Women’s Support Worker

Aberdeen City Council; Aberdeen City; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Aberdeen City Council seeks support workers for its Justice Social Work service, focused on assisting individuals affected by domestic abuse. The role includes providing practical and emotional support, as well as working with families impacted by domestic violence. Candidates will need to demonstrate specific qualifications and skills, including empathy, advocacy ability, and understanding of complex abuse dynamics. The Council is committed to diversity and offers flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Disability Confident Employer

Guaranteed interview schemes for specific groups

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications include Ordinary/Standard Grade or equivalent education.
• Registration with SSSC required.
• SVQ3 in Health and Social Care desired.

Responsibilities

• Provide assistance and support to people experiencing domestic abuse.
• Work with partners and ex-partners of men convicted of domestic abuse offences.
• Engage in relationship-based practice and provide voluntary support.

Skills

Warmth and empathy

Interview skills

Assessment and communication skills

Ability to advocate and liaise

Sensitivity

Understanding of domestic abuse complexities

Worker safety awareness

Pro-active contact

Education

Ordinary/Standard Grade education or equivalent

SSSC Registration

SVQ3 in Health and Social Care or commitment to work towards this

Job description

Please note that with effect from 1 April 2023, where a role requires PVG membership, candidates will be required to meet the cost of the PVG membership. This applies only to roles with a full-time equivalent salary of £30,000 and above, including teaching roles and jobs at Grade 11 and above (currently £30,727 per annum / £15.97 per hour).

The Council will initially pay for the PVG membership cost, which is either £18 for existing PVG scheme members or £59 for non-members. This cost will be deducted from the employee’s first full month’s salary.

Job Purpose

To provide assistance and support to people experiencing domestic abuse and, where appropriate, access other support services.

Justice Social Work is a busy service delivered by nine teams across three sites, including Pre-Disposal, Community Payback Order, Unpaid Work, Throughcare, Caledonian, Women’s Services, and Support Work. We are committed to principles of early intervention and prevention, relationship-based practice, practical assistance, and tenacious outreach. As part of the Caledonian Women’s Service, we work with partners and ex-partners of men convicted of domestic abuse offences, who are subject to Community Payback Orders with a condition to undertake the Caledonian Programme. This support is voluntary and includes practical and emotional support at varying levels of risk and need. While supervision and training are provided, this work can be traumatising for some, so we advise careful consideration or further information before expressing interest.

Minimum Requirements

• Ordinary/Standard Grade education or equivalent
• SSSC Registration as required
• PVG
• SVQ3 in Health and Social Care or commitment to work towards this

Expected Skills and Abilities

• Warmth and empathy
• Interview skills
• Good assessment and communication skills
• Ability to advocate and liaise with agencies for victims’ safety
• Sensitivity when working with service users who are parents
• Understanding of domestic abuse complexities and a respectful, non-judgemental approach
• Awareness of worker safety issues
• Enthusiasm for the work
• Recognition of perpetrators’ right to change
• Pro-active contact with service users
• Ability to recognize role limitations

About Us

Further details are available in the Job Profile.

Aberdeen City Council is an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and inclusion.

Flexible Working

We offer flexible working arrangements to suit both employees and the organization.

Disability Confident

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you require reasonable adjustments during the selection process, contact [e-mail].

We are also a forces-friendly employer, signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant, and a silver award recipient in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. For queries related to military service, contact [e-mail].

We offer guaranteed interview schemes for applicants who meet minimum criteria and are in specific groups, including those with disabilities, care-experienced youth, young people in Aberdeen, and those who have completed relevant apprenticeships.