Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid Ltd The Farr Centre, Chapel Walk, Westgate, Worksop S80 1LR Telephone 01909 533610, email: [email protected] Registered Charity Number 513843 - Company Ltd by Guarantee number 1822489
January 2015
Dear Applicant
Refuge Support Worker - Bassetlaw
Thank you for your interest in the above post. Please find enclosed the following:
Job Description Person Specification Information about Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid Ltd Women’s Aid Federation of England Statement of Purpose Application Form Main Terms and Conditions of Employment
The closing date for receipt of applications is Thursday 5th February 2015 at 12noon. Interviews will take place at The Farr Centre, Worksop 16th/17th February 2015.
Applications will not be accepted by email or fax. You must send a hard copy by post.
Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid Ltd accepts no responsibility for non-receipt of application forms. It is recommended that you check the weight of your application form before posting and apply the correct postage as incorrect postage will result in non-receipt of application.
Please note that application will not be accepted by CV.
Yours faithfully Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid Ltd
Mandy Green Head of Services Encs Jan 2015 NOTTINGHAMSHIRE WOMEN’S AID LIMITED
POST: Refuge Worker Bassetlaw SALARY: £22,221 per annum, pro rata LOCATION: Based in Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid Ltd Bassetlaw Refuge HOURS: 24/28 hours per week flexible over 7 days The Refuge will run on a rota basis covering Monday to Friday 9 am – 7pm, Saturday and Sunday 9 am to 1.00 pm. Rota basis on call for out of hours cover RESPONSIBLE TO: Refuge Services Co-ordinator This post requires you to work as part of the Refuge Team and along side the services within the organisation. The refuge offers safe, temporary 24 hour accommodation with an out of office hours on call system that responds to the needs of women, children and young people who have experienced or are escaping domestic abuse. The refuge worker must ensure she works in a sensitive, flexible and non judgemental way in order to respond to the diverse needs of women, children and young people within the refuge setting and on the help line. MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: To offer practical and emotional support to women experiencing domestic abuse To key work and encourage regular one to one support sessions and group work To work alongside the Child Support Workers in ensuring that children’s needs are met and that all House Guidelines, Health and Safety and Fire regulations are understood. Support the aims and principles of the project including to empower and support women and children in making decisions and taking control of their lives To accompany women to relevant appointments/social and leisure opportunities as necessary in line with Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid Ltd policy and procedure and agreed with Refuge Service Coordinator. To respond to the needs of the service users on issues around: o The provision of legal, housing and welfare rights advice and practical support o Advocacy and liaison with other agencies e.g. housing departments, solicitors, courts, social services, schools, doctors, DSS etc o Provision of information about local agencies and community resources o Help with arranging furniture removals and storage and re-housing o To ensure telephone support, information, resources, signposting and referring where necessary to families. o Tenancy, license agreement, inventory and property review issues. Follow all procedures for the initial enquiry, referral and admission process To carry the Out Of hours On Call Emergency Phone on a rota basis as agreed with the Refuge Service Coordinator. Ensure the smooth running of the refuge to aid self contained and communal living Completing with the client Tenancy, Licence agreements, flat or room inventories and full property reviews. Set up and maintain accurate client records To liase and build up networks with other local agencies Jan 2015 To attend external meeting as agreed with the Refuge Service Coordinator Be responsible for collecting accurate daily information for monitoring purposes and to ensure the information is passed to the relevant person for collation and distribution purposes Record all relevant financial transactions according to procedures for rent collection and other financial systems Take joint responsibility for the collection of mail and deal with relevant correspondence Be jointly responsible for the maintenance of the house, grounds and equipment To report all repairs to the relevant department or person/s To report on the relevant paperwork any damages and/or renewals to the Refuge Service Coordinator Facilitate weekly house meetings and refuge social events as and when required Ensuring well being client checks are completed. In conjunction with the Refuge team, organise and facilitate groups, events, information sessions and leisure sessions for families on issues around Domestic Violence and/or any other related issues To participate and attend training as identified and agreed with the Refuge Service Coordinator Attend team, project and trustee meetings as agreed with the Refuge Service Co-ordinator To