Job summary
As a Health/ Hospital IDVA you will provide a domestic abuse service to victims who have been identified via the hospital and NHS employees.Initially the role will include guiding and supporting health professionals at the hospital on the identification and referral route in the service. Yourrole will also focus on embedding routine enquiry in domestic abuse by working alongside health professionals; and from there in you will directlysupport any victims who are identified whilst in the care of ELHT services. You will undertake and regularly review risk assessments, developsafety and support plans and assist victims with signposting into other relevant support services. The role will also have a key relationship and bepart of the ELHT Safeguarding Team.You will have strong communication skills and experience of partnership working, as the role will involve maintaining effective multi-agencyrelationships, attending MARRAC and case conferences and adhering to statutory protocols and procedures. You will work to ensure safety,confidentiality and risk minimisation for victims of domestic abuse, supporting and enabling them to access services which maximise their safetyand which support their emotional, physical, intellectual and social wellbeing.
Main duties of the job
Please see job description attached, which outlines the main duties of this role. If you have any queries about this please do not hesitate tocontact us.
About us
At East Lancashire Hospitals Trust, our vision is to be widely recognised for providing safe, personal and effective care. We currently provide highquality services and treat over 700,000 people across East Lancashire and the surrounding area. We employ over 8,000 staff, many of whom areinternationally renowned and have won awards for their work.We have an exciting opportunity for an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to work as a key member of the Hospital SafeguardingTeam, with additional professional support from local specialist Domestic Abuse Services.You will hold a recognised formal IDVA qualification or have an extensive portfolio working as an IDVA. This must be evidenced within yourapplication. Experience of working as a Hospital IDVA is desirable, and knowledge and understanding of the role is essential. You must beconfident in your role, and able to make decisions about complex situations.You will have strong communication skills and experience of partnership working, as the role will involve maintaining effective multi-agencyrelationships, attending MARAC and case conferences and adhering to statutory protocols and procedures. You will work to ensure safety,confidentiality and risk minimisation for victims of domestic abuse, supporting and enabling them to access services which maximise their safetyand which support their emotional, physical, intellectual and social wellbeing.
Job description
Job responsibilities
MAIN DUTIES Identify and assess the risks and needs of domestic abuse victims identified through hospital services using an evidence-based riskidentification checklist. Focus on and prioritise high risk cases and provide a pro-active, short to medium term crisis intervention service through individualsafety planning and personal support. Liaise with local Domestic Abuse providers for their provision of continued support in line with initial safety plans following dischargefrom hospital. Accept joint working arrangements with local Domestic Abuse providers for individuals who may benefit from support from the hospitalIDVA whilst under the care of ELHT. Advocate for high risk victims with agencies who can help to address the domestic abuse by:1. Understanding the role of all relevant statutory and non-statutory services available to domestic abuse victims and how yourrole fits into them.2. Providing advocacy, emotional and practical support and information to victims including in relation to legal options, housing,health and finance.3. Working directly with all key agency partners to address the safety of high risk victims and ensuring that their safety plansare coordinated particularly through the MARAC. Manage a case load for an agreed timeframe ensuring each client receives the appropriate service individual to their needs. Support the empowerment of the client and assist them in recognising the features and dynamics of domestic abuse present in theirsituation, and help them regain control of their lives. Understand multi-agency partnership structures and work within a multi agency setting which will include preparation and participationat the MARAC. You will contribute interventions and help design a plan to protect victims and any children, while maintaining anindependent role on behalf of your client, keeping their safety as central to any response. Be proactive with your designated line manager/ professional lead in carrying out periodic case reviews based on a review of risk andabuse Access supervision from other Domestic Abuse providers in relation to the specialist role and caseload Support colleagues and partner agencies, through awareness raising and institutional advocacy, in order to provide the best possibleservice for victims of domestic abuse. Provide training to identified health service staff and raise awareness of domestic abuse, forced marriage, honour based violence, etc.with staff across the hospital sites. Respect and value the diversity of the community in which the services works in, and recognise the needs and concerns of a diverserange of survivors ensuring the service is accessible to all. To participate in policy development and the implementation of routine enquiry across more services within ELHT. To carry out any other duties as requested which are commensurate with business service delivery.Shortlisting packCLINICAL Contribute to a safe working environment for patients and staff and ensure that patient dignity is not compromised. Attend meetings as required with the clinical teamsCOMMUNICATION Use range of communication skills to effectively communicate with patients, staff and families With support, communicate sensitive and distressing information to those who are experiencing domestic abuse, and the clinical teamscaring for them as appropriate Participate in multi-disciplinary case conferences and multi-agency conferences as required. Ensure effective communication in demanding and challenging situations, with support from senior staff within the safeguarding teamor clinical teams Participate in meetings to share ideas and exchange information. Ensure clear concise documentation is adhered to in line with Trusts PolicyTRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT