Independent Domestic Violence Advisor

We currently have a position for an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor based within Barnsley County Council.

The main purpose of the role is to provide a high quality front line service to victims of Domestic Abuse, working within a multi-agency framework consistent with the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) and the local partnership responses to Domestic Abuse.

Main Duties:
Identify and assess the risk and needs of Domestic Abuse victims using an evidence based risk and identification check list, ensuring all relevant documentation is completed
Focus on and prioritise high risk cases and provide a proactive, short to medium term crisis intervention service through individual safety planning and personal support
Work with and advocate for high risk victims and help address the domestic abuse by providing emotional and practical support and information to high risk victims including but not exclusively; legal options, housing, health and finance
Work directly with all key agency partners to address the safety of high risk victims and ensuring that their safety plans are coordinated particularly through the MARAC
Manage a case load ensuring each client receives the appropriate service individual to their needs ensuring ongoing risk assessment and management of cases
Implementation of appropriate strategies including providing longer term support should case load allow or the referral on to agencies that will provide victims with longer term support
Understand multi agency partnership structures and work within a multi-agency setting which will include participation at the MARAC ensuring actions agreed are progressed and victims kept informed of the outcome of any actions or agreements
Support colleagues and partner agencies through awareness raising and institutional advocacy in order to provide the best possible service for victims of domestic abuse

Skills & Abilities:
Up to date knowledge of the National Agenda to End Violence against Women and Girls and how this links to the role of the IDVA
Knowledge of the prevalence and impact of Domestic Abuse in the LGBT and BME communities
Knowledge of how Domestic Abuse links to other forms of gendered violence such as Female Genital Mutilation and Sexual Violence
Knowledge of the impact of domestic violence on children and of children as perpetrators of domestic violence
Current working knowledge of the law and practice linked to Criminal Justice, welfare benefits, housing, family law, and child protection
Ability to make decisions and respond independently to problems and situations
Produce non-standard documents using varied and creative styles to suit the needs of the audience

Job Requirements:
Experience of working within the Domestic Abuse sector
Experience of supporting victims of Forced marriage and Honour Based Violence, or current working knowledge of this form of abuse
Enhanced DBS that is of satisfactory level is essential
Must have a minimum of 2 years experience
All applicants need to be social work qualified with current HCPC registration.