Safe Accommodation Support Worker at WWIN Domestic Abuse Service

Contract Type: Permanent

Role Type: Employment

Hours: Full or Part time

Application deadline:

Based: Sunderland

Salary: £26,043 Per Annum

Salary Type: Fixed Salary

Location: Tyne and Wear

Role description: Project Support

Who we are looking for

WWIN are at the start of our exciting new venture It takes a Village which provides specialist safe and supported accommodation project for new and expectant mothers, babies and young children fleeing domestic abuse.  It is widely understood that domestic abuse can start in pregnancy and often escalates in frequency and severity during the perinatal period.  This can have a long term impact on maternal mental health and long term outcomes for children.  This unique project will be working in close partnership with maternity services, health visitors and other agencies with a mission to support women, babies and children at this vital time of life.

We are seeking support staff to assist in the running of our safe supported accommodation project supporting new and expectant mums, babies and children up to the age of three. The successful candidate will provide trauma-informed support, advice and guidance to women and their children living in the project. The role may involve some out of hours working, but currently no overnight working.

As a Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation Support Worker, you will provide support to women and children living in, or moving on from, our temporary safe accommodation. Your role will focus on promoting their safety, health, and wellbeing through a proactive and empowering approach. A key part of the role involves helping women access suitable long-term housing. You will also be responsible for maintaining high standards within the accommodation, ensuring a safe, supportive, and respectful environment.

Job Description

The successful candidate will be responsible for providing a pro-active empowering approach to the safety, health and wellbeing of all victims of domestic abuse across WWIN’s Safe Accommodation, Outreach, Advocacy and Support Service. This involves a holistic assessment for survivors considering the risk and support to their wider family in the community and our specialist accommodation.

WWIN is committed to the personal and professional development of staff. You will be working within an experienced team willing to share skills, experience and support your learning and development.

Responsibilities

• Complete initial and ongoing holistic assessments and make safe decisions in the interests of all survivors of domestic abuse particularly women and children.
• Empower service users to identify and achieve their goals.
• Support with budgeting, finances including benefits, life and parenting skills.
• Advocate for women with external agencies and promote social justice.
• Establish and maintain good working relationships with Local Authorities, Children's Social Care and any other relevant voluntary and statutory agencies.
• Support Women with NRPF status (No Recourse to Public Funds) in navigating the legal landscape.
• Adhering to all organisational policy and procedures.
• Ensure that the health, wellbeing and rights of women and children are promoted throughout service delivery.
• Maintain accurate records regarding all service users on WWIN’s client management system following our case management policy.
• Introduce new clients to WWIN’s services, explaining policies, procedure, house expectations etc. Ensuring residents are informed of available services both internally and externally.
• Maintain a safe and clean environment in the accommodation.
• Ensure regular health and safety checks are carried out.
• Promote strong positive internal and external relations.
• Demonstrable experience of working with vulnerable people, particularly with women affected by domestic and sexual abuse and comfortable working in an environment where we work with these experiences every day.

Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including negotiation skills.
• Good IT skills.
• Good organisational skills.
• Good time management skills.
• A flexible and adaptable approach to clients and working environment.
• An empathic and non-judgemental attitude.
• Ability to effectively work with people regardless of their ethnic, cultural, social backgrounds, their gender, age, religious belief, disability, and sexual orientation.
• Ability to work as part of a team with other staff, volunteers and partner agencies, sharing information and experience.
• Ability to communicate with, and relate to, women from all backgrounds.
• Non-directive, empowering approach to work.
• Ability to work on own initiative.
• An understanding of monitoring and reporting, and the importance of accurate and effective case notes.
• A good understanding of confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• A commitment to safeguarding adults and children and working within safeguarding procedures.
• A commitment to the rights of women and children.

Desirable

• Full driving licence and use of car.