Domestic Abuse Advocate

ROLE SUMMARY
How this role fits into the vision and objectives of Causeway
We currently have an exciting opportunity for a ReFocus Advocate within our LifeNavigate Team based in Merseyside. We are looking for a suitably experienced male applicant who has a working history of engagement with men who have suffered domestic abuse.  

The aim of this project is to support and signpost individuals who meet relevant criteria and show a motivation to change after being identified as at risk of committing low level Domestic Abuse. A key element of this project is that it is survivor focused and looks to address Abusive Behavior’s at their source at an early intervention phase via support and education. This means working with both those who have carried out such acts and those who have been made subject to them.

The successful candidate is expected to support a caseload of individuals who have been subject to suspected abusive behaviours in order to jointly assess and manage any initial risk and to ensure all safeguarding protocols have been followed. This process will happen in partnership with the organisation DMAT who will run ‘See the signs’ course which will look to educate and equip individuals to feel safe and empowered in this area. The role will also provide on-going support to individuals in areas of need in which they feel disempowered and hence build confidence and skills. You will be working in an agile and responsive team environment and be part of the team providing support and pathways to those who have experienced domestic abuse.

WHO WE ARE
We’re Causeway, the UK-wide charity who believes in the power of lasting change. We take people from existing to living, and empower our service users, including survivors of modern slavery and exploitation, to find their voice and place in society. Since 2005, we have expanded across multiple regions and now provide accommodation and outreach support to hundreds of survivors of modern slavery every year. In 2018, we collaborated with South Yorkshire Police in an initiative called Plan B. This helped to launch the LifeNavigate department. Using, a trauma-informed approach, we are fully committed to breaking the cycle of crime, alongside other organisations such as South Yorkshire Police, Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service, amongst many others. In 2021 we were commissioned to develop a deferred prosecution scheme by Merseyside police which worked to support low level offenders across all regions of Merseyside to avoid further criminality via support and signposting during a 12-16 week engagement. At the end of this no further action would be taken if engagement is completed successfully. Our vision is to ensure a thriving future for marginalised and vulnerable people, and it would not be possible without our dedicated team of staff and volunteers.

What you can expect from a career at Causeway
As an organisation we are committed to supporting your success and providing you with a wealth of skills, training and opportunities as well as staff benefits to enhance your employment. These will include:
 Regular accredited and in-house training on specialist subjects such as trauma, mental health, safeguarding, working with addictions and much more
 Group Supervision every 6 weeks with qualified therapists
 Commitment to annual salary reviews
 Progression opportunities
 Annual staff survey and focus groups – have your say!
 30 days holiday per year (plus accrued holiday days for length of service)
 Medicash medical discount scheme
 3% employer contribution pension scheme
 Support via Staff Networks including an LGBTQ+ staff network

WHAT OUR STAFF SAY ABOUT WORKING WITH US
We pride ourselves on our employee job satisfaction. 100% of people in our 2021 staff survey feel that Causeway positively impacts the lives of our clients and 97% of our staff would recommend working at Causeway to others like them.
'Working for Causeway is working in an environment where you can share your ideas. It’s great when your employer hears and sees you, you feel valued and it encourages you to succeed. By having an employer who gives you the tools to reach your goals, makes you more driven and focused on your work. Also at Causeway I feel part of a team that provides an environment in which vulnerable adults feel safe and valued it is the most rewarding job you could have'
 

JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Domestic Abuse Advocate
Reports to: ReFocus Coordinator
Contracted Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Contract Duration: Until 31st March 2025
Salary: £25,750 
Location: Merseyside
Closing Date:  20th November 2023
Interview Date: w/c 27th November
Probationary Period: 3 months
Direct Reports: 0

RESPONSIBILITIES
 Providing support for individuals who are subject to Domestic Abuse
 The full time Keyworker will oversee up to 16-20 clients of varying levels of support need at any one time.
 To work effectively as a team, including giving responsive feedback and handover information to Line Manager, and colleagues where there is a shared caseload, especially in regard to partnership with DMAT.
 To independently meet deadlines, including accurately recording and logging details of support, documenting relevant client information and completing other administrative paperwork in adherence to the terms of the contract.
 To risk assess using the DASH model and take appropriate steps to safeguard clients.
 To create and follow individual support plans and ensuring all service users safety and well-being is paramount at all times
 To arrange appointments for individual clients, and liaising with organisations and individuals regarding clients in a professional manner and sign post service users to appropriate support.
 Supporting Service users face to face (where suitable) in an appropriate environment, including using remote sessions where needed.
 To ensure the referral of Service Users through the ‘See the Signs’ course, including journey planning and move on strategies, within the required time frame.
 To regularly attend supervision meetings with Line Manager.
 Adhering to all internal procedures regarding Causeway and any relevant legislation especially with regard to the Domestic Abuse Act (2021).
 Promoting Causeway in adherence to the terms of the contract – this may include attending events on behalf of Causeway as a whole.
 Any other duties that are commensurate with the role

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
Essential Requirements
Education, Qualifications & Training
• Demonstrate knowledge in specific subject area through specialist training, degree or vocational studies.
• An appropriate enhanced DBS check.
• This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
• An understanding of working with individuals who have been subjected to Domestic Abuse.
Experience
• To have recent experience of working with vulnerable people.
• Experience of working with individuals who have been subjected to acts of domestic abuse
• To have recent experience with documenting and logging information, and record keeping.
• To have recent experience of working with people at risk of being involved in the criminal justice system.
• Recent experience of working with individuals with behaviors’ that may present as challenging.
Skills
• To have good communication skills, including giving feedback and being able to competently and explicitly hand over information.
• To be able to crisis manage and defuse conflict, and to take initiative when needed.
• To be flexible and responsive to Service User needs.
• To be able to maintain confidentiality and to record keep.
• To manage a varied caseload and prioritise tasks.
• Able to write reports and letters on behalf of your client in a professional manner.
• A good level of administrative skills.
• To work within the Internal Policies and Procedures of Causeway.
• Be able to accurately record keep using a case management system (ZOHO).
• To be able to deliver training materials to the team and regularly lead meetings for large groups of people.
Personal Attributes
• To uphold good personal and professional boundaries when working with clients.
• To be flexible and have a willingness to change alongside the role and demands of a forward moving charity.
• To uphold the values and vision of Causeway.
• To speak well of Causeway, clients and other colleagues.
• To be reliable, punctual and maintain confidentiality.
• To be able to navigate change.
• To use personal supervision effectively.
• To be honest and demonstrate good communication skills.
• To uphold good personal boundaries when working with vulnerable people.
• To show patience.

• To be confident working alone or as part of a team.
• A willingness to promote Causeway -this may mean working outside normal working hours, to represent Causeway at conferences with the stand or attend events to recruit new volunteers.
• Applicants must be willing to work with either male or female clients depending on the service needs

Desirable Requirements
Education, Qualifications & Training
• Additional qualifications such as; first aid, safe handling of medication. Health and Social Care Level 3 or relevant equivalent qualifications such as qualifications in addiction/life controlling behaviours.
• Understanding of Trauma
• DASH risk assessments
Experience
• Experience working in a criminal justice setting.
• An understanding of working within the third sector.
• Lone working
Skills
• Experience in journeying individuals on the road to recovery.
• Ability to speak another language.
• A good level of Administrative skills
Personal Attributes
• To have professional goals and want to pursue professional development.
• A passion to help others pursue freedom.
• A passion to see vulnerable and broken people turn their lives around.
Other
• To hold a full clean driving license and have access to a car is not essential but desirable.