Victim Safety Advisor

Role:               Victim Safety Advisor

Based:            Sandwell

Rate:               £9,724.33 - £11,100.62 (£24,310.04 - £27,751.55 FT equivalent

Start Date:      ASAP

Duration:        Permanent

Hours:             15 hours – days to be arranged

Our client, a specialist Domestic Violence charity based in the Black Country is looking to recruit a Victim Safety Advisor to improve the safety of victims of domestic abuse in their homes and communities

Synopsis of duties:

• Focus on and prioritise on offering practical support to improve safety at home conducting home visits to assess the safety needs in the home and local area in collaboration with the victim. Increasing personal safety of the victim (and that of any children) and inform them of their rights and options in terms safety measures inclusive of target hardening options and protective orders.
• Provide direct casework support, advice, information and empowerment to individuals experiencing DVA completing applications to Sanctuary Scheme for target hardening – making recommendations of safety equipment/improvements needed. Once completed monitor the completion and impact keeping in touch with the victim for an agreed period of time.
• Advocate for and work with the victims of domestic abuse to help them access services to keep them and their children safe. Safety planning in the home, including walkthroughs with victim and practical advice on escape routes, contacting police, keeping documents in a safe place etc.
• To hold a case load and offer support & safety advice and guidance. Where there is antisocial behaviours, stalking or any continued abuse/harassment encouraging the maintenance an incident diary and where appropriate apply for civil remedies.
• Take referrals via drop-ins and telephone contact, gathering information regarding the victim and their circumstances, assessing the information, agreeing needs and identifying risk.
• Recognise, respect and address the needs of victim who face particular barriers when seeking help to access the advocacy service, including those from hard to reach groups.
• Support the empowerment of victims, assisting them to recognise the dynamics of domestic abuse present in their own situation, and to help them regain control of their lives.
• Facilitation of group work, as and when needed, to raise awareness of the dynamics of domestic abuse and empower victims to live free from abuse.
• Promoting the role of the Victim Safety Adviser through briefings, presentations, team meetings and delivering training if and when required with the wider community services. Encourage participation and involvement including onward referrals.
• Develop good working relationships and liaise with outside agencies about the risks and needs of victims when needed; this will include joint working and referrals to colleagues or other external agencies where appropriate.
• To be an active member of multi-agency networks and meetings, such as child protection conferences and core groups, maintaining good communications with other professionals involved and advocacy for the victim.
• Prepare reports to feed into MARAC and other operational safeguarding forums. Attendance to present cases at MARAC may be required on an ad hoc basis.
• Record case work accurately and ensure the administration of caseload is always up to date.
• Attend regular case review meetings in order to communicate information regarding cases and, in particular, share information around high risk cases.
• Ensure that any issues in relation to safeguarding children or vulnerable adults are brought to the immediate attention of the named manager/Director.

Essential Requirements:

• Experience of working with vulnerable adults and children, acknowledging safeguarding concerns and responding appropriately
• Experience of working with victims of domestic abuse in a professional capacity
• Experience of managing a caseload of vulnerable individuals
• Experience of managing complex casework, including issues such as child abuse, mental health, substance abuse, working with trauma in adults and children and crisis intervention

Supporting Futures Consulting acts as both an employer and an agency.