Hospital Independent Domestic Abuse Advisor - Hospital IDVA
6 Collins St, Oxford - 6 Collins St
GBP 30,000.00 - 30,000.00 per annum - 30k
Fixed Term Contract - 12 months fixed term
A2Dominion is a residential property group with a social purpose to improve people’s lives. While we take a commercial approach to housebuilding, we reinvest all our profits into building more new homes and supporting the communities in which we work.
We’re a strong player in our field and we’re part of the G15, a group of the largest housing providers in London. We’re proud of our commitment to our customers.
Key Responsibilities:
1. The IDVA will work closely with victims of domestic abuse in a hospital setting, from the point of crisis, to provide high-quality independent advocacy and support to survivors of domestic abuse at the highest risk and their children.
2. The job involves working within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC and local partnership protocols and procedures that prioritise the safety of survivors.
3. The post holder will work in partnership with the Hospital Trust and the Commissioners in improving strategic and operational links and joint working. This may include training to hospital staff to improve awareness and understanding of domestic abuse.
4. The post holder will be based within the Maternity and A&E wards within Oxfordshire NHS Trust and will carry a caseload of survivors and their children that require additional support.
5. The post holder will empower survivors by providing them with emotional, practical, and personal welfare support.
6. Hold a caseload and work to conduct comprehensive assessments of needs and risk (DASHH) for women experiencing domestic abuse referred to our services, carry out short- and longer-term risk management, safety planning, and support.
7. Ensure effective access to the service for women and girls and encourage their engagement with services, through multi-agency working and service flexibility.
8. Develop and deliver support plans that include delivery of high-quality face-to-face or telephone crisis intervention, information, advocacy, and support, in respect to criminal and civil remedies, housing, health, welfare rights, children’s legislation, and other appropriate interventions.
9. To provide practical and emotional support to women and men, applying the principles of effective casework when supporting survivors of domestic abuse at the highest risk and their children and to advocate for survivors to ensure their needs are met.
10. Advise clients of their rights and options for seeking help and support from other agencies, making referrals and co-ordinating the provision of multi-agency support where necessary, and proactively advocate ensuring barriers to accessing support and protection are minimised.
11. Support the empowerment of the client and assist them in recognising the features and dynamics of domestic abuse present in their situation, and help them regain control of their lives.
12. Having an understanding of multi-agency partnership structures and work within a multi-agency setting which will include participation at the MARAC.
13. Attend Child Protection and MARAC meetings as required and also attend court, advocating on client’s behalf, advising on all aspects of family/criminal justice system and their legal rights.
14. Ensure that agreed case recording and monitoring systems are kept up to date and secure, and write internal and external reports where required, including for safeguarding conferences, team meetings, managers, and others as required.
15. Support colleagues and partner agencies, through awareness raising and institutional advocacy, in order to provide the best possible service for victims of domestic abuse.
More about you:
Essential Criteria:
1. Educated to GCSE level or equivalent in Maths and English (Grades A*- C)
2. A relevant qualification or training, for example in domestic violence/abuse, criminal justice, law, social work, or other related area, by a recognized body such as SafeLives
3. Knowledge of child protection issues and legal responsibilities
4. Good understanding of trauma-informed practice
5. Extensive knowledge of the issues relating to domestic violence including the barriers survivors face in accessing services and how to address these
6. Experience of risk and needs assessment and safety and support planning, particularly with clients with complex/multiple needs.
7. An excellent understanding of the criminal justice system and relevant legislation with particular regard to legal and civil options, housing, benefits, matrimonial and children.
8. Experience of managing complex multiple caseloads and seeing the case through to the end
9. A thorough understanding of violence against women and girls with a particular focus on the dynamics of domestic abuse (physical, emotional and sexual violence, honour-based violence, forced marriage, stalking and harassment) and its impact on women, children, families, and communities.
10. Experience of working in multi-agency settings including statutory and voluntary services, with an ongoing commitment to partnership working
11. Experience of partnership working and of maintaining excellent working relationships with a range of stakeholders.
12. An ability to manage crisis situations calmly and with a problem-solving approach.
13. Excellent advisory, guidance, negotiation, and persuasive skills in order to influence outcomes for service users
14. A working knowledge of Harmful Practices (forced marriage, dowry conflict, honour abuse, disownment, FGM and abuse based on faith and belief
15. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Able to work effectively within a team setting and alone.
Whatever the role, we want you to bring your knowledge and experience to play your part in improving people’s lives.
Choosing us is easy. We support our people and help you feel like you belong. We’ll invest in your learning and development, provide a competitive salary, and a great range of benefit packages as well as the flexibility to balance your working and home lives.
If you require a reasonable adjustment during the recruitment process, please contact our Talent Team to request: recruitment@a2dominion.co.uk
A2Dominion Group is a Disability Confident Employer which means that we are committed to employing disabled people and will:
* actively look to attract and recruit disabled people
* provide a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process
* offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job
* be flexible with assessing people so disabled applicants have the best opportunity to demonstrate that they can do the job
* make reasonable adjustments as required
At A2Dominion Group, we recognise the positive value of diversity, promote equality and inclusivity in our hiring processes. We always aim to recruit the person who is most suited to the job and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds – men and women, people of all ages, sexual orientations, nationalities, religions, and beliefs.
Meeting the role requirements
We recognise that some females will only apply for a role if they meet 100% of role requirements. If this sounds like you, we’d still encourage you to apply and also to arrange a call with one of our recruitment team to discuss your application further at recruitment@a2dominion.co.uk.
A2Dominion are proud to be a family friendly employer.
Everyone is welcome at A2Dominion Group. We know that equality, diversity, and inclusivity make us better. We embrace the unique contributions of our people and seek to create a workplace where everyone feels like they belong.Find out why our people love working with us.
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