Women’s Support Worker - ABC12221

Aberdeen City Council; Aberdeen City; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Aberdeen City Council seeks a dedicated individual to provide assistance to those experiencing domestic abuse. This fixed-term full-time role requires commitment to safeguarding and support principles, aiming to offer emotional and practical help. Minimum qualifications include relevant educational achievements and an understanding of domestic abuse dynamics.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Disability Confident Employer

Guaranteed interview scheme for eligible candidates

Qualifications

• Must hold SSSC Registration.
• Ability to advocate for victims of domestic abuse.
• Awareness of domestic abuse complexities.

Responsibilities

• Provide assistance and support for victims of domestic abuse.
• Work in accordance with Adult, Child and Public Protection principles.
• Liaise with other agencies for victim safety.

Skills

Empathy

Interview skills

Assessment skills

Communication skills

Education

Ordinary/Standard Grade education or equivalent

SVQ3 in Health and Social Care

Job description

Job Purpose:

Before applying for this job, it is important that you read the Applicant Guidance by clicking on this link and the Job Profile attached. These explain the job role and the type of person we're looking for.

Location: Spring Garden, Aberdeen

Duration: Fixed Term, Full Time

Roles that require PVG Membership

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. (Teaching roles and jobs at Grade 11 and above (currently £30,727 per annum / £15.97 per hour)

The Council will pay for the PVG membership cost initially, either £18 for existing PVG scheme members, or £59 for non-members, and this cost will be deducted from an employee's first FULL month's salary payment

Job Purpose

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

Justice Social Work is a busy service delivered by nine teams across three sites (Pre-Disposal, 3 x Community Payback Order, Unpaid Work, Throughcare, Caledonian, Women's Services and Support Work). We are committed to the principles of early intervention and prevention; relationship-based practice; practical assistance where possible and tenacious outreach when necessary. As part of the Caledonian Women's Service, we work with partner's/ex-partners of men who have been convicted of domestic abuse offences and are subject to Community Payback Order with a condition to undertake the Caledonian Programme. This support is on a voluntary basis and includes both practical and emotional support at varying levels of risk and need. While supervision and training is provided it is acknowledged that this type of work is not for everyone, and may be traumatising for some, so we would ask that you think carefully or seek further information before registering interest.

The post holder needs to hold as a minimum:

The post holder needs to hold as a minimum:
Ordinary/ Standard Grade education or equivalent
SSSC Registration as required
PVG
SVQ3 in Health and Social Care or the ability and commitment to work towards this

The post holder will be expected to:
Work in accordance with Adult, Child and Public Protection principles and procedures
Adhere to the requirements of the SSSC Code of Practice, council policy and procedures and health and safety policies and legislation

The postholder is able to demonstrate:

Ability to demonstrate warmth and empathy
Interview skills
Good assessment and communication skills
Ability to advocate to other professionals and to liaise with appropriate
agencies for the benefit of the victims of domestic abuse, in particular for their
safety
Skills to deal sensitively with issues posed by service users who are also
parents
An appreciation of the complexity of domestic abuse and a non-judgemental
and respectful value base
An awareness of issues around worker safety
Enthusiasm for the work
A recognition of the right of the perpetrators of domestic abuse to have an
opportunity to change their abusive behaviour
A recognition of the importance of pro-active contact when working with
service users who have been abused
Ability to recognise the limits of the role

About Us

Please see Job Profile for further details.

Aberdeen City Council is an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Flexible Working

We are happy to talk flexible working and offer flexible working for most roles in the organisation meaning that many of our employees enjoy the freedom of choosing a working pattern that suits them as much as it suits the organisation.

Disability Confident

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you consider yourself to have a disability and think you may require a reasonable adjustment to be made for this part of the selection process, or would like further information in relation to reasonable adjustments, please contact [e-mail] .

Armed Forces

We are a forces-friendly employer, have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and are a silver award recipient in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. We have a specific email address for those in the forces, those who have left the forces, as well as their partners / spouses / families: [e-mail] . We are able to answer questions about jobs and our application / selection process, as well as about our employee support provisions.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme

We have a number of guaranteed interview schemes available to applicants who meet the minimum criteria for our roles and who:

• have a disability
• are care-experienced and aged 16-29
• are aged 16-24 and live in Aberdeen City or have been to an Aberdeen City Council school and are applying for a Modern Apprenticeship (except Trades apprenticeships)
• have done a Foundation Apprenticeship with Aberdeen City Council and are applying for any apprenticeships relevant to the area in which they did their Foundation Apprenticeship
• are New Scots aged 16-24 and are applying for any apprenticeships

Further information can be found at https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/jobs