Women's Aid Federation of England
Birmingham, Staffordshire
Refuge Project Worker (maternity cover) POST: Refuge Project Worker (maternity cover) HOURS OF WORK: 37 hours (some out of hours & on call work will be required, you will be required to participate in a 24 hours on call rota) SALARY: £31, 537 JOB PURPOSE: To assist the refuge manager in the day-to-day running of the refuge, developing and delivering a front line service offering support, advice and guidance to women and their children living in the refuge. BSWA provides safe secure accommodation to some of the most vulnerable women and children therefore in order to ensure we provide maximum support and safety it is essential that our service is available to them 24/7. We do this through operating an on-site rota that covers weekends, evenings and bank holidays as well as a 24 hour call out system. RESPONSIBLE TO: The Refuge Manager DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ADMINISTRATION: To work within BSWA's administrative and financial systems. To ensure that adequate records are kept for all service users. To keep accurate records of financial transitions in line with BSWA's procedures. To ensure that Health and Safety records are kept up to date. To monitor and evaluate the refuge service via various methods including feedback from service users and by producing statistical information. To keep inventories of all refuge contents. To contribute where appropriate to the preparation of returns for funders. SUPPORT WORK: To produce and regularly review Individual Support Plans (ISP) for each service user, in conjunction with the service user. To recognise women and children's individual needs and refer to specialist agencies where necessary as part of their ISP. To identify the needs of women and children leaving BSWA refuge after being offered permanent accommodation. To identify and make links with existing projects and community services and to develop joint services where appropriate. To ensure the primary needs of residents are met. This includes medical, financial, housing, legal and education rights. To organise activities and celebrations in the refuge for women and children which raise self-esteem, bring people together and broaden awareness. To assist women in making claims for any welfare benefits that they may be entitled to. To ensure that appropriate applications are made for re-housing. To accompany women as appropriate and agreed by your line manager, to case conferences and meetings that may affect their own and/or their children's welfare. To make representations, as appropriate and agreed by your line manager, to external bodies in support of women and children. To keep the refuge 'welcome pack' up-to-date. Devise and implement appropriate methods of communication with women and children living in refuge, in agreement with your line manager. COMMUNICATION: To ensure that all staff team members are aware of any matters that are relevant to the welfare and security of the refuge, staff, volunteers and service users by: a) maintaining BSWA communication records b) following safety procedures c) carrying out risk assessments in conjunction with your line manager d) attending team and project meetings To attend in-house training. To attend support and supervision sessions with your line manager. To participate in multi-agency work and to develop a professional working relationship with external agencies. To contribute towards your project's quarterly Management Committee report. To be involved in the Annual Review process. PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT: To take referrals and welcome women and children into the refuge. To ensure that the appropriate agreements related to tenancies are completed. To ensure that the appropriate agreements related to support are completed. To ensure that the refuge revenue is collected by completing housing benefit forms and all personal contributions are collected on a weekly basis, in advance. To report to your line manager any difficulties in relation to the collection of rent and other charges. To ensure that any house rules are read and understood by new tenants and that all residents comply with them. TRAINING: To identify and attend training relevant to the post in agreement with your line manager. To work alongside colleagues to organise in-house training and information sessions on a range of issues for service users. To raise awareness of the impact of domestic violence on women and children and of the BSWA services. GENERAL: To maintain the confidentiality of the women, young people and children using the service and in all matters relating to the organisation. To offer an equal service to all women and children regardless of age, class, culture, language, race, religion and sexual orientation, adhering to BSWA's framework for equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice. To maintain an awareness of the issues surrounding domestic violence on a national and local level with a particular reference to those of relevance to refuge work. To adhere to Child Protection and Safeguarding procedures, and Adult Safeguarding procedures throughout. To ensure the efficient use of resources at all times. To support volunteers in the delivery of BSWA services. To work within BSWA policies and procedures and demonstrate a commitment to the values and ethos of BSWA. To participate in the development and annual appraisal of a personal individual development plan with the line manager. To participate in 24 hour on call cover and provide emergency cover. To undertake any other duties required by BSWA, which may arise incidentally, develop, or be assigned commensurate with the post. JOB DESCRIPTION AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
