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This opportunity is currently being offered on a fixed term contract basis of 12 months; however, if budgets allow the contract length may be extended and/or become permanent, though this is not guaranteed. If an internal council employee wishes to apply for this role, a secondment opportunity may be considered (please state this on your application).

We are currently recruiting for a Housing Options Domestic Abuse Officer on a 12-month fixed term contract.

You will be required to be part of the Housing Solutions & Reviews Team to provide a holistic housing options service to survivors of domestic abuse, ensuring that for those seeking housing assistance, they are provided with a service which is focused upon meeting their needs and works towards minimising the impact of any disruption which they might experience.

To provide a customer focused, pro-active service to help residents secure their housing choices.

Liaise with stakeholders in a way that promotes the One Medway Council Plan and embeds our values and behaviours.

Accountabilities and outcomes:

Act as domestic abuse (DA) champion and lead for Housing Services, including promoting learning and improvement across the service, disseminating good practice, feeding back information, legislation and case law developments, to section managers and staff.

Promote safeguarding across the Service and ensuring that appropriate referrals and interventions are undertaken for vulnerable survivors of domestic abuse being assisted by the service.

Complete assessments with clients experiencing DA that have approached the service, including risk assessments, safety plans & complete referrals to appropriate agencies as required and liaise with other services and departments to achieve the best outcome for victims.

Ensure focused case management for DA approaches to the Housing Options Team, including carrying own DA caseload and liaising and supporting Housing Options Officers in their own DA casework management and maintaining regular contact with victims.

Advise victims of their rights and options for seeking help and support from other agencies, making referrals and co-ordinating the provision of multi-agency support where necessary, and proactively advocate to ensure barriers to accessing support and protection are minimised.

Assess and complete referrals to Safe in Medway (SIM) accommodation where appropriate and attend regular reviews meetings to identify any risk issues and progress.

Liaise with other services and organisations, including Oasis (IDVA service), to promote and support early intervention and prevention partnership working for survivors of DA rather than crisis management.

Be required to take part in various meetings, internal and external to the Council, including representing Housing Services at MARAC and via any joint working arrangements with Early Help, Children’s’ and Adult Services.

Act as housing liaison with refuges, sanctuary schemes, and social landlords. Represent Housing Service at the One stop shop to provide advice and support to survivors of DA at manager’s discretion, other activities may be assigned that fit the job description.

If you would like to have an informal discussion with the recruiting manager, please e-mail Tracy Partridge on tracy.partridge@medway.gov.uk.

Career Progression Frameworks (CPF) have been introduced for all roles at Medway Council. These frameworks provide a mechanism for employees to take ownership of their development within their post and be rewarded accordingly. The salary you will be offered will be at level A. There will be further opportunity once in post to progress from level A to B, and B to C.

When writing your application, it is important to ensure you identify your suitability against the requirements of the job profile, as this information will be used for shortlisting and may contribute to the CPF assessment. Your application may be rejected if the minimum required criteria is not met. Further information relating to the requirements for this role can be found in the CPF Guidance document attached.

The person specification of a job profile is split into three levels:

Level A details the essential criteria that all applicants must be able to demonstrate through their application and interview.

Level B details the developed competencies that an individual who is practised in this role would be able to demonstrate and will be a progression of knowledge, experience and skills from level A.

Level C requires the highest level of competence and applicants would need to fully meet and demonstrate all aspects of the job profile, including qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience.

We are seeking a Housing Options Domestic Abuse Officer to join the team at level A. This is the entry point of the role, so you will need to be able to demonstrate the relevant knowledge, experience and skills to get you started, but you will be supported to develop in your role through induction, probation and a supportive Performance Appraisal and Career Conversation. All elements of level A listed within the person specification are essential. Through your induction you will be introduced to the Career Progression Framework (CPF), which will help you to identify your areas of strength and any development needs.

Important Information-

• Applicants must be able to demonstrate all criteria at level A which are essential for appointment to the role.

• Medway Council is not able to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship, so candidates must already possess the right to work in the UK.

• For further information, and for details of the benefits of working for Medway Council, please refer to the Medway information pack available as a download or to view online.

• Please be advised that if you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted. All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email.

• Please note, we prioritise applications from current Medway Council redeployees. We will let you know if this post is to be filled by a redeployee as, in this instance, your application will unfortunately not be taken forward.
• We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.

Please visit http://www.mindfulemployer.net/ for information on how Medway Council put good practices in place to ensure employees and job applicants who declare mental health issues receive the right level of support.