Job Description

Job Description

JOb Role

The post holder will help develop, coordinate and run a user-focused Wellbeing and Mental

Health Support Project for LBTQ+ women who experience domestic violence with a group

 of volunteers.

She will provide high quality support and safety planning to LBTQ+ women in crisis.

This includes enabling women to safely maintain their current accommodation, access

alternative housing, welfare  benefits, legal advice and support services.

A key requirement is to ensure that LBTQ+ women accessing the project are provided with a safe, supportive and welcoming environment and to maximize woman’s safety when providing support in the community.

Main duties:

1. To develop, coordinate and provide a 1 day per week support project for LBTQ+ women who experience domestic violence
2. To provide practical and emotional support to LBTQ+ women who experience domestic violence in accordance with Islington Mind’s policies and philosophical principles.  This will include conducting key work sessions on a regular basis and keeping casework records up to date
3. To establish the risks to and the needs of survivors of domestic violence and their children through assessing the practical and emotional support needs of clients from their referral to the service to when they are ready to move on
4. To ensure survivors of domestic violence have access to information regarding all options available to them, and that they are aware of their rights to legal protection for themselves and their children
5. To ensure that any issues in relation to safeguarding are brought to the immediate attention of the Outcome manager, or if unavailable another manager
6. To support women to become more integrated within their local community
7. To assess and address benefit requirements, housing options and unemployment of women escaping domestic violence
8. To supervise volunteers (including service users volunteers) with facilitating peer support groups and drop in sessions.
9. To facilitate a Befriending Program.
10. To accompany clients to key meetings such as GP or out-patient appointments, or legal advice / court / tribunal hearings and to provide support and representation as appropriate.
11. To work in partnership, at the request of clients with other agencies such as social services, health services and housing agencies and to advocate for survivors to ensure their needs are met and that the boundaries of the advocacy role are maintained.
12. To actively develop and maintain links with other domestic violence support agencies, with advocacy groups and with other LGBTQ+ organisations and to develop and strengthen collaborative links and working relationship.
13. To assess benefit requirements of women escaping domestic violence and to provide support with housing options and welfare benefits where appropriate.
14. To provide reports or monitoring statistics as required.
15. To report any problems/difficulties/complaints to the line manager and participate in follow up investigations as required.
16. To maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries and security of service users accessing the project.

Communications

1. To ensure that individual service users are aware of the purpose of the project.
2. To actively promote the purpose and importance of the project amongst professionals within the community.
3. To work with the Outcome Manager in preparing quarterly monitoring reports and to work closely with user groups and volunteers in the auditing of the performance of the service.
4. To maintain clear, accurate and up-to-date records of clients and all work carried out on Islington Mind’s on-line database.

Quality Assurance

1. To maintain current quality standards and, in accordance with Islington Mind’s procedures, develop policies and procedures necessary for the quality performances of the service.
2. In conjunction with the Outcome Manager to monitor the operation of the project with regards to the meeting of LBTQ+ Women experiencing domestic violence needs.
3. To ensure that statistics are properly collected and collated.

General

1. To undertake any necessary training as directed by the Outcome Manager and Director.
2. To demonstrate the ability to work successfully in a team and to work towards upholding and enhancing the reputation of the project.
3. To accept line management supervision from the Outcome Manage, to attend regular meetings/supervisions with the Outcome team and to facilitate volunteers supervision meetings.
4. To seek legal advice and support where appropriate.
5. To undertake any other tasks at the request of the Outcome Manager in keeping with the grade and purpose of the post.

To work in accordance with Islington Mind’s policies and procedures including the confidentiality policy, heal

Person Specification

Essential

Extensive experience of sensitively assessing, responding and supporting the needs and risks of women and children experiencing domestic violence.

Substantial experience of working in a mental health setting and providing direct advocacy services to mental health service users

Experience of liaising effectively with a broad range of agencies/bodies at all levels.

Experience of project administration, collating statistics and keeping accurate case notes.

Knowledge of the dynamics and impact of domestic violence and how best to support survivors.

Up to date knowledge of housing, criminal, civil and welfare rights legislation relating to domestic violence.

Evidence of the ability to build and develop supportive relationships with abused women whilst maintaining professional boundaries.

Evidence of the ability to build effective relationships, both internally and externally, showing sensitivity for others’ viewpoints and valuing diversity.

Evidence of the ability to provide, non-judgemental, non-directive and confidential support to women to take control of their lives and set realistic objectives and goals.

Evidence of the ability to work as a team member and within a line management structure, understanding the importance of seeking guidance and support when required.

Evidence of the ability to be calm and resilient whilst under pressure and to remain optimistic and persistent.

Knowledge of relevant mental health legislation and a broad range of advocacy approaches.

Understanding of and commitment to the rights and of discrimination and its effects and impact on LGBTQ+ mental health service users.

Proficiency in the use of IT, e.g. the internet, e-mail, Word etc.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills at all levels