At a Glance
- Tasks: Support victims of domestic abuse and enhance their safety through advocacy and specialist advice.
- Company: Victim Support, a charity dedicated to helping those affected by crime.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, birthday off, pension contributions, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of victims and contribute to positive change.
- Qualifications: Experience in supporting domestic abuse victims and relevant qualifications preferred.
The predicted salary is between 27450 - 33550 £ per year.
We have some new & exciting opportunities for 2 part-time Domestic Abuse specialists, based independently at Cumbria Constabulary headquarters. We are looking for passionate individuals with experience of supporting victims of domestic abuse and a thorough understanding of the risk and barriers victims, survivors and their families are faced with. Do you want to make a difference? Do you want to contribute to change and improvement for those who need it? If you are passionate about creating positive change to the lives of victims and their families, we want to hear from you.
What we offer
- Flexible Working Options: Including hybrid working.
- Generous Annual Leave: 28 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 33 days plus Bank Holidays, with options to buy or sell annual leave.
- Birthday Leave: An extra day off for your birthday.
- Pension Plan: 5% employer contribution.
- Enhanced Allowances: Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity payments.
- Exclusive Discounts: High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment, and leisure discounts.
- Financial Wellbeing: Access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary-deducted finance.
- Wellbeing Support: Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
- Inclusive Networks: Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes.
- Sustainable Travel: Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans.
- Career Development: Ongoing training and support with opportunities for career progression.
About the role
The Domestic Abuse Specialists provide an independent specialist domestic abuse function within Cumbria Police Force Control Room (FCR), enhancing the identification of risk, vulnerability and safeguarding concerns associated with domestic abuse incidents. The postholder will support the delivery of a victim-centred response through risk identification, quality assurance, professional challenge, specialist advice, safeguarding activity and victim engagement.
Working collaboratively with Cumbria Police whilst maintaining professional independence, the role contributes to improving victim safety, service quality and organisational learning through the review of domestic abuse incidents, risk assessments and associated records. The role does not undertake police operational decision-making responsibilities but acts as an independent specialist advisor and advocate for victim safety and best practice.
You will need:
- Experience of working in support and advocacy with victims of domestic abuse.
- To be able to prioritise work and deal with competing or conflicting demands/needs and interests and promote organisation interests and values.
- To ideally hold a SafeLives IDVA accreditation, relevant degree, vocational qualification or relevant experience of delivering a service and working with domestic abuse victims/service users in a statutory, voluntary or community work setting.
About Us
Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.
Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.
At Victim Support, we're proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We're committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.
How to apply
To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date. If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.
Domestic Violence Support Worker employer: Victim Support
Victim Support is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for Homicide Family Caseworkers in the Central and East of England. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we provide flexible working options, generous annual leave, and comprehensive training programmes that foster career development. Join our passionate team dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by crime, while enjoying unique benefits such as birthday leave and exclusive discounts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Domestic Violence Support Worker
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Victim Support, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Victim Support. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Victim Support's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Domestic Violence Support Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Victim Support. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Victim Support.
How to prepare for a job interview at Victim Support
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Victim Support.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Domestic Violence Support Worker at Victim Support.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Victim Support that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Domestic Violence Support Worker role.
