Refuge Team Leader
10 days ago
West Marsh
Refuge Team LeaderResponsible To: Support Supervisor, Support Manager, Head of ServicesSalary: £14phDays / Times: 37.5 Hrs 9 am to 5 pmFlexibility is needed during a crisis or for staff support when necessaryWork Base: Grimsby Town CentreAs this position will include working in the Refuge, we are only accepting applications from women.(Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010 applies)To oversee a high-quality domestic abuse service ensuring victims and survivors receive an excellent standard of accommodation and support that helps save lives and change lives.Refuge - Main DutiesTo support the team in providing an immediate & safe place for women and children who are escaping domestic abuseTo oversee decisions about the allocation of accommodation with the teamTo ensure women and children are welcomed into the Refuge and to ensure Licences, welcome packs and other information are delivered in a supportive and easy-to-understand wayTo support staff to help women throughout the re-housing process, including applications to register with local housing systems, housing providers/agencies, visits to the properties, etcWith support supervisors, to ensure on-call and weekend shifts are coveredTo oversee warnings and evictions of residents, ensuring they are actioned in line with Womens Aid policies and procedures as well as Housing LawTo ensure women living in the Refuge maintain due regard for the other occupants of the buildingTo deal with any disagreements or disputes in a professional and fair mannerTo discuss concerns about a familys needs with the Support Supervisor, Support Manager and/or Childrens WorkersTo be responsible for ensuring vital daily communication and support with the teamsTo encourage and promote service user involvement and ensure staff are promoting thisIn liaison with the Admin Staff, to oversee the financial systems in the collection and recording of residents charges, rents and the administration of petty cashTo ensure that the physical environment of the Refuge is acceptable to the women and that they are safe, clean and offer a high level of comfortTo comply with Health & Safety at all times and to ensure safe working practices are adhered toTo report and/or organise any maintenance and repair requirements as appropriateAct as a contact point for organisations and individuals wishing to provide activities and information for women and their childrenTo introduce and develop additional activities, educational and/or employment opportunities for residents and their children as requiredTo ensure the safeguarding procedure is adhered to, and refuge children are not exposed to unacceptable riskSupport - Main DutiesProvide support to women and children living in the RefugeOversee referrals for Refuge admissions and prioritise high-risk casesManage and oversee occupancy levelsEnsure support is high-quality, pro-active and outcomes-focusedEnsure provisions of support are available and accessible 24 hrs a dayEnsure we respond and record immediately to telephone calls, emails and enquiries in personOversee management of caseloads, ranging from low to high risks and low to high support needs; ensuring all support is regular, structured and appropriate to the clients individual needs and includes safety, protection, risk management and ongoing support & future plansEnsure support is delivered in a trauma-informed wayEnsure participation in MARAC research, updates, actions, feedback and meetings when necessaryEstablish and practice good working partnerships and multi-agency work with other professionals and outside agenciesTake part in accredited IDVA training when available. (Independent Domestic Violence Advocate)Be responsible for ensuring that relevant reporting data and information are up to date and available when requestedEnsure individual case files are up to date and to take part in regular file reviews and spot-checksWhen requested, to prepare and undertake client reports and/or feedback on their supportGeneral ResponsibilitiesTo work as a team member under the guidance of the management teamTo participate in supervisions (with line manager & clinical) and appraisalsTo participate in fundraising activities on behalf of Womens AidTo work alone and on one's own initiative with due regard to our lone working proceduresTo participate in staff training, ensuring mandatory training is up-to-date and refreshed regularlyTo discuss any training personally identified in supervisionsTo attend team meetings, external meetings and Trustee meetings as requestedTo draw to the attention of the Support Manager any issues which may impact on clients or WATo be familiar with all policies of Womens Aid; to ensure policies are signed off as instructed; to ensure policies are implemented and adhered to at all timesTo be familiar with and work in accordance with Womens Aid's performance management system, including measuring change performance and monitoring satisfactionTo work at all times in accordance with the confidentiality policy of Women's AidTo comply with data protection legislation, ensuring information sharing procedures are adhered toTo ensure the highest standard of anti-discriminatory and equal opportunities practices are adhered to and to work in a non-judgemental way, within the guidelines of equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practiceTo work in a safe and responsible way, ensuring that safety and lone working procedures are followed and that you do not endanger yourself, your colleagues or service usersTo work in accordance with staff values and ethos as described in our staff agreementTo constantly raise awareness of domestic abuse locallyTo assist with providing cover for absent colleagues during periods of sickness, holidays, etc., as requested by the Support Supervisor and Support Manager. Head of Services or CEOTo carry out any other duties commensurate with the level of this postPerson SpecificationEssential Criteria Experience of:Supporting and managing staffUndertaking client needs and risk assessmentsLiaising with other agenciesSupport File Management and record keepingKnowledge of:The impact of domestic abuse on everyoneThe local area, resources and agenciesSafeguarding practicesSkills:Ability to work as a member of a staff team and as an individualExcellent communication and organisational skillsComputer skills (file management is undertaken electronically)Good literacy and numeracy skillsInterpersonal skills with both individuals and external organisations and agenciesAbility to cope with crisis management, conflict and distressGeneral:A commitment to the empowerment of those affected by abuseTo foster a tolerant, supportive and empathic approach to clientsTo ensure a positive image of the organisation through personal behaviour and appearanceDemonstrate a high level of motivationA commitment to Equal OpportunitiesDesirable Criteria Qualifications:Any recognised professional qualificationsExperience of:Working in supported housingSafety planning and risk assessingKnowledge of:The effects of homelessnessHousing/welfare benefits legislationDrug, alcohol and mental health issuesValues and CultureWe are a values-led organisation committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for both our staff and the people we support.TPBN1_UKTJ