work on a rota basis to ensure that the Refuge Service is covered Monday – Sunday and to work flexibly as and when required Ensure that all health and safety regulations, policies and procedures are adhered to To take all possible steps to ensure the safety and confidentiality of the users and employees of the organisation To be aware of and implement policies and procedures as set out by Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid Ltd Direct key work with individual clients To participate in regular supervision and appraisal to be agreed by Refuge Services Co- ordinator To follow child protection policies and procedure and liaise with Refuge and Children’s Services Co-ordinators To take joint responsibility for the staffing of the helpline To work closely with external agencies and organisations To take joint responsibility to ensure the smooth efficient running of the refuge office eg filing, photocopying, stationery, inventories etc To ensure all weekly Refuge Timetable of events occur at appropriate and relevant times To work within the aims, objectives and principles of Women’s Aid Federation England and ensure a high quality service is offered to women and children escaping domestic violence To work as part of Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid Ltd Refuge Service Team in order to develop services and build relationships across the projects To carry out any other duties which may vary from time to time as may reasonably be required within the general level of responsibilities of the post
Jan 2015 Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid Ltd Refuge Support Worker– Domestic Violence Person Specification
This is a list of the qualities that we consider are needed in order to fulfil the requirements of the post. We recognise that it is unlikely that any applicant will have all the characteristics but training will be offered to the post holder in the areas where it is necessary.
Qualities/Skills/Experience that are essential: An understanding of Domestic Violence and the effects on women, children and young people A commitment to Women’s Aid Federation England’s principles and objectives Direct experience of supporting women preferable in a hostel setting An understanding of confidentiality issues relating to refuge support work. An understanding and commitment to equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practices Ability to work on own initiative or as part of a team Ability to work under pressure and in conflict or crisis situations Good communication skills both written, oral & ICT Good record keeping skills An understanding of Health and Safety issues Good working knowledge of Legal options, housing/homelessness legislation, welfare rights, Child Protection issues and The Children’s Act 1989. Active listening skills Advocacy skills An understanding of support planning, needs assessment and key working A full clean driving licence and use of a car
Desirable Experience of housing management Awareness of local available services and resources
Jan 2015 Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid Ltd
Refuge Support Worker
Main Terms and Conditions of Employment:
Salary: £22,221 per annum pro rata for part time
Pension: under review due to changes from government
Hours: Part time, 24/28 hours per week. This will include weekend and evening work. Overtime is not payable but time off in lieu will be arranged.
Holidays: 23 days, plus bank holidays pro rata for part time.
Travel: Mileage rate is currently paid at 35p per mile for authorised travel.
Equal Opportunities: Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid Ltd is committed to the prevention of discrimination or harassment against any of its workers, support group or users of its services on the grounds of race, religion, sexuality, size, age or HIV status.
Jan 2015 Nottinghamshire Women's Aid Ltd
Background Information Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid Ltd, formally Bassetlaw Women’s Aid Ltd was formed in 1984 by a group of women who saw the need for a Refuge in this area. Since then it has grown and developed services in response to need. It is a charitable company limited by guarantee governed by a Board of Trustees. In 2003 it changed its structure from a collective to a linear management structure and in 2006 after consultation with its members changed its name from Bassetlaw Women’s Aid Ltd to Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid Ltd It offers temporary emergency accommodation, confidential advice, information and support to single women and women with children who have been physically, emotionally or sexually abused.
Mission Statement Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid Ltd exists for the benefit of all women, young people and children experiencing physical, mental or sexual abuse in their relationships. We offer information, a menu of options, access to (temporary) accommodation, ongoing support and aftercare. Women’s Aid recognises that violence against women results from the unequal position of women in society. We are opposed to all forms of emotional and physical violence and abuse against women, young people and children. We are committed to the principle of self- help and self-determination and encourage women seeking advice, information, support or refuge to determine their own future.
