Domestic Abuse Specialist

Job Description

Job Title: Domestic Abuse SpecialistContract Type: Permanent Salary: £39345 (£43487 is achieved after 12 months successful performance in the role) Working Hours: 35 hours per week, full time Working Pattern: Monday to Friday  Location: North Reg Hub, Carlisle

Please note that whilst we will accept applications on the basis of any form of valid legal permission to work in the UK, we will be surrendering the Riverside Sponsorship licence, so for the avoidance of doubt, we are unable to apply for any further sponsorships whether on behalf of existing colleagues or candidates. The difference you will make as a Domestic Abuse Specialist 
Deliver a quality, effective victim centred Community Safety service to Social Housing, Non-Social Housing and Care and Support customers, supporting and working alongside front line Housing Officers to support the delivery of the Community Safety Strategy within a specified geographical area.
Being a Domestic Abuse Specialist you are responsible for leading the organisation in its approach to managing DV including reviewing, developing and implementing the Riverside domestic violence policy and procedure. This national approach will support and guide our customers through complex circumstances. The role will also develop a national domestic abuse awareness strategy that will incorporate all policy guidance, reporting and the roll out of a comprehensive training programme.About you 
We are looking for someone with 
•  Relevant training and qualifications in Domestic Abuse.
•  Excellent written and verbal communication skills, to absorb complex information and present it to different audiences in a clear and accessible way
•  Ability and interest to keep abreast of all latest legal/political developments within domestic abuse. Why Riverside? 
At Riverside, we’re a housing association with a difference – enhancing the everyday for all our customers. For 90 years, we’ve been revitalising neighbourhoods and supporting communities by providing the homes they need to live full, fulfilling and rewarding lives.  
We have a portfolio of over 75,000 affordable residential and retirement homes across the UK. Our work ranges from homelessness services to social care, employment support to retirement living, and we need the best people on board to help us. 
Working with us, you’ll enjoy: 
•  Competitive pay & generous pension  
•  28 days holidays plus bank holidays 
•  Flexible working options available 
•  Investment in your learning, personal development and technology 
•  A wide range of benefits Diversity and Inclusion at Riverside:  
We are inclusive. At Riverside, we value diversity in all its forms. We foster a workplace where all individuals are respected, empowered, and heard. Our commitment to inclusivity drives our success and enriches the lives of our customers and colleagues.  
Riverside is a Disability Confident Employer and operates a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for any applicant who declares they have a disability. If the applicant meets the minimum requirements for the role (as set out in the role profile and/or person specification) they will be guaranteed an interview. Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to be considered.  Role Profile  
•  Provide specialist support to residents experiencing domestic abuse and ensure all aspects of casework are carried out in accordance with relevant legislation and guidance.
•  Manage a domestic abuse caseload, adopting a victim centred approach, to ensure effective resolution in accordance with agreed processes, standards, timescales, and targets. 
•  Support those experiencing domestic abuse to access appropriate interventions in response to domestic abuse, female genital mutilation, forced marriage and honour-based violence
•  Collaborate with internal and external partners and contribute to multi-agency forums including MARAC to improve outcomes for those experiencing domestic abuse.
•  Contribute to safeguarding best practice across the business.
•  Support frontline housing colleagues responding to domestic abuse and issues.
•  Provide support to all areas of the business in the promotion of domestic abuse including training and development.
•  Coordinate the DAHA accreditation.
•  Contribute to the development of policies, procedures and protocols to support best practice and risk management relating to domestic abuse.
•  Coordinate internal processes for sanctuary measures.
•  To develop and support Riverside on delivering the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 through high quality practise and effective performance nationally across all business steams  
•    To lead (or delegate to local colleagues) on interagency risk management meetings where appropriate such as MAPPA and MARAC.
•    Responsibility for implementing a Domestic Abuse Policy in the support and welfare of customers, plan projects to meet the requirements of Supporting People, Regulations for Social Housing, National Minimum Standards, and other statutory and regulatory bodies.
•  Development of policy and procedure in line with legal requirements and in partnership with C&S colleagues and safeguarding leads
•  Providing national guidance and interpretation on the relevant policy areas, including legislation and complex cases of domestic abuse to all parts of the business, ensuring that the latest best practice is embedded
•  Effectively manage and develop a high quality, innovative and pro-active domestic abuse service for Riverside
•  Setting up projects/presentations to support the domestic abuse service and identify risks and mitigating action and reporting on progress to senior managers/executive directors and our governance community 
•  To raise service standards on delivery of the service and involvement of active forums networks particularly in relation to addressing the needs of domestic abuse victims 
•  To develop and maintain communication and working partnerships with other agencies to enhance the service 
•  Leading Riverside domestic abuse champions to provide and share good practice across the organisation and link in with our safeguarding lead Additional Information
•  The Group has offices across the UK and on this basis, there may be the requirement to travel to other locations to effectively perform this role, albeit that regular support will be required to teams in Camden and Dartford 
•  The role will be exposed to sensitive information; therefore, the role holder is expected to maintain levels of confidentiality at all times.
•  In order to fulfil the requirements of this role, you will be required to work flexibly during the hours of operation. 
•  The role holder is expected to be committed to equal opportunities and to promote non-discriminatory practices in all aspects of work undertaken.  

Person specification Knowledge, Skills and Experience Essential 
•  Relevant training and qualifications in Domestic Abuse.
•  Excellent written and verbal communication skills, to absorb complex information and present it to different audiences in a clear and accessible way
•  Ability and interest to keep abreast of all latest legal/political developments within domestic abuse. 
•  Good organisation skills, to track priorities, work to deadlines and manage projects
•  The ability to acquire and maintain knowledge of a policy area or areas good political judgement and initiative
•  Autonomous decision making and advising others on the most effective course of action
•  Commitment and passion for developing and delivering policy and procedure to improve the lives and experiences of Riverside customers
•  Proven track record of delivering a high-quality service within a housing environment. 
•  Experience of successfully manging conflict in a prompt, calm and constructive manner. 
•  Proven track record of successfully solving difficult problems. 
•  Customer focused with excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, showing the ability to meet the needs of a varied customer base. 
•  Effective stakeholder management, both internally and external to the organisation. 
•  The ability to remain calm in a pressurised environment. 
•  Excellent team player who can work flexibly to meet business requirements. 
•  Proficient use of a range of IT packages including Microsoft Office. 
•  Excellent attention to detail with the ability to work under pressure, deliver to strict deadlines and manage conflicting priorities. 
•  Ability to show initiative and propose solutions to issues identified. Desirable 
•  IDVA Qualification
•  SCIE Safeguarding Leads Qualification