Refuge Project Worker (maternity cover) POST: Refuge Project Worker (maternity cover) HOURS OF WORK: 37 hours (some out of hours & on call work will be required, you will be required to participate in a 24 hours on call rota) SALARY: £31, 537 JOB PURPOSE: To assist the refuge manager in the day-to-day running of the refuge, developing and delivering a front line service offering support, advice and guidance to women and their children living in the refuge. BSWA provides safe secure accommodation to some of the most vulnerable women and children therefore in order to ensure we provide maximum support and safety it is essential that our service is available to them 24/7. We do this through operating an on-site rota that covers weekends, evenings and bank holidays as well as a 24 hour call out system. RESPONSIBLE TO: The Refuge Manager DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ADMINISTRATION: To work within BSWA's administrative and financial systems. To ensure that adequate records are kept for all service users. To keep accurate records of financial transitions in line with BSWA's procedures. To ensure that Health and Safety records are kept up to date. To monitor and evaluate the refuge service via various methods including feedback from service users and by producing statistical information. To keep inventories of all refuge contents. To contribute where appropriate to the preparation of returns for funders. SUPPORT WORK: To produce and regularly review Individual Support Plans (ISP) for each service user, in conjunction with the service user. To recognise women and children's individual needs and refer to specialist agencies where necessary as part of their ISP. To identify the needs of women and children leaving BSWA refuge after being offered permanent accommodation. To identify and make links with existing projects and community services and to develop joint services where appropriate. To ensure the primary needs of residents are met. This includes medical, financial, housing, legal and education rights. To organise activities and celebrations in the refuge for women and children which raise self-esteem, bring people together and broaden awareness. To assist women in making claims for any welfare benefits that they may be entitled to. To ensure that appropriate applications are made for re-housing. To accompany women as appropriate and agreed by your line manager, to case conferences and meetings that may affect their own and/or their children's welfare. To make representations, as appropriate and agreed by your line manager, to external bodies in support of women and children. To keep the refuge 'welcome pack' up-to-date. Devise and implement appropriate methods of communication with women and children living in refuge, in agreement with your line manager. COMMUNICATION: To ensure that all staff team members are aware of any matters that are relevant to the welfare and security of the refuge, staff, volunteers and service users by: a) maintaining BSWA communication records b) following safety procedures c) carrying out risk assessments in conjunction with your line manager d) attending team and project meetings To attend in-house training. To attend support and supervision sessions with your line manager. To participate in multi-agency work and to develop a professional working relationship with external agencies. To contribute towards your project's quarterly Management Committee report. To be involved in the Annual Review process. PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT: To take referrals and welcome women and children into the refuge. To ensure that the appropriate agreements related to tenancies are completed. To ensure that the appropriate agreements related to support are completed. To ensure that the refuge revenue is collected by completing housing benefit forms and all personal contributions are collected on a weekly basis, in advance. To report to your line manager any difficulties in relation to the collection of rent and other charges. To ensure that any house rules are read and understood by new tenants and that all residents comply with them. TRAINING: To identify and attend training relevant to the post in agreement with your line manager. To work alongside colleagues to organise in-house training and information sessions on a range of issues for service users. To raise awareness of the impact of domestic violence on women and children and of the BSWA services. GENERAL: To maintain the confidentiality of the women, young people and children using the service and in all matters relating to the organisation. To offer an equal service to all women and children regardless of age, class, culture, language, race, religion and sexual orientation, adhering to BSWA's framework for equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice. To maintain an awareness of the issues surrounding domestic violence on a national and local level with a particular reference to those of relevance to refuge work. To adhere to Child Protection and Safeguarding procedures, and Adult Safeguarding procedures throughout. To ensure the efficient use of resources at all times. To support volunteers in the delivery of BSWA services. To work within BSWA policies and procedures and demonstrate a commitment to the values and ethos of BSWA. To participate in the development and annual appraisal of a personal individual development plan with the line manager. To participate in 24 hour on call cover and provide emergency cover. To undertake any other duties required by BSWA, which may arise incidentally, develop, or be assigned commensurate with the post. JOB DESCRIPTION AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
Women's Aid Federation of England
