JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE Independent Domestic Abuse Advisor(IDVA)
PAYMENT £22,490pa pro rata
RESPONSIBLE TO Team Leader Blackpool IDVA Service
HOURS 35hrs per week (F/T)
JOB STATUS Temp 6 months
KEY FUNCTION
To provide a pro-active service to victims of domestic abuse to keep them safe. The work of the IDVA is distinct in that it assesses the risk a client is in and delivers a service appropriate to the level of risk, offering a premium service to those at high risk. IDVAs work within a multi-agency setting to ensure all agencies do their part and co-ordinate their work to keep people safe. IDVAs work with survivors and other agencies and monitor the support pathway.
OVERALL OBJECTIVES
1 To work as a member of the IDVA Team in a community based setting, providing advocacy and support to those at high risk of domestic abuse and violence.
2 To carry out tasks at the request of the Team Leader and other SafeNet Managers, to contribute effectively to the smooth running of SafeNet and its projects both individually and as part of a team in accordance with SafeNet/Calico policies, procedures and guidelines.
Main duties
Work with Clients:
1 Provide pro-active service and advice to victims of domestic abuse to keep them and their children safe.
2 Risk assess using agreed tools such as the CAADA RIC and respond to the needs of victims.
3 Do safety planning with clients to secure practical safety measures.
4 Develop individual service plans to meet individual risks the client faces.
5 Explain housing, civil and criminal legal options to clients.
6 Refer High Risk clients on to MARACs.
7 Ensure that clients get the services to which they are entitled.
8 Support clients through the CJS system, explaining the procedures and their role and rights within that system.
9 Help each client develop their own support network.
10 Refer on and arrange meetings with other agencies/services as necessary, for instance, solicitors, benefit agency, etc.
11 Refer any children and young people within the families being supported into appropriate support and intervention services such as Early Support Services and specialist children and young people services.
12 Understand and apply the legal framework relating to the protection of children including the policy and procedures of the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board, LCC, SafeNet/Calico policies and procedures.
Caseload and partnership working:
13 Manage a caseload effectively, including closing cases appropriately
14 Maintain and update records of all cases.
15 Follow procedures and protocols with other services so that the safety of the clients is kept central to any process.
16 Keep other relevant agencies informed about important changes in client’s situation.
17 Participate in MARAC framework: refer clients to, attend and participate in meetings, follow-up on actions agreed in MARAC
18 Participate in partnership working initiatives such as the multi-agency process for Claire’s Law and other relevant involvement as required
19 Refer regular difficulties client are having to manager and contribute to efforts to improve procedures and services.
20 Note and feed back to other agencies any consistent difficulties clients are having accessing their service.
21 Complete all necessary paperwork, inputting of monitoring data, quarterly reports for both internal and external agency requirements
Other Responsibilities and Tasks
1. To attend appropriate training courses, workshops or other events within the resources of SafeNet when requested to do so by the Head of Community Based Services & Developments or SafeNet Managers.
2. To attend and contribute to regular staff / team meetings.
Policy, Practice and Conduct
1. The postholder must maintain the standards set out in the SafeNet/Calico’s current Codes, Policies, Guidelines, Procedures and Practices at all times.
2. The post holder would be expected to arrange holidays in consultation and co-operatively with the other IDVA’s to ensure service consistency and continuity.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
* Candidates will be assessed on their ability to meet the criteria detailed in this Person Specification. Please show how you meet these in your application.
IDVA (Generic)
Work Related Experience & Knowledge Essential/Desirable
1 an understanding and knowledge of:
· domestic abuse and violence E
· IDVA role and processes E
· Criminal justice systems in relation to domestic abuse E
· The multi-agency environment and partnership working E
· diverse needs/backgrounds of victims/survivors of domestic abuse E
2 experience of
· Successfully managing a client caseload E
· Assessing risk clients are facing E
· Safety planning with clients E
· Advocating on behalf of clients in multi-agency settings E
· Crisis management in a busy office environment E
Skills and Attitudes
3 to be fully computer literate
4 pro-active with excellent time management and organisational skills E
5 Communicate clearly with women and children from different backgrounds E
6 to be conversant in an additional community language D
7 Ability to work responsibly and on own initiative, as required E
8 Commitment to a team orientated environment E
Special Working Conditions
9 Attend all team meetings as required E
10 Provide cover for colleagues during periods of sickness & leave E
JD & PS Update May 2016 AA