Under the general direction of the A&O Services Manager, undertake the duties of the Children & Young Person’s IDVA as specified below on behalf of The Dash Charity. To be responsible for providing the assessment and intervention of cases paying particular attention to key areas of Safeguarding, Children legislation and guidance, The Children Act 1989, The Children Act 2004, Health & Safety policies, privacy and confidentiality procedures and equal opportunities.
Although Every Child Matters is no longer statutory, its principles are still embedded within current frameworks such as the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Working Together to Safeguard Children, and safeguarding legislation, which continue to promote children’s safety, wellbeing, and development.
Reports to: A&O Services Manager
Job Description:
- Have a full understanding of relevant legislation surrounding domestic abuse, the impact on children and young people and be well educated on current initiatives set by the government to combat this.
- Respond to referrals for children and young people requiring a high level of support due to domestic abuse (victims in their own right) and be able apply a clear framework for assessment and intervention.
- Implement a needs led assessment for all referred cases to include a support plan, safety plan and risk assessment tailored around individual need.
- Use the Safelives DASH Risk Identification Checklist to identify risk management required.
- Complete therapeutic direct work sessions with referred children and young people following the support plan. Sessions must be tailored around the needs and age of the child or young person and will include work about: the abuse they have experienced or been exposed to, relationships support, issues about safe child contact, positive conflict resolution/anger management support, attachment work, play and creative sessions, feelings/self-esteem sessions and safety planning work.
- Manage a caseload of up to 15 children and young people.
- Liaise with families, carers, groups and professionals who refer into the service and subsequently follow the intervention and assessment procedures accordingly.
- Participate and present cases at relevant children and young people’s panels and boards. Further, take referrals from these forums as required for role.
- Work closely with The Dash Charity Advocacy & Outreach Team to identify referral routes.
- Work under a multi-agency framework linking in with police, social services, mental health and housing as appropriate.
- Work creatively with children and young people in promoting their life chances through case management and encourage social and personal development.
- To embrace Early Years Foundation (EYFS) with Safeguarding, health & wellbeing and personal development.
- Ensure safety planning is integral to all work completed with cases.
- Ensure all administration work is upheld in relation to case files; reports, support plans and risk assessments.
- Sign post and refer cases on as appropriate and relevant to the child or young persons needs.
- Consult with parents, children and young people about the planned intervention and make changes where appropriate.
- Ensure that meaningful involvement of clients is central to all activities, applying equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory policies and ensuring rights to privacy and confidentiality.
- Embrace diversity, value difference, expertise and experiences of each child and young person so they are encouraged to interact positively with confidence and trust.
- Understand and manage the complex behaviours children and young people can display due to the abuse they have been subjected to.
- To contribute to the achievements of standards of excellence in childcare practice.
- To operate within clear professional and confidentiality boundaries and to work within The Dash Charity’s codes of conduct.
- Report any concerns, signs and symptoms of abuse to the A&O Services Manager whilst adhering to confidentiality/information procedures in relation to safeguarding children.
- Record and maintain outcomes work, review work and feedback from service users.
- Attend training as required for the role.
- Adhere to all The Dash Charity’s safeguarding policies and procedures.
- Provide ad hoc support to the charity, assisting with events, projects or operational needs as required
PERSON SPECIFICATION
- Previous experience in a childcare setting.
- Have an understanding of basic stages of child development and attachment theory.
- Knowledge of the impact of Domestic Abuse on children as victims in their own right.
- Understanding of child protection issues and legal responsibilities.
- Understanding of the principles of risk assessment and safety planning.
- Understanding of, and commitment to, equal opportunities in practice.
Skills
- Non-judgemental attitude.
- Good communication skills; written and verbal and effective negotiation skills.
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries.
- Computer literate: word processing, emailing etc.
- Ability and willingness to work in partnership with statutory and voluntary partners.
Personal Attributes
- Pro-active.
- Commitment to undertake regular training & supervision.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
The Dash Charity is fully committed to the active promotion of equal opportunities as an employer, and in the provision of its services. It is the responsibility of every member of staff to ensure the practical application of this policy.
Health & Safety
Under the Health & Safety at Work Act, all employees are required to take care of their own health and that of other employees in complying with their statutory duties.
- Essential
- Enhanced DBS check
- Full driving licence
- Access to private vehicle