Independent Domestic Violence Advisor

To provide a high-quality frontline service to victims of domestic abuse delivering a service to those at highest risk. To work within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC and local partnership responses to domestic abuse. Provide specialist support to clients with additional barriers to support., o Identify and assess the risks and needs of domestic abuse victims using an evidence-based risk identification checklist. with the aim of reducing risk.

o Focus on and prioritise high-risk cases and provide a pro-active crisis intervention service through individual safety planning and personal support.

o Focus and prioritise victims who face additional barriers to accessing support and engaging in safety planning.

o Work with high-risk victims of domestic abuse to help them access services to keep them and their children safe.

ADVOCATE FOR HIGH-RISK VICTIMS WITH AGENCIES WHO CAN HELP TO ADDRESS THE DOMESTIC ABUSE BY:

o Understanding the role of all relevant statutory and non-statutory services available to domestic abuse victims and how your role fits into them.

o Providing advocacy, emotional and practical support, and information to victims in relation to legal options, housing, health, and finance.

o Working 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.

o Manage a case load ensuring each client receives the appropriate service individual to their needs.

o Support the empowerment of the client and assist them in recognising the features and dynamics of domestic abuse present in their situation and help them regain control of their lives.

o Understand multi-agency partnership structures and work within a multi-agency setting which will include participation at the MARAC. You will deliver interventions and help design a plan to protect victims and any children, while maintaining an independent role on behalf of your client, keeping their safety as central to any response.

IN ACCORDANCE WITH LOCAL SOLUTIONS CASE MANAGEMENT POLICY BE PROACTIVE WITH YOUR LINE MANAGER IN CARRYING OUT PERIODIC CASE REVIEWS BASED ON A REVIEW OF RISK AND ABUSE WHICH:

o Feeds back into action planning to further progress, signpost or close cases and provides feedback to your clients/agencies.

o Help maintain accurate and confidential case management records and databases and contribute to monitoring information for the service.

o Comply with data protection legislation, confidentiality and information sharing policy and procedures and all legislation connected to your work.

o Support colleagues and partner agencies, through awareness raising and institutional advocacy, to provide the best possible service for victims of domestic abuse.

o Respect and value the diversity of the community in which the services work and recognise the needs and concerns of a diverse range of survivors ensuring the service is accessible to all.

o Remain up-to-date and compliant with all organisational procedures policies and professional codes of conduct and uphold standards of best practice.

o Participation in multi-agency operational partnerships, work to ensure the IDVA role is central to multi-agency work and responses to domestic abuse in your area.

o Develop and maintain links with other agencies.

o Represent the service at operational multi-agency meetings, feeding back initiatives and outcomes to the team and contribute to the evaluation of the quality of activities these services offer.

o Work in partnership with statutory and voluntary agencies to tackle the

issue of domestic abuse.

o Ensure the involvement of the service in the MARAC and SDVC.

o Represent the service at local and national events; deliver training and presentations as required.

o Influence and develop responses to improve services to victims of domestic abuse ensuring that the experiences of service users and other agencies inform this process.

OTHER DUTIES:

o To deliver additional provision/group-based work with sourced funding.

o Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory and contractual requirements including Data protection, confidentiality, child protection and adult safeguarding.

o Ensure there is robust engagement and involvement of service users re service improvements.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

o To ensure a safe working environment in accordance with Health and Safety Regulations

o To attend fire drills and staff meetings

o To attend training events as required

o To be an essential car driver

o Relevant experience and/or qualifications in areas around Domestic Violence.

o Experience and knowledge of providing support to people with multiple and complex needs.

o Knowledge and practical experience of using IT.

o Good communication skills.

o Resilient and robust with a positive outlook.

o Ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

o Commitment to quality, customer service, best practice and best value in all aspects of the organisations operation.