At a Glance
- Tasks: Support victims of domestic abuse with practical and emotional assistance in safe accommodation.
- Company: Join The Housing Network, dedicated to providing safe and stable homes.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team making a positive impact in Manchester.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of those affected by domestic abuse.
- Qualifications: Experience in supporting vulnerable individuals and knowledge of domestic abuse is essential.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Location: Manchester City
Salary: £29,000
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 40 hours per week
Working hours: Flexible service rota, including core cover between 9am–10pm Monday to Friday, with agreed emergency/out-of-hours arrangements
DBS: Enhanced DBS required
About The Housing Network
At The Housing Network (THN), we believe everyone deserves more than a roof. We provide safe and stable accommodation alongside the support people need to rebuild their lives.
We are looking for a Domestic Abuse Complex Needs Specialist to join a new dispersed safe accommodation service supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse and their children who may also be experiencing multiple and intersecting needs. These may include homelessness, mental or physical ill health, substance use, disability, deprivation, social isolation and other barriers to safety, recovery and independence.
About the role
As a Domestic Abuse Complex Needs Specialist, you will provide person-centred, trauma-informed and strengths-based support to victims and survivors living in safe accommodation. You will build trusting relationships, assess risk and need, develop safety and support plans, and provide practical and emotional support to help residents move towards greater independence and sustainable accommodation. The role combines specialist domestic abuse support with housing management, requiring you to work confidently with residents, colleagues and a wide range of external agencies.
Key responsibilities
- Provide intensive one-to-one support, advocacy, practical assistance and group work.
- Build safe, respectful and trusting relationships with victims and survivors.
- Complete strengths-based assessments, DASH assessments, risk assessments and safety plans.
- Contribute to MARAC and other high-risk domestic abuse pathways.
- Support residents experiencing complex and intersecting needs, including mental ill health, substance use and homelessness.
- Safeguard adults and children, responding appropriately to serious or escalating concerns.
- Support residents with benefits, budgeting, debt, tenancy readiness and housing applications.
- Develop personalised move-on and resettlement plans to help residents access safe, sustainable accommodation.
- Work closely with domestic abuse services, Manchester City Council, police, health services, children's services, homelessness organisations and voluntary and community partners.
- Maintain accurate and timely case records and performance information.
- Promote resident choice, independence, resilience and long-term wellbeing.
- Support the safety and security of dispersed accommodation.
About you
We are looking for someone with demonstrable experience supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse, or closely related experience supporting people experiencing multiple disadvantage and complex needs. You will have:
- Knowledge of domestic abuse, coercive control, trauma and its impact on individuals and families.
- Experience completing DASH assessments, safety plans and/or contributing to MARAC.
- Experience of safeguarding adults and children and managing risk.
- Experience of strengths-based, person-centred and trauma-informed support.
- Experience of accommodation-based support, housing management, benefits or move-on/resettlement.
- The ability to engage people who may have inconsistent engagement, using empathy, persistence and professional boundaries.
- Strong communication, advocacy, partnership-working and case-recording skills.
- A commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, confidentiality and survivor choice.
- The ability to work flexibly across dispersed accommodation in Manchester.
Qualifications and requirements
A Level 2 qualification in Health & Social Care, Domestic Abuse, Housing or a related area is desirable, or you must be willing to work towards an appropriate qualification. Relevant training in domestic abuse, safeguarding, trauma-informed practice and risk assessment is desirable, with further development available. An Enhanced DBS is required for this role. You will need to be able to travel between dispersed accommodation and partner locations in Manchester. A full UK driving licence and company car and fuel card provided.
Why join The Housing Network?
This is an opportunity to join a growing service at an important stage of its development and make a genuine difference to the lives of victims and survivors of domestic abuse. You will play a key role in helping people move from crisis towards safety, stability, independence and sustainable accommodation, while working as part of a collaborative multi-agency network. If you are passionate about supporting people affected by domestic abuse and complex needs, and want to use your skills to make a meaningful difference, we would love to hear from you.
Domestic Abuse Complex Needs Specialist (Safe Accommodation) in Manchester employer: Homeless Link
The Housing Network is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees can thrive. With a strong focus on professional development and a mission-driven culture, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of residents facing complex needs. Located in a vibrant community, we offer competitive benefits and a collaborative atmosphere that values safeguarding and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Domestic Abuse Complex Needs Specialist (Safe Accommodation) in Manchester
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Homeless Link.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Homeless Link!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Homeless Link, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Homeless Link or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Domestic Abuse Complex Needs Specialist (Safe Accommodation) in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Homeless Link:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Homeless Link! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Homeless Link
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
