1 Outreach Support Worker
Salary Range: £23082-£24471 per annum, working 35 hours per week.
Fixed term contract to 31 March 2016
The role of the Outreach Support Worker is to ensure a high standard of support is
provided to women escaping and requiring support with domestic abuse issues.
This support will be provided to homeless households living in dispersed refuge flats,
designated as refuge by West Dunbartonshire Homeless Department. You will have
a clear understanding of domestic abuse and its effects on women, children and
young people, along with knowledge of child protection and adult protection issues.
Applicants should be qualified to SVQ level 3 Health & Social Care or above.
Women only need apply under Schedule 9 (Part 1) of the Equality Act 2010
The successful candidate will be subject to the receipt of satisfactory references and
applicable PVG scheme documents.
The closing date for applications is 30th April 2015.
Applications should be returned to:
Elizabeth Gillespie
Dumbarton District Women’s Aid
3 Peter’s Avenue
Haldane
Balloch
Alexandria
G83 8DE
Or email Elizabeth.gillespie@ddwa.org.uk
Dumbarton District Women’s Aid
Dumbarton District Women’s Aid is affiliated to Scottish Women’s Aid and is one of
38 Women’s Aid Groups who run refuges for women, children and young people
who are victims of domestic abuse. Dumbarton District Women’s Aid has 28 years
experience of providing domestic abuse services in Dumbarton District. It is a free,
confidential and independent service run by women for women, children and young
people experiencing or escaping domestic abuse.
It was agreed at WDC Housing & Community Safety Committee that 50 temporary
furnished flats be designated as refuges. The households will be supported by staff
from within the Homeless Team who will refer to Women’s Aid for specialist domestic
abuse support services.
Our aims are;



To support women, children and young people who are experiencing, or have
experienced domestic abuse
To raise awareness about domestic abuse and its effects on women, children
and young people
To work with relevant statutory and voluntary agencies to improve their
policies and practice responses to women , children and young people
experiencing domestic abuse
We also provide the following services;




Refuge Service – emotional support, advocacy, practical support in our safe
accommodation
Outreach Service – reaching out to support women who are not in Refuge and
living in the community by offering one to one or group support and
information
Children and Young People’s Services – using creative and expert skills to
support children and young people either in Refuge or in the community
Representation – on various panels and agency forums
Job Description
Job Title:
Salary Scale/Hours:
Contract Type:
Responsible to:
Place of Work:
Holidays:
Other:
Outreach Support Worker
£23082-£24471(35 Hours)
Fixed to 31st March 2016
DDWA Management Team
Balloch Office and all locations required by the post
Women only need apply under Schedule 9 (Part 1) of the
Equality Act 2010
A 13 week probationary period applies
SVQ Level 3 or above applies
This post is subject to a PVG Scheme check.
2 suitable references 1 of which must be your current or
most recent employer.
Travel expenses will be paid
Purpose of the Post
The purpose of the post is to effectively deliver one-to-one Outreach support to
families living in dispersed refuge flats in Dumbarton district. They will also be
required to deliver group work and on-call service provision.
Key duties and responsibilities
 To deliver high quality support to women escaping domestic abuse living in
temporary refuge in dispersed refuge flats.
 Provide information within a structured key working relationship. Carry out an
individual assessment of needs including a risk assessment and ensure individual
tailored support plans are in place.
 To ensure that women’s first contact with the Outreach Service is welcoming and
supportive and is tailored to the needs of the woman.
 To ensure the services are sensitive to the needs of the women using them and
that the policies and procedures of DDWA are fully implemented.
 Developing effective partnerships and good links within the area, including with
outside agencies and organisations, to ensure effective working relationships and
information exchange.
 To support and participate in the continuous improvement of the service.
 To produce casework records that are kept to the required standards to ensure
quality service provision, clarity and accuracy for monitoring purposes.
 To maintain confidentiality of women accessing the service.
 To provide emergency out-of-hours cover.
 Carry out all work to the highest possible standards and in accordance with
Dumbarton District Women’s Aid policies and procedures, National care
Standards and other relevant legislation.
 Work in partnership with Scottish Women’s Aid and the wider network,
contributing to local and national campaigns that further the aims of Women’s Aid.
 Participate in group meetings and undertake duties that further the aims and
objectives of Dumbarton District Women’s Aid.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Requirements
Essential/
Desirable
1
Knowledge
1.1
Knowledge and commitment to the feminist analysis of domestic abuse
Essential
1.2
Knowledge of housing support
Desirable
1.3
Knowledge of the Welfare Benefits System
Desirable
1.4
Knowledge of the effects of domestic abuse
Essential
1.5
Knowledge of Child Protection
Desirable
1.6
Knowledge of Health and Safety
Desirable
2
Experience
2.1
Experience of providing information and support to vulnerable women
Essential
2.2
Experience of working with other agencies
Essential
2.3
Experience of providing hands on practical support
Essential
2.4
Experience of seeking out funding sources
Desirable
3
Abilities – Skills and Aptitudes
3.1
Able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Essential
3.2
Able to work with confidential materials appropriately
Essential
3.3
Able to work on own initiative and as part of a team
Essential
3.4
Maintain accurate and up to date records of work
Essential
3.5
Computer literate with working knowledge of MS Office Package
Essential
3.6
Able to forge effective alliances with external agencies/practitioners
Essential
3.7
Able to find innovative solutions and strong problem solving skills
Desirabl
3.9
Able to update her own skills
Desirable
4
Personal Qualities
4.1
Commitment to working in a collective, inclusive and anti-oppressive manner
Essential
4.2
Willingness to undertake appropriate and relevant training
Essential
4.3
Empathetic
Desirable
4.4
Resourceful
Desirable
5
Circumstances
5.1
Availability for flexible working including evening and weekend work
Essential
5.2
Ability to travel within the West Dunbartonshire area, a full current driving
Essential
licence and access to a suitably insured car
5.3
Availability and willingness to participate in on-call rota.
6
Qualifications
6.1
SVQ Level 3 or above in a relevant subject
Essential
Essential