PURPOSE OF JOB Domestic Abuse Support Worker

To provide a compassionate and supportive response to service users who have complex and vulnerable issues who primarily will be accommodated due to fleeing domestic abuse and/or stalking. in supported housing and temporary accommodation across Maidstone. The priority of this role will be supporting those to maintain their tenancy, be able to live a full life within the community and helping the individuals and families to move on from their traumatic experiences

The post holder will be expected to work closely with the Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Coordinator as well as the wider professionals such as the police and Victim Support.

The post holder must be able to proactively liaise with service users and partner agencies to deliver a range of interventions and develop multi-agency work. At times you will be expected to take the lead and be assertive in a pressurised environment. You must be able to pitch communication according to the audience to ensure you are maximising positive outcomes.

To provide information and advice on support services available and provide assistance in exploring various opportunities in terms of housing, employment, education and keeping safe.

To be able to adapt working practises and communication styles to work with vulnerable people across a variety of accommodation settings.

To carry a case load of clients, ensuring they are effectively supported and this is followed up with effective casework management including support plans, staying safe plans and needs assessments.

To be able to work flexibly which may include evenings, weekends and bank holidays. To participate in an out of hours on call rota.

You will be required to work face to face with customers in a variety of setting including our new Community Hub, Trinity, in central Maidstone.

MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES Domestic Abuse Support Worker

• To deliver a reactive and proactive service to those who have experienced domestic abuse and/or stalking throughout the borough.
• To undertake work out of hours including weekends and evenings, using your own transport, ensuring your own personal safety at all times.
• To work in collaboration and partnership with stakeholders to offer a range of interventions to the cohort and this will include supporting the wider family.
• Identifying the complex needs of often highly vulnerable and high-risk clients, which will include, high risk relationships, substance misuse, alcohol dependence, mental health issues, offending and violent behaviour, anti-social behaviour and individuals involved in the sex trade, and making appropriate referrals to services.
• To maintain accurate records detailing your interventions, including completing staying safe plans, support plans and needs assessments.
• To produce high quality casework management forms which have been coproduced with clients.
• To provide a multi-agency response and communicate information between all agencies in order to reduce the likelihood of returning to the perpetrator and increase access to support services.
• To assist in developing best practice in providing homelessness services and solutions to homelessness.
• Support and promote the provision of programmes and campaigns aimed at domestic abuse and stalking.
• Facilitating the re-connection of individuals with the areas in which they are from if they wish to return and it is safe to do so.
• To ensure lone working policies and procedures are followed at all times.