EDINBURGH WOMEN'S AID

Job Description

Job Title:	Duty Support Worker (Polish Speaking)
Hours:	21 hours per week: Monday 9am-4.30pm, Tuesday 11.30am-7pm,Wednesday 9am-4.30pm
Salary:	£31,816.30 (pro rata £19,090) SCP 26
Location:	4 Cheyne Street, Edinburgh, EH4 1JB
Responsible to:	Duty/EDDACS Team Leader
Contract:	Permanent contract (subject to funding)
Peers:	Women's Support Workers, Complex Needs Service Senior,Children and Young People's Support Workers, EDDACS Workers
HolidayEntitlement	26 days annual leave plus 10 public holidays pro rata

This role is subject to satisfactory Adult and Child PVG scheme membership.

Job Purpose

The role of the Duty/Crisis Service Support Worker is to provide a confidential, safe and supportive information service to women and agencies who contact EWA through the crisis phone line and/or ‘drop in’ service. Where safety issues are assessed, the worker will ensure the completion of the Risk Identification checklist and an individualised support and safety plan. Where appropriate the worker will assess women, and any accompanying children who are affected by domestic abuse, for refuge accommodation. This role is based at EWA offices at 4 Cheyne Street, Edinburgh, EH4 1JB.

Main Duties

To provide a professional and supportive service across all EWA women’s services, either through our drop-in service, by telephone or by contact with another person or organisation.

To respond appropriately to women who are emotional or in a distressed state and provide an empathetic approach, assessing the situation and identifying the needs of both the women and any accompanying children to ensure the women’s safety and to enable the women to make informed choices.

Edinburgh WQMEN'S AID

• To provide specialist, culturally sensitive support to Polish-speaking women, and to other women as appropriate, in line with the needs of the service.

To ensure that women who are identified as high-risk of harm are prioritised for safety planning, MARAC referrals and actions, and joint working with partner agencies to reduce the risk of harm to them and their children at the earliest opportunity.

To advise and signpost women for information on their welfare rights, legal rights, housing options or Child Support procedures and, if appropriate, advocate for women with other agencies and professionals.

• To assess women for refuge accommodation when required.

To adhere to recording, administration and documentation procedures and EWA policies.

To assist with the running of our service by being flexible in your approach to this post and carrying out other duties as requested by management that are consistent with this post.

Other Duties

The post holder will be expected to fulfil certain responsibilities to ensure that EWA provides a professional and consistent service. You will be expected to:

• Ensure that Health and Safety procedures are adhered to in the office.

Ensure all contacts and incidents are recorded daily and keep statistics as requested and provide regular written reports for the Board on activities and statistics.

● • Ensure information and forms are passed to relevant members of staff.

Ensure information sources within the office are kept up to date.

Participate in regular evaluation to ensure the service continues to meet the needs of service users.

Attend and participate at team meetings and training.

Participate in regular support and supervision.

In co-operation with the Duty Service Senior Worker, develop a personal skills and training development plan.

Person Specification

Essential requirements
	Must be fluent in spoken and written Polish and English. Professional Development Award in Domestic Abuse Advocacy (IDAA/IDVA), or a
	recognised qualification in Social Work, Community Education or SVQ3 Health
	and Social Care or higher; or equivalent experience. Experience of advocating for women in a domestic abuse related service or with
	other vulnerable clients. Clear understanding of the feminist analysis of domestic abuse and commitment
	to work within this ethos. Experience of and commitment to building and working in partnership with other
	agencies and stakeholder to ensure successful outcomes for women and children. Knowledge and understanding of the specific needs of high-risk victims of
	Domestic abuse and the role of the support worker in relation to high-risk victims.
	Understanding of the SSsC codes of practice and National Care Standards. Knowledge and understanding of child protection regulation and the impact of
	domestic abuse on children. An ability to negotiate with and influence partnership colleagues to ensure
	effective delivery of project objectives and outcome. Good computer skills: competent in Word, Excel and Outlook; and good data
	collection and monitoring skills. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in writing and orally.
	• Ability to actively listen to others and to challenge others constructively.
	Ability to plan, prioritise own workload and work independently.
Knowledge – Desirable
	Understanding and knowledge of the underlying issues causing domestic abuse.
	Knowledge and understanding of Domestic Abuse related legislation.
	Ability to work well with others and keep calm under pressure.

Edinburgh Women’s Aid is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Women only need apply under Schedule 9 (Part 1) of the Equality Act 2010

Company No: SC237521