Quality Assurance Supporting people accreditation We achieved accreditation by Supporting People partnership to in all six core objectives Domestic violence services review In October 2010 the Nottinghamshire Safeguarding Board carried out a Domestic Violence Service review on all specialists Domestic Violence providers across Nottinghamshire; Nottinghamshire Women's Aid Limited had excellent feedback from this review stating: Leading Lights Accreditation Our Independent Domestic Violence Advocate service achieved Leading Lights Accreditation (a nationally recognised advocacy qualification) in July 2011, currently being renewed. Investors in People In September 2014 the organisation achieved recognition from Investors in People being awarded the GOLD standard.
Aims and Objectives Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid Ltd aims to help women and their children who have experienced any form of physical, emotional or sexual abuse by meeting the following main objectives: Refuge provision We will meet the immediate housing needs for women and their children who are escaping abuse by offering an immediate and temporary place of safety in the Refuge. Our “open door” policy ensures that no woman will be turned away without receiving assistance from our organisation.
Jan 2015 We will offer the women and their children the support needed to adapt to their new environment and to provide the appropriate advice to empower women by encouraging them to determine their own future without prejudice or persuasion.
Supported Housing Scheme We will enable the woman to maintain an assured short-hold tenancy through ongoing support and resettlement work up until the time the woman determines this is no longer needed. We will recognise the varied and individual needs of each woman by reflecting this in the personal support agreements and respect these individual needs. We will allocate assured short-hold accommodation that satisfies the needs of the woman and her children and by doing so seek external accommodation if required. We will ensure that all supported houses are allocated in a fair and unprejudiced manner by adhering to the Equal Opportunities Policy at all times. We will encourage a partnership between other agencies in support of this scheme. We will recognise that the woman and her children may need ongoing support in the future and in doing so assist in finding this support either within the organisation or through another agency.
Floating Support and Outreach Service We will ensure that all women who are or have experienced domestic violence and have chosen to stay within their existing homes are given the same opportunities for information, support, and training. We will endeavour to reduce the isolation of the women seeking our services due to location, disabilities, etc by providing an accessible rural as well as urban outreach service.
The Farr Centre We will provide support to women in the community who are experiencing domestic violence, abuse, poverty, unemployment and changes to their lives. We will provide information, support, guidance and training. We will enable women to develop skills through involvement in social activities, to become confident, self aware and assertive in order that they can take control of the lives through self- determination.
Young People and Children’s Services We will provide direct support to young people and children as individuals, within the family or in groups, around their experiences of domestic violence. We will provide child-focused support to women around their children’s experiences of domestic violence. We will liaise and advocate on behalf of young people, children and carers with other local agencies in order to coordinate support services in the community.
In support of our aims and objectives Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid Limited is run by women for women.
Jan 2015 Statement of Support for the Work of Women’s Aid Federation of England
Please read the following, tick the two boxes, sign, and return to us.
Women’s Aid Vision:
Women’s Aid Federation of England (Women’s Aid) is working to end domestic violence against women and children.
Women’s Aid Mission:
Women’s Aid’s mission is to advocate for abused women and children and to ensure their safety by:
Campaigning for full and effective legal protection and promoting public policy and practice which respond to women and children’s needs. Providing a 24 hour National Domestic Violence Helpline service. Co-ordinating and supporting a national network of over 500 organisations providing refuge and other services. Communicating the message that domestic violence is unacceptable and promoting action to prevent it.
Women’s Aid Key Role:
Women’s Aid has two unique functions in the prevention of domestic violence:
To give abused women and children a voice in the development of policy and practice by representing their needs to government and to other agencies working in the field of domestic violence.
To support, resource, inform and train refuge and outreach service providers to ensure that they are able to maintain and develop their key role in providing a place of safety and the support and advocacy services which women and children survivors need in order to rebuild their lives.
I hereby declare that I/we have read and support these statements. (Please tick)
I also declare that I/we will not do anything to bring Women’s Aid into disrepute or act against Women’s Aid’s interests. (Please tick) Signed: …………………………………………………………………………………………….. Please print name: …………………………………………………………………………….….. On behalf of organisation (if you are applying on behalf of an organisation):
………………….………………..………………………………..………….. Date: ………………………………………………………………………….
