Domestic Abuse Support Worker - Cheshire West and Chester

Domestic Abuse Support Worker - Cheshire West and Chester

If you're passionate about improving the safety and life opportunities of vulnerable individuals and supporting them in their recovery from domestic abuse and homelessness across North West England, this role is for you!

Salary: 20,110 (Pay review pending)
Hours: 30 hours per week

Key Benefits:
* Annual Leave: 23 days per annum, rising to 28 days + 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata)
* Health Plan: Includes free eye testing, access to counselling, and reduced gym membership (after probation)
* Auto-Enrolment Pension: Our client contributes in line with legislation
* Cycle to Work Scheme: Save on bike purchases
* Tech Scheme: Salary sacrifice scheme for tech products from Curry's
* Holiday Purchase Scheme: Buy up to one week of additional leave
* Flexi Hours: Core hours 10:00 am - 3:30 pm for non-rota posts
* Christmas Savings Scheme: Save from January to November
* Paid Mileage: Business mileage payable from an agreed base
* Hospital Appointments: 5 hours paid leave for hospital appointments
* Discounts: Access to charity worker discounts

About The Role:
Our client supports individuals to overcome their experiences, empowering them to build the skills and resources needed to take control of their lives, access their own tenancy, and maintain long-term quality of life. We provide the information needed to make positive choices about their futures.
As a Domestic Abuse Support Worker, you'll deliver high-quality, trauma-informed, and person-centred support to clients within core accommodation. You'll work to improve practice and outcomes through reflection, ensuring the service is delivered to the highest standard while adhering to our clients' policies and procedures.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities:
* Triage, accept, and action new referrals, completing move-in procedures for new clients across accommodation, resettlement, and dispersed services.
* Assess client needs, devise SMART support plans, and ensure housing benefit claims and rent payments are managed efficiently.
* Conduct risk assessments, complete risk management plans, and regularly review risks.
* Make referrals and collaborate with relevant agencies in the best interests of clients and their children.
* Record and manage anti-social behaviour or neighbour nuisance, issuing warnings and notices where appropriate.
* Maintain accurate client records, including contact notes, SMART plans, risk management plans, and outcomes achieved.
* Actively engage clients, promote service user involvement, and deliver group work and programmes in the community.
* Support and supervise volunteers or students, and end license agreements with clients when necessary.
* Ensure the working environment meets health and safety requirements.

Responsibilities Shared with All Staff:
* Uphold our clients' values and principles, embedding empowerment, choice, strength, and change into your work.
* Participate in regular supervision, annual appraisals, and identify job-related development and training needs.
* Work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to attend meetings, networks, and fund raising events.
* Commit to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
* Undertake any other duties appropriate to your role.

Experience and Knowledge:
* Relevant qualification in Domestic Abuse, IDVA, ISVA, or equivalent (Diploma/Degree/NVQ 3) or equivalent work experience.
* Extensive understanding of individuals and families experiencing domestic abuse and the options available to them.
* Knowledge of devising needs assessments, support plans, and risk assessments (including DASH RIC).
* Experience of trauma-informed working, with knowledge of mental health, substance misuse, sex work, and exploitation.
* Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, and the ability to liaise with local agencies.
* Knowledge of welfare benefits, safeguarding concerns, and equal opportunities.
* Full driver's license (no more than 6 penalty points) and access to a car for work purposes.
* Experience working within the voluntary sector.

Other Information:
* DBS: Valid DBS check required.
* Travel: Regular travel is required. Business mileage is payable from an agreed base. The role holder must have a full driving license, road fund license, and business use insurance

Search is an equal opportunities recruiter and we welcome applications from all suitably skilled or qualified applicants, regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/beliefs, sexual orientation or age.