Domestic Abuse Case Worker

To provide a direct support service to any victim/survivor of domestic abuse.

Job Responsibilities

• Operate a helpline service for victim/survivors, professionals and the wider community.
• Conduct a full needs assessment, risk assessments and safety plan with a victim/survivor at the first point of contact.
• Oversee case management by conducting person-centred advice and support sessions to assist the service user with the development of their personal plan.
• Ensure effective access for all victim survivors of domestic abuse and encourage them to access support from the service through proactive contact, rapport building and assessment.
• Hold and manage a varied and fluctuating caseload and work on a rota basis within the team to conduct comprehensive assessments of need and risk for any victim/survivors experiencing domestic violence referred to the service.
• Carry out short and longer-term risk management, safety planning and support, and identify and refer to services appropriate to their needs in accordance with any charity (internal) or external agency guidance, policy and procedures.
• Attend multi-agency and partnership meetings as required and act in a consultancy/advisory capacity for external agencies.
• Advise service users of their rights and options for seeking help and support, develop person-centred support plans, and advocate on behalf of service users to ensure barriers to accessing support and protection are minimised with a trauma-informed response.
• Proactively assess the needs and safety of service users at risk, adhering to SWACAS safeguarding policy.
• Work with Head of Operations and senior management to ensure all monitoring and evaluations are complete and accurate.
• Engage and encourage service users in the development/enhancement of service delivery.
• Support new staff members/students and volunteers within the induction process.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date and relevant case notes on both the SWACA Case Management and Local Authority systems.
• Write internal and external reports where required, including safeguarding conference reports, court reports, legal aid letters, team meeting minutes and reports for monitoring.
• Work within the confines of confidentiality/GDPR, ensuring professional boundaries are always maintained.
• Continue personal development by attending training, supervision, and team meetings as directed.
• Promote the interests of the Charity by supporting fundraising and public relation events.
• Other similar duties may be allocated from time to time, appropriate to the general character of the post.

Person Specification

Knowledge/Education/Qualifications

• A relevant qualification or training in domestic abuse, criminal justice, law, social work, child development, substance misuse or related area.
• A thorough understanding of the dynamics of domestic abuse and its impact on victim/survivors and communities.
• A sound working knowledge of safeguarding legislation and practice.

Experience

• Experience of supporting victims/survivors who have experienced domestic abuse, forced marriage or ‘honour’-based violence.
• Experience of identifying and managing risk, completing needs assessments, safety and support planning, particularly with clients with complex/multiple needs.
• A working knowledge of multi-agency approaches and networks.

Skills

• Excellent listening skills and the ability to relate and engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work as a member of a team and use your own initiative.
• Accurate data collection/recording, monitoring and IT literate.
• Competent report writing skills, including preparing reports for courts, case conferences and information for Multi-agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC).
• Ability to successfully manage a busy and complex caseload.

General

• Ability to reflect on own practice through supervision, line management and peer support.
• A comprehensive understanding of the importance of confidentiality/GDPR, trauma-informed practice and safe practices.
• A comprehensive understanding and ability to provide support in line with Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
• Ability to maintain high professional standards in adherence to agency policies and procedures.
• Access to own vehicle.
• A willingness to support fundraising/income generation activities.

Due to the nature of SWACA’s work, it will be necessary for a satisfactory enhanced disclosure to be secured via the Disclosure and Barring Service.