Domestic Abuse Caseworker

Are you calm, non-judgemental and able to work effectively with people experiencing distress?

Can you demonstrate our values of Hope, Courage, Together and Responsive and want to be part of our mission to create opportunities for individuals to make choices, find their own solutions, build resilience and manage their whole life and wellbeing?

If the answer to all of these is yes, we want to hear from you.

Job title: Domestic Abuse Caseworker
Reference Number: 221
Reports to: Team Leader - Domestic Abuse Service
Hours: Part Time / 22.5 Hours
Based: Watford / Three Rivers Base closest to home
Salary: £25,000 - £26,000 per annum, pro rata

About the Service 
Hertfordshire Mind Network has had a Domestic Abuse Service in Three Rivers since 2017. The aim of the Domestic Abuse Casework Service is to provide advice, information, and support to survivors of intimate partner or familial violence living in the community about the range, effectiveness, and suitability of options to improve their safety and that of their children. All advice will be based on a thorough understanding and assessment of risk and its management.

About the Role 
You will be line managed by the Domestic Abuse Service Team Leader for Hertfordshire Mind Network but will manage your own workload, prioritising tasks and working on your own initiative.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the wellbeing of clients who are affected by domestic abuse.
• Improve risk management and safety for clients
• To remain a source of independent support for all clients
• Contribute to a reduction in repeat victimisation
• Reduce the number of victims withdrawals of witness statements
• Increase the reporting of children at risk of harm
• Put any necessary safeguards in place
• Increase successful court outcomes by proactively supporting clients
• Work with other professionals e.g. police, health, social care, housing, and signpost and liaise with such agencies as necessary
• To agree and record safety plans made with clients as well as suggesting other alternate appropriate areas of support to ensure clients are receiving some sort of support or engagement with services.
• Receive referrals and undertake appropriate risk assessments and make direct contact within 48 hours of referral.
• To refer to the Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) if required and local IDVA service.
• Work with the wider team within Hertfordshire Mind Network and support clients in accessing additional support e.g. counselling, peer support, employment support and self-development courses.

We offer:

• Annual leave entitlement of 25 days per year pro rata, rising in increments to a max. of 29 days after 5 years employment (plus 8 days Bank Holidays)
• An additional day of leave each year for your birthday following completion of probation period.
• Ongoing training relevant to your role.
• An Employee Assistance Programme.
• Health cover (after 6 months employment) – compensation payment for Optical, Dental, Chiropody and Therapy Treatments.

Being able to drive and having access to your own vehicle is essential for this role.

Closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 5th July by 5pm.
Interviews shall take place on Friday 12th July at our Watford Wellbeing Centre.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Equal Opportunities 
We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. In addition, during the various stages of recruitment, specific measures can be taken to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities or special needs.

Hertfordshire Mind Network is committed to the Disability Confident and Mindful Employer charters. We actively recruit staff who have a lived experience of mental ill health. We recognise and value the unique combination of skills, knowledge and perspective that employing people with a lived experience, at all levels across the organisation, brings. We create an environment where the sharing of experiences and vulnerabilities to support others and create positive change is welcomed and work towards breaking down the ‘them’ and ‘us’ culture. The organisation is committed to nurturing peer relationships that allow all staff to thrive.

We are delighted to have been accredited as a Living Wage Employer.

No agencies please.