Are you passionate about making a difference?
Voice for Victims and Witnesses Ltd supports victims and witnesses of crime who reside in Northamptonshire. This is an exciting opportunity for those with a proven record of working with domestic abuse victims to join our service as a Diversity and Inclusion Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA).
This role is open to qualified IDVA’s or those who are willing to complete the IDVA training subject to availability.
Please click below for more information including job description for the full range of skills and responsibilities.
PURPOSE OF THE JOB:
To provide a pro-active service to Black, Asian and other minority community victims of domestic abuse to keep them safe. To develop links with these communities to build relationships and encourage reporting of domestic abuse. To advocate on behalf of Black, Asian and other minority communities to increase accessibility of domestic abuse services across Northamptonshire.
The work of the IDVA is distinct in that it assesses the risk a client is in and delivers a service appropriate to the level of risk, offering a premium service to those at high risk. IDVAs work within a multi-agency setting to ensure all agencies do their part and co-ordinate their work to keep people safe. IDVAs work with survivors and other agencies and monitor the care pathway
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:
· Provide a pro-active service and advice to Black, Asian and other minority victims of domestic abuse to keep them and their children safe
· Have oversight and ownership of Black, Asian and other minority communities cases involving honour based violence and immigration restrictions
· To develop relationships with local community groups in order to encourage reporting of domestic abuse.
· To develop relationships with Domestic Abuse agencies across the County
· Risk assess and deliver service in keeping with the result
· Explain housing, civil and criminal legal options to clients
· Complete safety planning with clients
· Develop individual service plans to meet the individual risks a client faces
· Refer High Risk clients on to MARACs
· Ensure that clients get the services to which they are entitled
· Understand the legal framework relating to the protection of children including the policy and procedures of the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board.
· Support clients through the CJS system, explaining the procedures and their role and rights within that system
· Help clients develop their own support network
· Refer on and arrange meetings with other agencies/services as necessary, for instance, solicitors, benefit agency, etc.
· Manage a caseload
· Maintain and update records of all cases within files and on FIS
· Follow procedures and protocols with other services so that the safety of the clients is kept central to any process
· Keep other relevant agencies informed about important changes in a client’s situation.
· Participate in the Northamptonshire MARAC framework: refer clients to, attend and participate in meetings, follow-up on actions agreed in MARAC
· Refer regular difficulties that clients are experiencing to the operational manager and contribute to efforts to improve procedures and services
· Note and feed back to other agencies any consistent difficulties clients are having accessing their service
Person specification
- Pro-active
- Empathetic
- Excellent communication skills: written and verbal
- An understanding of the differing needs of Black, Asian and other minority communities and immigration restrictions within domestic abuse cases.
- Experience of working with Black, Asian and other minority communities to build trust and confidence in services.
- Experience of successful partnership working with other agencies.
- Strong crisis management skills
- Computer literate and experience of using databases with sound administration and organisational skills.
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Knowledge of impact of domestic abuse on victims and children
- Understanding of child protection issues and legal responsibilities
- Willing to undertake regular training
- Ability to prioritise a large and varying workload and ability to use own initiative
NOTE:
The job description reflects the major tasks to be carried out by the post holder and identifies a level of responsibility at which the post holder will be required to work. In the interests of effective working major tasks may be reviewed from time to time to reflect changing needs and circumstances. Such reviews and other consequential changes will be carried out in consultation with the post holder. The post holder will be also required to carry out such other duties as may be determined from time to time to be within the general scope of the post.
Please note all applicants must have been resident in the U.K for 3 years prior to applying.
CONDITIONS OF SERVICE:
The annual leave entitlement is 23 days with an additional 5 days after 5 years continuous service.
Currently staff are working remotely, with the aim of moving to flexible working that will involve some days of working remotely and others within the office in the autumn of 2021. Whilst the core base of work is clearly stated in this job description there may be occasions when flexibility is required to cover staff (leave or illness), or high case loads, at another base in Northamptonshire.
Diversity & Inclusion Independent Domestic Violence Advisor
PERSON SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
1 IDVA qualification or proven record of working with domestic abuse victims.
2 High level of understanding of the impact of domestic abuse on victims and their families.
3 High level of understanding the differing needs of Black, Asian and other minority communities and immigration restrictions within domestic abuse cases. (SS)
4 Experience of working effectively, and seeking joint solutions with other agencies to reduce barriers to accessing services. (SS)
5 Experience of working with Black, Asian and other minority communities to build trust and confidence in services. (SS)
6 A clear and current understanding of legislation relating to domestic abuse including child protection and safeguarding duties.
7 Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and a proven ability to relate to a broad spectrum of individuals and groups. (SS)
8 The ability to cope with a high and demanding workload, to work flexibly and during crisis/sensitive situations. (SS)
9 The ability to meet deadlines and prioritise workloads with minimal supervision.(SS)
10 Ability to work as part of a team and assist other team members when required.
11 The ability to deal with a demanding working environment and issues of a sensitive nature.
12 Sound administration and organisational skills including computer literacy
13 Empathetic
14 Self- reliance and motivation
15 Possession of a full driving licence and access to a vehicle.
Candidates must be able to demonstrate a level of awareness of equality issues appropriate to this role.
DESIRABLE CRITERIA
16 Commitment and understanding of the Sunflower Centre aims and purpose
17 Willingness to self develop as required in the role
Contract length: 24 months
Closing Date: 13 July 2021
Interviews to be held on 22 July 2021.
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Sick pay
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
COVID-19 considerations:
When in the office, masks to be worn, temperature taken, lateral flow tests taken prior to coming in. Anti bacterial wipes and gel in all area for regular use. Social Distancing.
Work remotely:
- Temporarily due to COVID-19
