Role: Housing IDVA
Based: Woolwich
Rate: £18 to £20 ph umb
Start Date: ASAP
Duration: Temp for 3 months
Hours: 35 hours per week 2 days in the Woolwich Centre and 3 days in Greenwich
Our client, a specialist charity, is looking for a Housing IDVA to join their team. The Housing IDVA will provide individual support to women experiencing domestic abuse who present themselves with housing issues or are at risk of homelessness due to domestic abuse.
Synopsis of duties:
- To provide advice and advocacy for women experiencing domestic abuse by offering crisis intervention, information, and support for those who have directly presented to the Housing with housing needs or are at risk of homelessness due to domestic or sexual abuse or violence or any other recognised intimate violence against women and girls.
- To devise emergency safety plans for survivors, liaising with social services, the Housing Inclusion and Support Team, and refuges to secure emergency housing if needed. To act as a point of contact for Housing and work collaboratively with partners to ensure the safety of survivors and their children
- To provide targeted support where women have mental health, substance misuse, complex needs, or who face other challenges. Where needed, refer to appropriate support services if the survivor has support needs or requires a specialist service, e.g., male survivors to Respect or GALOP, frail older people to Adult Social Services.
- To carry out risk assessments of women for referrals to MARAC where applicable
- To develop effective links and partnerships with police and the courts, and provide information, advice, and support to survivors going through the legal process, explaining the effectiveness of criminal and civil sanctions available.
- To attend MARAC to represent the needs of survivors, including joint work with the council and other housing bodies to resolve issues about re-housing, the woman s safety, and legal actions.
- To comply with safeguarding requirements relating to children and vulnerable adults, and explain the safeguarding requirements to the survivor.
- Maintain and update accurate written and computer records of all cases and share a summary of this information with managers, ensuring that data protection (GDPR) regulations are followed (within the organisation as well as when communicating with partner organisations).
- To maintain contact with the survivor at regular (timely) intervals to provide support and ensure her safety, including updates of the risk assessment and safety plan.
- To respond within the bounds of confidentiality (GDPR), to requests from other agencies for consultations, or to facilitate direct contact between agencies and service users.
- To participate in multi-agency working parties and focus groups, when requested to do so by the Director or your manager.
- To provide advice and training at a range of locations as requested for both professionals and the public, including being the main point of contact for Housing staff when upskilling or advice is required by the team
Essential Requirements
- Minimum of 2 years full-time equivalent experience of IDSVA work with women experiencing domestic violence, should also be able to demonstrate knowledge of recent legislation concerning domestic violence and the law
- Experience in risk and needs assessment, safety and support planning, particularly with clients with complex/multiple needs
- Thorough knowledge of safeguarding practice, procedures, and legislation.
- Strong experience of supporting women who have experienced domestic abuse, forced marriage or honour-based violence .
- Enhanced Adult and Child DBS on the update service or dated within the last 12 months
Supporting Futures Consulting acts as both an employer and an agency
Housing IDVA employer: Supporting Futures Consulting Ltd
As a specialist charity based in Woolwich, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values the vital work of our Housing IDVAs. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and professional growth, offering opportunities for training and development while making a meaningful impact in the lives of women facing domestic abuse. With a focus on employee well-being and a commitment to safeguarding, we provide a rewarding environment where you can truly make a difference.
Contact Details:
Supporting Futures Consulting Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing IDVA
✨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 Supporting Futures Consulting Ltd.
✨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 Supporting Futures Consulting Ltd!
✨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 Supporting Futures Consulting Ltd, 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 Supporting Futures Consulting Ltd or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
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 Supporting Futures Consulting Ltd:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Supporting Futures Consulting Ltd! 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 Supporting Futures Consulting Ltd
✨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.
