Domestic Abuse Service - Support worker – Relief Panel

at  COPE Galway

JOB DESCRIPTION

Responsible to: Client Services Co-Ordinator / Head of Domestic Abuse
Vision and Mission of COPE Galway
COPE Galway’s vision is a community where every person is valued, cared for and supported at every stage of life. Our mission is making a difference by empowering people, creating change and strengthening communities.
Outcomes
COPE Galway recognises the particular vulnerabilities faced by women and children who experience intimate partner abuse, and works both to support those who fall victim to such abuse, as well as striving to challenge societal norms and attitudes which allow domestic abuse to continue. Cope Galway’s Domestic Abuse Service offers support to women who reside within the Refuge at Modh Eile House, as well as to many more who live in the community and receive support in their locality; we also work with children and young people who have been exposed to violence and abuse in the home.
Overall Objectives of the Post
Modh Eile House provides temporary, safe accommodation for women and their children experiencing domestic abuse, with the Service supporting women from Galway city & county who both live in and who do not. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Modh Eile operates a panel of relief staff, through which the continuity of care and support to our clients is assured; the objective of this post is to add to that panel. Shift work as a member of the Relief Panel may include short shifts (as little as two hours), short-notice shifts, evening and weekend work, and live night work.

The overall aim of Modh Eile House is to prioritise the safety and welfare of the client group. The aims of the Service are:

• To encourage each woman to determine her own future
• To offer support and information to any woman who requires it
• To recognise and care for the emotional needs of children
• To raise awareness in the community of domestic abuse and its root causes

Duties and responsibilities:

A) General

• Participate in the operation of the Service
• Work with women who seek support, including making admissions or referrals as appropriate and as per policy guidelines
• Participate in the induction of new guests into the refuge
• Ensure family files are properly maintained and all records are updated and maintained, in accordance with policy and practice
• Provide a comprehensive service to each client of the Service, in accordance with her needs, which may include support in budgeting, seeking accommodation, engaging with other services
• / agencies
• Work with clients of the Service, resident or not, in considering the dynamics of the abuse
• which they have experienced and in examining paths forward in line with the client’s wishes
• Accompany women to the courthouse to apply for legal protection as appropriate and carry out court preparation with women as required
• Accompany women to other agencies if appropriate and in accordance with any risk assessments in place
• Record and maintain records of any incidents and other day to day issues in the appropriate systems of record
• Keep other staff on duty fully informed of such incidents and issues
• Compile statistics, and record relevant information as required
• Comply with all procedures and guidelines relating to financial matters within the Service
• Remain familiar with safety features of the Service including alarm systems and fire safety equipment
• Comply with all health and safety checks as required
• Participate in fire drills when scheduled
• Be pro-active with regard to keeping updated about changes in all areas relating to work such as social welfare, housing, legal, immigration etc
• Undertake any other duties as assigned by management

B) Welfare of Women and Children

• Ensure that the Service has a friendly, warm and inviting atmosphere for the Service users
• Be respectful, courteous and patient with women and children at all times and in all circumstances
• Offer emotional support to women who require it
• Address the issues and needs, which women may present to you in the course of your dealings with them
• Consult and liaise with external voluntary, statutory and professional agencies as appropriate in relation to the needs of individual families
• Advocate on behalf of women and children with a range of relevant agencies and organisations in the context of a gendered analysis of Domestic Violence
• Encourage and support women in taking responsibility and contributing to their own welfare needs and ensure that women are fully involved in decisions affecting them
• Keep written records of actions taken in addressing the issues and needs of families, as per systems and policy
• Support key working with clients as assigned, supporting the conducting of needs assessments and care plans as appropriate
• Be proactive about seeking feedback from women on the service they receive and support them to become involved in the service as per the COPE Galway Client Involvement Policy
• Ensure that any information given to women is appropriate and in accordance with COPE Galway policy guidelines
• Work in accordance with the policies and procedures of the service and the wider organisation while ensuring that any discussions/issues regarding these are raised and dealt with in the appropriate forum
• Liaise with management with regard to the aftercare of families
• Engage as required on designated tasks with the SURF (Service User Refuge Forum) forum
• Ensure that any discussions and information pertaining to women and children is kept strictly confidential in accordance with the COPE Galway Code of Practice
• Work in accordance with the Safeguarding and related policies

C) Staffing

• Participate in the supervision provided by the Manager or Co-ordinator or other relevant persons
• Participate in group supervision/reflective practice sessions as required
• Contribute a positive attitude to both practice and organisational issues
• Participate in appropriate training programmes as directed by the Manager or Co-ordinator
• Inform the Manager and Co-ordinator of significant issues and incidents relating to the operation of the Service
• Ensure that any staff discussions are kept strictly confidential
• Have good self-awareness and the ability to manage personal emotions that may arise during working hours in an appropriate manner that is consistent with organisational policies and procedures
• Monitor personal behaviour and ensure that it is professional and appropriate to the workplace at all times
• Ensure a focus on client issues during team discussions, reflective practice sessions and general discussions on practice issues
• Ensure a non-judgemental, non-discriminatory approach in the work at all times
• Seek support/supervision as soon as possible for any boundary issues that may arise in the work identified by yourself, by other team members or by the Manager
• Contribute constructively to team discussions, while allowing space for others to do likewise
• Have a clear understanding of the Manager’s role and take direction as required
• Contribute to a positive working environment for all colleagues
• Engage in ongoing reflection on practice as required from both a personal and team perspective
• Have a flexible and solution oriented approach that seeks to resolve issues in a constructive and collaborative manner

D) The Community

• Endeavour to publicise and promote the work of Modh Eile House and the other services provided by COPE Galway
• Contribute to the fostering of positive relations with the local community in addressing and responding to enquiries made to the Refuge
• Contribute to team discussions on and participate in fundraising events as appropriate

E) Health and Safety

• Take reasonable care for personal safety, health and welfare, and that of others who may be affected by actions or omissions
• Co-operate with the employer in relation to compliance with statutory requirements under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989.2005
• Use protective equipment, clothing or other means for securing the safety, health and welfare of employees
• Report to management, without delay, any defects in the workplace, equipment or systems of work, which may lead to danger
• Be proactive in the area of self care with regard to identifying any impacts of the work and bring these to the attention of Managers
• Ensure that Health and Safety policy and procedures as per the COPE Galway Health and Safety Manual are fully adhered to
• Ensure that high standards of cleanliness and hygiene are maintained in the Service