Domestic Abuse Specialist

Job Description

Domestic Abuse Specialist

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £39,345 (£43,487 after 12 months successful performance)

Working Hours: 35 hours per week, full time

Working Pattern: Monday to Friday

Location: North Reg Hub, Carlisle

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Develop and support Riverside on delivering the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 through high quality practice and effective performance nationally across all business streams.
• Lead (or delegate to local colleagues) on inter‑agency risk management meetings where appropriate such as MAPPA and MARAC.
• Responsibly implement a Domestic Abuse Policy in the support and welfare of customers, planning projects to meet the requirements of Supporting People, Regulations for Social Housing, National Minimum Standards, and other statutory and regulatory bodies.
• Develop policy and procedure in line with legal requirements and in partnership with C&S colleagues and safeguarding leads.
• Provide 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.
• Set up projects/presentations to support the domestic abuse service and identify risks and mitigating action, reporting on progress to senior managers/executive directors and our governance community.
• Raise service standards on delivery of the service and involvement of active forums and networks particularly in relation to addressing the needs of domestic abuse victims.
• Develop and maintain communication and working partnerships with other agencies to enhance the service.
• Lead Riverside domestic abuse champions to provide and share good practice across the organisation and link in with our safeguarding lead.

Qualifications

• Relevant training and qualifications in Domestic Abuse.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability and interest to keep abreast of the latest legal and political developments within domestic abuse.
• Good organisational skills, ability to track priorities, work to deadlines and manage projects.
• Strong stakeholder management, both internally and externally.
• Experience delivering high‑quality service within a housing environment.
• Proven conflict management skills in a prompt, calm and constructive manner.
• Proven problem‑solving skills and initiative to propose solutions to identified issues.
• Customer focused with excellent communication skills.
• Team player capable of working flexibly to meet business requirements.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office.
• Excellent attention to detail, ability to work under pressure, deliver to strict deadlines, and manage conflicting priorities.
• Ability to remain calm in a pressurised environment.

Desirable

• IDVA Qualification.
• SCIE Safeguarding Leads Qualification.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and generous pension.
• 28 days holidays plus bank holidays.
• Flexible working options available.
• Investment in learning, personal development and technology.
• Wide range of benefits.

Additional Information

• May require travel to other locations (Camden, Dartford) for support.
• Exposure to sensitive information requiring confidentiality at all times.
• Work flexibly during hours of operation.
• Commit to equal opportunities and promote non‑discriminatory practices in all aspects of work.

Person Specification

Knowledge, Skills and Experience (Essential)

• Relevant training and qualifications in Domestic Abuse.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability and interest to keep abreast of the latest legal and political developments within domestic abuse.
• Good organisational skills.
• Strong political judgment and initiative.
• Autonomous decision making and advising others on the most effective course of action.
• Commitment and passion for delivering policy and procedure to improve lives and experiences of customers.
• Proven track record of delivering high‑quality service within a housing environment.
• Experience of managing conflict in a prompt, calm and constructive manner.
• Proven problem‑solving skills.
• Customer focus with excellent communication skills.
• Effective stakeholder management, both internally and externally.
• Ability to remain calm in a pressurised environment.
• Excellent team player who can work flexibly to meet business requirements.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office.
• Excellent attention to detail with ability to work under pressure, deliver to strict deadlines and manage conflicting priorities.
• Ability to show initiative and propose solutions to issues identified.

Diversity and Inclusion

We are inclusive and value diversity in all its forms. Riverside is a Disability Confident Employer and operates a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for any applicant who declares they have a disability. We are committed to equal opportunities and promote non‑discriminatory practices in all aspects of work.

About Us

Riverside is one of the UK’s leading not‑for‑profit social housing and regeneration organisations, owning or managing around 75,000 homes. We provide supported housing services, particularly for those affected by homelessness.

Note

Please note that although we will accept applications based on valid legal permission to work in the UK, we will be surrendering the Riverside Sponsorship licence, so we are unable to apply for any further sponsorships.

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