse and sexual violence through talks, training, education and campaigns
# To maintain confidentiality in all aspects of work including case records, correspondence, reports, databases and statistical information
# To attend internal meetings to provide service updates, contribute to discussions and support service development
# To work collaboratively as part of a team and contribute to the ongoing development of the Outreach Service
# To maintain and develop effective working relationships with external agencies and make appropriate referrals to specialist services
# To maintain up-to-date knowledge of domestic abuse, relevant legislation and best practice through training, reading and professional development
# To attend internal/external training, meetings, conferences and forums as required or requested
# To adhere to all organisational policies and procedures at all times
# To undertake any other duties reasonably required to support the aims and objectives of the organisation and ensure effective service delivery
Requirements
Essential
* Understanding of domestic abuse and sexual violence and its impact on individuals and children
* Experience (paid or unpaid) in a support and information service
* Experience of working with or delivering group programmes
* Basic empathy and a non-judgemental approach to survivors of abuse
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills
* Ability to write clear reports, case notes and letters with good grammar and punctuation
* Understanding of accurate record keeping, risk assessments and data collection
* Experience using IT systems including email and internet
* Ability to manage a varied workload and work under pressure
* Ability to work methodically and flexibly
* Ability to use initiative and make appropriate decisions within set boundaries
* Understanding of confidentiality requirements
* Experience building and maintaining relationships with a wide range of people
* Commitment to equal opportunities
* Full driving licence, business insurance, and ability to travel across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland
What’s in It For You
* Paid holidays, including public and religious holidays
* Workplace Pension Scheme
* Paid compassionate leave (up to five working days per year)
* Paid sickness leave after six months’ service (up to eight working weeks in any 12 months)
* Training and professional development opportunities, flexible working arrangements where possible
* Regular supervision and support from your line manager
* Opportunities to make a tangible difference in the lives of survivors
* A supportive, collaborative, and passionate team environment
* Meaningful and rewarding work within a specialist charity
What’s next? It’s easy! Click “APPLY” now! We can’t wait to hear from you!
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