Female Black & Minoritised Ethnic Communities Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (BME ISVA) Job Title: Black and Minoritized Female Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) Working with Adult Victims of Rape or Sexual Assault. Responsible to: Specialist and Adult Team Leader Hours: 37.5 hours per week To Cover: Mon to Fri 8.30am - 5.30pm Includes Saturday working on a rota system (around 1 in 16) Contract: Maternity Contract Salary: £30,518 - £32,061 per annum depending on experience Location: Office is located in Bristol (required to travel across Avon and Somerset and will include some Home Working). Driving Licence essential Award Winning Service Safe Link Would you like to work for an award winning service by providing specialist sexual violence support to Black and Minoritised Ethnic Communities victims who live across Avon and Somerset? We have a rewarding and exciting opportunity available for a Female Black and Minoritised Ethnic Communities Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (BME ISVA) to join our team based in Bristol (with requirement to travel across Avon and Somerset). You will join us on a Maternity Cover Contract working full-time 37.5 hours each week on a rota basis (8.30am - 4.30pm and 9.30am - 5.30pm on alternate weeks, an occasional Saturday morning on a rota (around 1 in 16) and to be available to work until 8 pm if required). You will provide support and advocacy to victims who have experienced rape or sexual assault. In return, you will receive a competitive salary of Point 16 £30,518 - Point 19 £32,061 per annum (depending on experience) plus benefits. MAIN OBJECTIVES This post will provide support and advocacy to adult victims (18+) of rape and sexual abuse across Avon and Somerset. The role involves empowering victims to increase their options; make positive choices/decisions; increase their confidence; safety and to enable and empower them to cope and recover from their experience. To work alongside our colleagues from Operation Bluestone, you will attend police stations to deliver training, co locate in two stations in A&S, attend ABE's when needed at short notice this would be up to 8pm when necessary. Working with the victim and their family to establish a support network and create a complete package of support, within and outside the criminal justice system. To promote the service, establish positive, proactive and innovative working relationships with partner agencies and coordinate the provision of multi-agency support. To liaise effectively and collaboratively with appropriate agencies and community groups to ensure the best access to services and meaningful community engagement for service users. Providing training to professionals about rape and sexual abuse, discuss barriers and the support that is available to survivors in Avon and Somerset. Work collaboratively within an integrated team of ISVA's working across Avon and Somerset supporting with victims who are adults (18+); children and young people (U18) and historic victims (adult or children and young people). Champion service user empowerment and involvement by ensuring our services: Are accessible to all potential service users; Value and respect service users as the experts of their experience; Work in strength-based and solution-focused ways with clients; Facilitate agreed actions into practice; and Use service user feedback and involvement to improve our service Have a Think Family approach PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Referrals and Assessments 1.1 Promote the service through building positive relationships with current, potential referrers and service users to ensure a steady flow of appropriate referrals. 1.2 Take referrals from with the Bridge, Lighthouse, self-referrals and those from voluntary and statutory agencies. 1.3 Carry out risk and needs assessments with the victim, co-produce support and risk management plans with them (and if appropriate carer), ensure their needs and circumstances are reflected within all safety and support plans. 1.4 Regularly review and amend the plans, respond flexibly as the individuals needs and risks change. 1.5 If the rape or sexual assault is domestic, carry out a DASH risk assessment and make referrals to the Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) as necessary and carry out follow-up actions agreed in the MARAC. 1.6 Liaise closely with victim and referral agencies and keep them informed of progress and outcome of their referral/assessment. 1.7 Develop and maintain effective communication systems with key partners including the BRIDGE, Police, PROTECT, CPS, Court Service, Lighthouse, Health, SARSAS, Victim Support Witness Service and other voluntary sector organisations across the Avon and Somerset. 2. Support 2.1 Build rapport and trust with service users through regular support sessions, which can be a combination of face to face appointments, telephone, email, text, and skype/facetime/zoom. 2.2 Advocate on behalf of service users in a professional and respectful manner, encouraging and enabling service users to have their own voice and develop self-resilience. 2.3 To liaise closely with carers and responsible adults as necessary. 2.4 To liaise with other agencies including Social Services, health visitors, housing, education providers, employers, police and to share information, as appropriate, in line with Missing Link's confidentiality policy. 2.5 Support service users within the context of their family and help them to develop positive family relationships. 2.6 Support and empower service users with forming positive relationships and articulating sexual boundaries and personal space. 2.7 Where relevant make referrals to sexual health services and support service users to attend. 2.8 Maintain knowledge of local services, encourage engagement and reduce the service user's isolation. 2.9 Enable and encourage service users to take advantage of all services relevant to their needs and safety such as legal advice, housing support, benefits entitlement, education, medical treatment, counselling etc. Assist clients in gaining access to solicitors, advice agencies, housing departments. 2.10 Provide support as part of an integrated approach by working in partnership with other voluntary and statutory agencies (e.g. the police, local authority, social services, housing, youth service, education/ training/ employment agencies, primary health services, mental health, counselling and substance misuse services) to ensure efficient mechanisms for referrals and to advocate for service users to ensure their needs are met. Children and Young People's voice is central to informing services. Addresses safety, educational, health and emotional needs. Supports them understand their experience. Equips them with skills to recover and grow up to form positive, equal, safe relationships. 