Domestic Abuse Specialist - Refuge Accommodation

NB: Only Women may apply for this post

Job Title:        Domestic Abuse Specialist – Refuge Accommodation
Responsible to:     Community Services Manager 
Location / Base:    Ballymena 

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 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 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:     37 hrs per week 
Time-in-lieu can be taken for any additional hours worked.
Salary Scale:            £26,421 - £28,770    NICVA/NJC Scale 5
            Funded by Supporting People 

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 11 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 see Women's Aid ABCLN website.