Domestic Abuse Specialist Accommodation Services Manager

NB: only women may apply for this post

Job title:   Accommodation Services Manager

Responsible to:  Area Manager

Location:   To be based in Ballymena Accommodation

Duration:    Ongoing contract – Supporting People Funded

Aim of Post:    To ensure the effective and efficient management of Accommodation Services within the aims and principles of Women’s Aid.                         

Job Purpose:    Responsible for provision of a high standard of services and support for women and children seeking crisis accommodation; staff management, supervision and support; staff development; implementation of agreed policies and procedures to ensure consistency in working practices; development and application of crisis management procedures as appropriate.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Support for Women & Children

• To ensure that a high standard of support for women and children living in crisis accommodation is maintained.
• To ensure the accommodation provides a positive environment for all those living there.
• To ensure that women living in the accommodation are involved in the decision making and day-to-day running of the facility.
• To ensure that house meetings take place weekly.
• To work closely with ABCLN Community Support Teams across the region

On-Call

• .To ensure that 24-hour cover is maintained for the service and ensure that out of hour emergencies/crises are dealt with appropriately

Staff Management

• To implement a comprehensive induction for new staff with ongoing supervision and direction.
• To supervise, support and motivate members within the team; and to provide effective intervention as appropriate.
• To provide formal supervision to all staff for whom you have direct responsibility, including the implementation of a formal performance management process. Ensure staff have set objectives and ensure performance against objectives is routinely discussed, assessed and measured.
• To implement the agreed performance management process ensuring staff receive objectives, regular feedback and formal performance appraisals.
• To assess development needs and aspirations within the team and ensure appropriate developmental opportunities are implemented to meet those needs and that of the organisation.
• To hold regular meetings with team members to ensure consistency of approach and high standard of service.
• To advise and liaise with the Area Manager over staff issues as appropriate.  
• To ensure adequate and appropriate on-going training for staff as appropriate in consultation with Area Manager.
• To ensure good communication amongst team members.  Continuously review communication channels, methods and content with the aim of improving internal communications and ensuring a 2-way approach. 

Policy

• To ensure that the service adheres to Regional/Area and Local Women’s Aid policies and procedures as agreed.
• To co-ordinate the implementation of agreed policies with regard to public policies at a local level and to ensure a consistent approach in the application of those policies and procedures.

Premises

• To ensure the maintenance and general upkeep of the physical standards of the accommodation.

Health & Safety

• To ensure that health and safety regulations are adhered to; and that a healthy and safe environment is maintained for residents, staff, volunteers and visitors within the premises.
• To be a key advisor in the development and application of crisis management plans.                                     

Project Development

• In conjunction with other team members identify areas of development both within the accommodation facilities and Women’s Aid ABCLN as a whole. To monitor and evaluate such projects as appropriate.

Public Relations/Promotion Work

• Work closely with the Area Manager to maintain reputation and good public relations within the communities in which we operate.

• To ensure that good public relations are maintained between accommodation services and relevant statutory agencies.
• To contribute to the implementation of promotional work at local level

Finance/Fundraising

• To ensure that services operate within the agreed revenue and capital budget.
• To ensure that financial control and accountancy systems are adhered to within the project.

Advisory

• To advise SMT on the staffing and financial needs of accommodation services and any ongoing developments relating to accommodation issues; and any difficulties or areas of concern occurring within accommodation; other issues as required.

Volunteers

• To contribute to the training, supervision and support of volunteers within the accommodation.

Area & Regional Work

• To ensure participation in Area and Regional meetings, training etc.

Reports & Meetings

• To provide verbal and written reports as required.
• Utilise excellent IT skills to maintain accurate and confidential case management records and contribute to the monitoring for the service.
• To attend regular meetings with Area Manager and ensure that good communication is maintained; and to attend other meetings as necessary to the smooth running of accommodation services.
• To prepare for and attend regular supervision sessions.

Confidentiality 

• To respect the confidentiality of all information received as a result of postholder’s duties.

Training

• Embrace personal development and be aware of the need for ongoing self-development and training.  In consultation with the Area Manager complete a skills assessment and develop a Training Plan to address any gaps.   
• Attend relevant training courses as required.
• To contribute to training and awareness-raising aspects of work with community, voluntary and statutory groups, when required and as directed by the Area Manager.

Hours of Work:    37 hrs per week

There will be some evening work and occasional weekend work.

Time- In-Lieu can be taken for additional hours worked.

Salary Scale:                  £33,366 - £35,235

Women’s Aid ABCLN offer a competitive Benefits Package including:

• Incremental Salary Scale
• 25 Days Annual Leave increasing to 27 Days after five years’ service and 30 Days after 10 years’ service, plus 12 Statutory Holidays
• Generous Pension with Employer Contribution of 8% plus Life Insurance
• Enhanced Occupational Sick Pay
• Carers Leave
• Comprehensive Induction & Training
• Regular Supervision
• Flexible Working options
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For full job description and personal specification please see Women's Aid ABCLN website