2.12 Using the Cope and Recover framework by supporting victims to cope with the immediate impacts of the crime and Recover from the harm experienced. 2.13 Deliver high quality services adhering to national standards including following the Revised Victims Code of Conduct. 2.14 Support service users to increase independence and support their recovery by developing their own support networks, taking up training, education and employment opportunities, maximise income, reducing debts etc. 2.15 Support and advise service users on legal options and the criminal justice system / police process which can include making a personal witness statement, arranging pre-trial visits and advise service users on how to respond to possible outcomes, as well as informing service users on the investigative and prosecution processes of the criminal justice system. 2.16 Liaise closely with the police, CPS, Witness Service and other service providers on behalf of the service user, having particular regard to any domestic abuse, safeguarding children or adult at risk issues and requirements. 2.17 Provide follow up support after court has ended and provide information and support in relation to making Criminal Injuries Compensation Claims. 2.18 Recognise, respect and address the needs of service-users who face particular barriers when seeking help to access the service, including those from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, LGBT communities, disabled people, women and men with complex needs and other hard to reach groups. 2.19 Safeguard the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk; working within Missing Link's safeguarding policies, South West Child Protection Procedures and local procedures for safeguarding adults at risk. Monitor all safeguarding concerns and make appropriate referrals to First Response/Care Direct as necessary. 2.20 At an appropriate time and in a planned way, negotiate and agree with service user the planned withdrawal of Safe Link's support. 3. Record keeping and monitoring 3.1 Maintain up to date, accurate, legible and accessible records of all work and contact with service users, other agencies/professionals and others (e.g. carers, families), ensuring that they meet the requirements of data protection and confidentiality. 3.2 Ensure all client records, outcome and monitoring data is accurately recorded using the Oasis case management system and any other record/monitoring systems . click apply for full job details
Female Black & Minoritised Ethnic Communities Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (BME ISVA) Job Title: Black and Minoritized Female Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) Working with Adult Victims of Rape or Sexual Assault. Responsible to: Specialist and Adult Team Leader Hours: 37.5 hours per week To Cover: Mon to Fri 8.30am - 5.30pm Includes Saturday working on a rota system (around 1 in 16) Contract: Maternity Contract Salary: £30,518 - £32,061 per annum depending on experience Location: Office is located in Bristol (required to travel across Avon and Somerset and will include some Home Working). Driving Licence essential Award Winning Service Safe Link Would you like to work for an award winning service by providing specialist sexual violence support to Black and Minoritised Ethnic Communities victims who live across Avon and Somerset? We have a rewarding and exciting opportunity available for a Female Black and Minoritised Ethnic Communities Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (BME ISVA) to join our team based in Bristol (with requirement to travel across Avon and Somerset). You will join us on a Maternity Cover Contract working full-time 37.5 hours each week on a rota basis (8.30am - 4.30pm and 9.30am - 5.30pm on alternate weeks, an occasional Saturday morning on a rota (around 1 in 16) and to be available to work until 8 pm if required). You will provide support and advocacy to victims who have experienced rape or sexual assault. In return, you will receive a competitive salary of Point 16 £30,518 - Point 19 £32,061 per annum (depending on experience) plus benefits. MAIN OBJECTIVES This post will provide support and advocacy to adult victims (18+) of rape and sexual abuse across Avon and Somerset. The role involves empowering victims to increase their options; make positive choices/decisions; increase their confidence; safety and to enable and empower them to cope and recover from their experience. To work alongside our colleagues from Operation Bluestone, you will attend police stations to deliver training, co locate in two stations in A&S, attend ABE's when needed at short notice this would be up to 8pm when necessary. Working with the victim and their family to establish a support network and create a complete package of support, within and outside the criminal justice system. To promote the service, establish positive, proactive and innovative working relationships with partner agencies and coordinate the provision of multi-agency support. To liaise effectively and collaboratively with appropriate agencies and community groups to ensure the best access to services and meaningful community engagement for service users. Providing training to professionals about rape and sexual abuse, discuss barriers and the support that is available to survivors in Avon and Somerset. Work collaboratively within an integrated team of ISVA's working across Avon and Somerset supporting with victims who are adults (18+); children and young people (U18) and historic victims (adult or children and young people). Champion service user empowerment and involvement by ensuring our services: Are accessible to all potential service users; Value and respect service users as the experts of their experience; Work in strength-based and solution-focused ways with clients; Facilitate agreed actions into practice; and Use service user feedback and involvement to improve our service Have a Think Family approach PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Referrals and Assessments 1.1 Promote the service through building positive relationships with current, potential referrers and service users to ensure a steady flow of appropriate referrals. 