Domestic Abuse Caseworker; victims​/survivors

Job Purpose

To provide a direct support service to any victim / survivor of domestic abuse.

• To operate a helpline service for victim/survivors, professionals and the wider community, conduct a full needs assessment, risk assessment and safety plan with a victim/survivor at first point of contact, and act as the allocated worker overseeing case management with person-centred advice and support sessions to assist the service user in developing their personal plan.
• Ensure effective access for all victim survivors of domestic abuse and encourage them to access support from the service through proactive contact, rapport building and assessment.
• Hold and manage a varied and fluctuating caseload, work on a rota basis within the team to conduct comprehensive assessments of need and risk for any victim/survivors experiencing domestic violence referred to the service; carry out short and longer-term risk management, safety planning and support, and identify and refer to services appropriate to their needs in accordance with internal or external policy and procedures.
• Attend multi-agency and partnership meetings as required and act in a consultancy/advisory capacity for external agencies, such as statutory and other relevant agencies, in line with your roles and responsibilities for this post.
• Advise service users of their rights and options for seeking help and support; develop person-centred support plans underpinned by empowerment strategies; make referrals and coordinate the provision of multi-agency support where necessary; advocate on behalf of service users to minimise barriers to accessing support and protection with a trauma-informed response.
• Proactively assess the needs and safety of service users at risk, giving due regard to internal/external policies and procedures and adhering to SWACA safeguarding policy.
• Work with Head of Operations and senior management to ensure all monitoring and evaluations are complete and accurate and fully maintained in line with service specifications and contract KPI’s; engage and encourage service users in the development/enhancement of service delivery; keep managers informed of any issues and successes.
• Support new staff members/students and volunteers within the induction process, including shadowing and sharing knowledge of processes within the organisation to ensure a smooth delivery of service.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date and relevant case notes on both the SWACA Case Management and Local Authority systems; write internal and external reports as required, including safeguarding conference reports, court reports, legal aid letters, team meeting minutes and monitoring reports.
• Work within the confines of confidentiality/GDPR to ensure professional boundaries are maintained when working with service users, staff, volunteers and external bodies.
• Engage in personal development, e.g., attending training, supervision, and team meetings as directed and stay up to date on relevant legislation, policy and practice.
• Some evening and weekend work is required as part of the post; time in lieu will be authorised.
• Promote the interests of the Charity by supporting fundraising and public relations activities.
• Perform other similar duties as allocated from time to time, appropriate to the general character of the post.

• Knowledge/Education/Qualifications A relevant qualification or training in areas such as domestic abuse, criminal justice, law, social work, child development, substance misuse or related area.
• A thorough understanding of the dynamics of domestic abuse and its impact on victims/survivors and communities.
• A sound working knowledge of safeguarding legislation and practice.

• Experience Experience of supporting victims/survivors who have experienced domestic abuse, forced marriage or ‘honour’-based violence or experience of supporting individuals with complex needs.
• Experience of identifying and managing risk, completing needs assessments, safety and support planning, particularly with clients with complex/multiple needs.
• A working knowledge of multi-agency approaches and networks.

• Skills Excellent listening…