DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT WORKER
LOCATION: Breaffy Road, Castlebar, Co Mayo
CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent; Full time
HOURS: * Hours per week
PENSION: Pension scheme available
SALARY: Point 1 :HSE Social Care Salary Scale €**Apply on the
website**, * per annum
REPORTING TO: Manager, Safe Ireland Mayo
PURPOSE OF THE JOB
Safe Ireland Mayo work throughout the County to provide support to
women and children who access the service and have experienced
domestic violence and coercive control. It is a requirement that
workers develop the skills and knowledge necessary to deliver a wide
range of supports in refuge accommodation.
ENVIRONMENT OF THE JOB
Safe Ireland is the national development and co-ordination body
working to eradicate Domestic Violence (DV). We have five distinct
functions: investigating the causes and effects of violence and
coercion based on sex, gender and sexuality; delivering frontline
refuge, support and outreach services; supporting the development,
delivery and coordination of frontline Domestic Violence member
services; developing best practice guidelines for skilled
community-led domestic violence response; and influencing civil
society and national strategic policy. Safe Ireland Mayo is a
frontline service of Safe Ireland. It is the lead agency in the County
addressing the issue of domestic violence and coercive control. The
main centre of administration and refuge accommodation is in
Castlebar. There are 4 self-contained family units and 1
self-contained unit of accommodation.
MAIN DUTIES
* To ensure that the needs of women & children are central to the
work of the organisation.
* To adhere to all Safe Ireland practices as outlined in the Safe
Spaces Series as well as Safe Ireland’s policies and procedures to
ensure the delivery of quality, effective and safe services to women &
children.
* To observe and enforce a policy of strict confidentiality (with
the exception of the limitations) in relation to all aspects of the
service.
* To work as part of a team, providing a welcoming safe environment
for women and their children who are using the service.
* To maintain a high standard of emotional and practical care and
support for women and their children, who are in refuge, includes the
preparation and maintenance of refuge accommodation.
* To advocate for women & children when appropriate and by
agreement.
* To provide support to women around safety issues, legal matters in
relation to domestic abuse, court accompaniment and housing issues, as
appropriate.
* To maintain all records and files according to the agreed standard
and prepare reports as required.
* To maintain the security and well-being of survivors of domestic
violence and coercive control and their children within the premises,
and to communicate immediately with the manager any breaches of safety
and security, house rules or occupancy
* To liaise with other appropriate agencies in order to provide a
comprehensive range of supports to women and children that reflects
their individual needs.
* Write accurate reports and maintain and update records, files,
database and statistics as required using CRM system
* To adhere to Safe Ireland and Tusla policies on child protection.
* To keep informed of developments in the area of domestic violence
including new methods of work, changes in policy, legalisation,
additional supports etc.
* To encourage women leaving the refuge accommodation to maintain
contact with the service via the outreach team.
The above duties are a guide to the general range of duties and are
neither definitive nor restrictive and will be subject to periodic
review.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
EDUCATION
* BA in Social Care / NFQ Level 7 or higher is required for this
position.
* A qualification or training in working with domestic violence
would be an distinct advantage
KNOWLEDGE
* Knowledge of the dynamics and impact of domestic violence and
coercive control
* Awareness of gender analysis as a systematic analytical process
used to identify and understand the relevance of gender roles and
power dynamics in society
* Awareness of interculturally competent approaches to meeting the
needs of those who have experienced domestic violence and coercive
control
* Up to date knowledge of housing, criminal, civil and welfare
rights legislation relating to domestic violence and coercive control
* Knowledge of GDPR requirements for frontline services
* Knowledge of child protection legislation and reporting
requirements
EXPERIENCE
* Significant (or Demonstrable) experience in an organisation (paid
or voluntary) providing services to women and children who have
experienced domestic violence and coercive control
* Extensive experience of sensitively assessing and responding to
the needs and risks of women and children experiencing domestic
violence and coercive control
* Experience of working in a residential setting/ refuge/women’s
advice centre or other relevant agency.
* Experience of information giving and one-to-one support
* Experience of office administration systems
SKILLS
* The ability to build and develop supportive relationships with
women and their children, while maintaining professional boundaries.
* The ability to build effective relationships, both internally and
externally, showing sensitivity for others’ viewpoints and valuing
diversity.
* The ability to work as a team member and within a line management
structure, understanding the importance of seeking guidance and
support when required.
* A high degree of self-motivation and be able to work in a creative
and flexible way
* Presentation/Facilitation skills
* Working knowledge and experience in IT/ Social Media
* An ability to display empathy, patience and a well-developed sense
of humour.
* A positive outlook with resilience and persistence in the face of
barriers and setbacks.
* Have excellent writing and reporting skills.
OTHER
* Full clean driver’s license with regular access to a car for
work
APPLICATIONS IN THE FORM OF A CV AND COVER LETTER CAN BE FORWARDED TO
**APPLY ON THE WEBSITE**
Closing Date: FRI **APPLY ON THE WEBSITE**TH DEC
_Safe Ireland is an equal opportunities employer._
We need : English (Good)
Type: Permanent
Payment:
Category: Others
