Domestic Abuse Specialist (Refuge Accommodation)

NB: Only Women may apply for this post

Job Title: Domestic Abuse Specialist – Refuge Accommodation

Responsible to:  Accommodation Services Manager

Location: To be based in Ballymena Accommodation

Key Responsibilities of Refuge Accommodation role:

• Support each resident living in Women’s Aid ABCLN refuge accommodation as an individual; recognise and respond to women and children’s specific needs; and ensure their experience is safe, supported and nurturing.
• Organise and deliver weekly house meetings, recording actions and decisions.
• Organise and deliver a residents’ programme of activities to encourage and support women and children living in refuge accommodation.
• Responsible for practical day-to-day housing management issues including health & safety checks and fire drills as determined under agreed procedures.
• Ensure prompt service of maintenance and repairs in refuge accommodation, and maintain accurate records
• Participate in management briefings, supervision and team meetings.
• To participate in the on-call rota, to ensure out of hours emergency/ crisis are responded to appropriately.

Key Responsibilities of Domestic Abuse Specialist:

• Identify and assess the needs and risks of each client referred to the service using an evidence-based risk identification checklist.
• Carry a caseload, working with women and children to reduce risk, increase safety and create safer relationships.
• Support the empowerment of women (within the self-help ethos of Women’s Aid ABCLN), enabling them to recognise the domestic abuse within their situation and regain control of their lives.
• To deliver trauma informed and therapeutic interventions with women and children/young people experiencing domestic abuse.
• Establish and maintain links with key agency partners and participate in multi-agency forums/partnership meetings.
• Advocate on behalf of women with statutory and voluntary agencies including housing, job & benefits, social services, healthcare, education, police and legal support.
• Consult with service users and incorporate their views and experiences within service development.
• Ensure all work is carried out to Women’s Aid ABCLN standards and delivered to maximise agreed outcomes.
• Undertake any other duties as required.

Hours of Work:  24 hours per week (this will include evening and weekend cover – 9 am -5 pm and 2-10 pm, on a rota)

                           Time-in-lieu can be taken for any additional hours worked

Salary Scale:  £26,421 - £28,770 pro rata

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
• Hybrid Working options

For full Job Description and Personal Specification please follow link to Women's Aid ABCLN website.