1.2 Take referrals from with the Bridge, Lighthouse, self-referrals and those from voluntary and statutory agencies. 1.3 Carry out risk and needs assessments with the victim, co-produce support and risk management plans with them (and if appropriate carer), ensure their needs and circumstances are reflected within all safety and support plans. 1.4 Regularly review and amend the plans, respond flexibly as the individuals needs and risks change. 1.5 If the rape or sexual assault is domestic, carry out a DASH risk assessment and make referrals to the Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) as necessary and carry out follow-up actions agreed in the MARAC. 1.6 Liaise closely with victim and referral agencies and keep them informed of progress and outcome of their referral/assessment. 1.7 Develop and maintain effective communication systems with key partners including the BRIDGE, Police, PROTECT, CPS, Court Service, Lighthouse, Health, SARSAS, Victim Support Witness Service and other voluntary sector organisations across the Avon and Somerset. 2. Support 2.1 Build rapport and trust with service users through regular support sessions, which can be a combination of face to face appointments, telephone, email, text, and skype/facetime/zoom. 2.2 Advocate on behalf of service users in a professional and respectful manner, encouraging and enabling service users to have their own voice and develop self-resilience. 2.3 To liaise closely with carers and responsible adults as necessary. 2.4 To liaise with other agencies including Social Services, health visitors, housing, education providers, employers, police and to share information, as appropriate, in line with Missing Link's confidentiality policy. 2.5 Support service users within the context of their family and help them to develop positive family relationships. 2.6 Support and empower service users with forming positive relationships and articulating sexual boundaries and personal space. 2.7 Where relevant make referrals to sexual health services and support service users to attend. 2.8 Maintain knowledge of local services, encourage engagement and reduce the service user's isolation. 2.9 Enable and encourage service users to take advantage of all services relevant to their needs and safety such as legal advice, housing support, benefits entitlement, education, medical treatment, counselling etc. Assist clients in gaining access to solicitors, advice agencies, housing departments. 2.10 Provide support as part of an integrated approach by working in partnership with other voluntary and statutory agencies (e.g. the police, local authority, social services, housing, youth service, education/ training/ employment agencies, primary health services, mental health, counselling and substance misuse services) to ensure efficient mechanisms for referrals and to advocate for service users to ensure their needs are met. Children and Young People's voice is central to informing services. Addresses safety, educational, health and emotional needs. Supports them understand their experience. Equips them with skills to recover and grow up to form positive, equal, safe relationships. 2.12 Using the Cope and Recover framework by supporting victims to cope with the immediate impacts of the crime and Recover from the harm experienced. 2.13 Deliver high quality services adhering to national standards including following the Revised Victims Code of Conduct. 2.14 Support service users to increase independence and support their recovery by developing their own support networks, taking up training, education and employment opportunities, maximise income, reducing debts etc. 2.15 Support and advise service users on legal options and the criminal justice system / police process which can include making a personal witness statement, arranging pre-trial visits and advise service users on how to respond to possible outcomes, as well as informing service users on the investigative and prosecution processes of the criminal justice system. 2.16 Liaise closely with the police, CPS, Witness Service and other service providers on behalf of the service user, having particular regard to any domestic abuse, safeguarding children or adult at risk issues and requirements. 2.17 Provide follow up support after court has ended and provide information and support in relation to making Criminal Injuries Compensation Claims. 2.18 Recognise, respect and address the needs of service-users who face particular barriers when seeking help to access the service, including those from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, LGBT communities, disabled people, women and men with complex needs and other hard to reach groups. 2.19 Safeguard the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk; working within Missing Link's safeguarding policies, South West Child Protection Procedures and local procedures for safeguarding adults at risk. Monitor all safeguarding concerns and make appropriate referrals to First Response/Care Direct as necessary. 2.20 At an appropriate time and in a planned way, negotiate and agree with service user the planned withdrawal of Safe Link's support. 3. Record keeping and monitoring 3.1 Maintain up to date, accurate, legible and accessible records of all work and contact with service users, other agencies/professionals and others (e.g. carers, families), ensuring that they meet the requirements of data protection and confidentiality. 3.2 Ensure all client records, outcome and monitoring data is accurately recorded using the Oasis case management system and any other record/monitoring systems . click apply for full job details