Barnardo’s and Dundee Women’s Aid (DWA) have an exciting opportunity for people to join our Multi-Agency Independent Advocacy Service (MIA), who have a genuine interest in working with victims of domestic abuse.

The MIA Service is currently undergoing a transition to a new model. We are developing an integrated Specialist Domestic Abuse Court Advocacy and Support Service focused on reducing risk and improving the safety and wellbeing of victims of domestic abuse in Dundee, which aims to ensure that all victims; women, children, and men, are safe, informed and supported throughout their involvement with the criminal justice system. Applicants should have a knowledge of domestic abuse and be committed to working with those who experience it, be enthusiastic, motivated, have excellent communication skills and be able to work collaboratively in a multi agency environment, evidencing a respectful and inclusive approach. You will be creative, innovative, adaptable, dynamic and able to deliver an empathic and robust service. The use of a non-judgemental approach is essential, and you should be able to evidence professional curiosity. This is an exciting new service model which is being funded by Scottish Government for 1 year initially, with a possibility of extension dependent on future funding opportunities.

PURPOSE OF THE POST

To provide a sensitive, pro-active short to medium-term advocacy, support, and information service to victims/survivors of domestic abuse who are referred to MIA, focussing on those most at risk. This will be done primarily by telephone but face to face as required. To work with clients at high or medium risk or who have a case proceeding to court.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• To provide a pro-active, short to medium term, needs-led service within a multi-agency framework to victims/survivors of domestic abuse, focussing on those most at risk.
• To receive referrals from the police or other partner agencies and contact the victim/survivor within 24 hours to offer crisis intervention, risk assessment, safety planning and information.
• To work towards the empowerment of MIA clients and support them to understand the dynamics of abuse as it has affected them.
• To manage a caseload and to provide additional support to those MIA clients most at risk where a case is proceeding to court and/or the victim/survivor is assessed as being at high risk of further abuse and harm.
• To provide information throughout the criminal justice process and ensure MIA clients are kept informed of their rights and options and to attend court when required.
• To support MIA clients to identify and take action to address their own safety.
• To support MIA clients to identify and take action to address the safety needs of their children while adhering to existing child protection procedures and best practice.
• To refer any children to the MIA CYP advocates.
• A requirement to work a variable shift pattern which includes weekend working.
• To work in partnership with relevant agencies on behalf of victims/survivors and to monitor their support plans/pathways, including undertaking joint visits.
• To advocate on behalf of and liaise with partner agencies to ensure the safety and support needs of MIA clients are being addressed.
• To provide additional support as directed by the Service Manager or, where appropriate, the Senior Advocate, to MIA clients who are at highest risk and/or are referred to a MARAC (Multi-agency Risk Assessment Conference) and/or are referred to a Police Tasking and Coordinating process.
• To maintain accurate and up-to-date database records of contact with or relating to MIA clients referred to MIA.
• To inform the Service Manager or, where appropriate, the Senior Advocate, of institutional advocacy issues to enable these issues to be resolved at a strategic level.
• To participate in multi-agency meetings or groups as directed by the Service Manager.
• To keep up to date with relevant research, legislation and policy development in relation to gender-based violence.
• To act as an effective representative of MIA by promoting the work and ethos of MIA.
• To work at all times to the ethos, values, protocols and service standards governing MIA and its partner agencies, Barnardo’s and Dundee Women’s Aid.
• To ensure the confidentiality and security of all information in accordance with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK General Data Protection Regulation.
• To comply with Barnardo’s/Dundee Women’s Aid Equality Policy.
• To comply with relevant health & safety legislation, good practice and the ethos of the employing agency, Barnardo’s/Dundee Women’s Aid.
• To carry out any other duties relevant to the post, as and when required.

This post requires a PVG scheme record check for both types of regulated work – work with children and work with protected adults.

This job description cannot cover every issue or task that may arise within the scope of the post. The post-holder will be expected to carry out other duties from time to time which are broadly consistent with the duties as detailed above.

For further information, including a generic Barnardo's job description at details of how to apply, please download the Information Pack from our vacancies page linked below.

The recruitment process is being coordinated by DWA and an Information Pack and Application Form are available on the vacancies page on our website dundeewomensaid.co.uk/vacancies.php or for further information please call 01382 220803 or email opportunities@dundeewomensaid.co.uk.