Jan 2015 Reference No ______
Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid Ltd
Application for the post of: Refuge Worker Bassetlaw
Please return the completed form, clearly marked Private and Confidential to: Refuge Worker Bassetlaw Employment Group Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid Ltd The Farr Centre Chapel Walk Westgate Worksop Notts S80 1LR
Closing Date: 5th February 2015 at 12noon Interview Date: 16th/17th February 2015 Name
Address
Postcode Telephone Day Evening
Please give the names and addresses of two people who we can approach for a reference, one of whom should be your current or most recent employer if you have been employed within the last two years: Name Name
Address Address
Telephone Telephone Email Email Can we approach before the interview Can we approach before the interview YES/NO YES/NO
Are you related to any current worker, volunteer or trustee of Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid Ltd? YES/NO Do you have a full driving licence and use of a car YES/NO I confirm that I am eligible to work in the UK? YES/NO
Jan 2015 Reference No _____
EDUCATION AND TRAINING Please give details of Secondary Schools and Colleges attended both full and part-time an any other relevant training courses (continue on a separate sheet if necessary):
From/To Name and Address of Details of examination, School/College results and qualifications
Employment History Please give details of your previous employment during the last ten years, starting with the most recent (continue of a separate sheet if necessary): From/To Name & Address of Position held and Reason for leaving Employer main duties
Jan 2015 Please give details of your experience or knowledge in each of the following areas: Please use additional sheets if necessary. 1) What is your understanding of Domestic Violence and the effects on women, children and young people?
2)Explain your commitment and understanding of Women’s Aid Federation England’s principles and objectives?
3) What is your direct experience of supporting women preferable in a hostel setting?
Jan 2015 4) Explain your understanding of confidentiality issues relating to refuge support work.
5) Explain your understanding and commitment to equal opportunities and anti- discriminatory practices.
6) Give examples of your ability to work on your own initiative and as part of a team.
Jan 2015 7) Give examples of your ability to work under pressure and in conflict or crisis situations
8) Do you have good communication skills both written, oral & ICT, please give examples?
9) Describe and give examples of good record keeping skills and your understanding of support planning and needs assessment.
Jan 2015 10) Demonstrate your understanding of Health and Safety issues in relation to this post?
11) Give examples of your good working knowledge of legal options, housing/ homelessness legislation, welfare rights, Child Protection issues and The Children’s Act 1989
12) Describe when you have used active listening skills and advocacy skills.
Jan 2015 13) Please tell us anything else about yourself that supports your application for this post and give details of any desirable qualities, skills and experience you may have.
Jan 2015 Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid Ltd
Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form
This form will be detached from your application form upon receipt and will be used for monitoring purposes only.
As part of Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid Ltd commitment to make equal opportunities a reality we are monitoring the response to our job vacancies. This will allow us to evaluate how successful our advertising has been and will only be used for this purpose.
The form will be kept separately from your application form and will be anonymous.
Strictest confidentiality and anonymity will be maintained at all times. Your replies will not be used for any purpose other than monitoring. They are not part of the selection process.
Please state:
Age:
Sexuality: Lesbian Bisexual Heterosexual
Disability: Do you consider yourself to be disabled? Yes No
Are you registered disabled? Yes No
Ethnic Origin: I would describe my cultural or ethnic origin as (please tick relevant box in each column):
African Black Caribbean White Asian Dual Parentage South East Asian Irish Other European Other (please specify)
How did you hear about this vacancy?
Thank you for taking the time to complete this form.
Jan 2015 Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
Declaration I confirm that the information I have given on my application form is correct and complete, and that misleading statements may be sufficient for cancelling any agreements made. I understand that, in the event of being short-listed for interview, I may be required to complete a confidential declaration in respect of my state of health. Because of the sensitive nature of the duties the post holder will be expected to undertake, I also understand that the declaration will include details of any criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings and any other information that may have a bearing on my suitability for the post. I understand too that an Enhanced Disclosure will be sought from the Criminal Records Bureau in the event of a successful application.
Signed
Dated
Canvassing by a candidate will disqualify their application.
Any information you give will be kept confidential. The Data Protection Act requires that personal information is obtained and processed fairly and lawfully; is only disclosed in appropriate circumstances; is accurate, relevant and not held longer than necessary and is kept securely.
Jan 2015