Maintain an up to date professional portfolio. Take personal responsibility for own development and keep up to date with evidence based practice and research. Participate in supervision in accordance with guidelines. Participate in annual appraisal as an apraisee. Ensure you are up to date with core mandatory training. Assist in undertaking clinical audit and peer reviews to contribute to practice development and quality improvements. Regularly gain feedback from users, to inform developments in the service.ORGANISATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES Ensure that appropriate resources are available at all times. Ensure the safe use and maintenance of equipment. To ensure that patient outcomes are recorded in a timely way as per Trust policies and processes. Provide quality written reports for patients, parents/carers and other professional within the Trust processes. To develop resources that could/can be used in the deliverance of services. Keep up to date with relevant legislation and statutory requirements for Domestic AbusePROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES To actively liaise with other professionals within the Caldicott data protection and information governance. Develop professionally through self development extending own knowledge in line with professional IDVA training standards Participate in research and learning projects which are relevant to Domestic Abuse Ensure accurate record keeping as per Trust policy and professional Guidelines on paper and electronic patient records
Job description
Job responsibilities
MAIN DUTIES Identify and assess the risks and needs of domestic abuse victims identified through hospital services using an evidence-based riskidentification checklist. Focus on and prioritise high risk cases and provide a pro-active, short to medium term crisis intervention service through individualsafety planning and personal support. Liaise with local Domestic Abuse providers for their provision of continued support in line with initial safety plans following dischargefrom hospital. Accept joint working arrangements with local Domestic Abuse providers for individuals who may benefit from support from the hospitalIDVA whilst under the care of ELHT. Advocate for high risk victims with agencies who can help to address the domestic abuse by:1. Understanding the role of all relevant statutory and non-statutory services available to domestic abuse victims and how yourrole fits into them.2. Providing advocacy, emotional and practical support and information to victims including in relation to legal options, housing,health and finance.3. Working directly with all key agency partners to address the safety of high risk victims and ensuring that their safety plansare coordinated particularly through the MARAC. Manage a case load for an agreed timeframe ensuring each client receives the appropriate service individual to their needs. Support the empowerment of the client and assist them in recognising the features and dynamics of domestic abuse present in theirsituation, and help them regain control of their lives. Understand multi-agency partnership structures and work within a multi agency setting which will include preparation and participationat the MARAC. You will contribute interventions and help design a plan to protect victims and any children, while maintaining anindependent role on behalf of your client, keeping their safety as central to any response. Be proactive with your designated line manager/ professional lead in carrying out periodic case reviews based on a review of risk andabuse Access supervision from other Domestic Abuse providers in relation to the specialist role and caseload Support colleagues and partner agencies, through awareness raising and institutional advocacy, in order to provide the best possibleservice for victims of domestic abuse. Provide training to identified health service staff and raise awareness of domestic abuse, forced marriage, honour based violence, etc.with staff across the hospital sites. Respect and value the diversity of the community in which the services works in, and recognise the needs and concerns of a diverserange of survivors ensuring the service is accessible to all. To participate in policy development and the implementation of routine enquiry across more services within ELHT. To carry out any other duties as requested which are commensurate with business service delivery.Shortlisting packCLINICAL Contribute to a safe working environment for patients and staff and ensure that patient dignity is not compromised. Attend meetings as required with the clinical teamsCOMMUNICATION Use range of communication skills to effectively communicate with patients, staff and families With support, communicate sensitive and distressing information to those who are experiencing domestic abuse, and the clinical teamscaring for them as appropriate Participate in multi-disciplinary case conferences and multi-agency conferences as required. Ensure effective communication in demanding and challenging situations, with support from senior staff within the safeguarding teamor clinical teams Participate in meetings to share ideas and exchange information. Ensure clear concise documentation is adhered to in line with Trusts PolicyTRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT Maintain an up to date professional portfolio. Take personal responsibility for own development and keep up to date with evidence based practice and research. Participate in supervision in accordance with guidelines. Participate in annual appraisal as an apraisee. Ensure you are up to date with core mandatory training. Assist in undertaking clinical audit and peer reviews to contribute to practice development and quality improvements. Regularly gain feedback from users, to inform developments in the service.ORGANISATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES Ensure that appropriate resources are available at all times. Ensure the safe use and maintenance of equipment. To ensure that patient outcomes are recorded in a timely way as per Trust policies and processes. Provide quality written reports for patients, parents/carers and other professional within the Trust processes. To develop resources that could/can be used in the deliverance of services. Keep up to date with relevant legislation and statutory requirements for Domestic AbusePROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES To actively liaise with other professionals within the Caldicott data protection and information governance. Develop professionally through self development extending own knowledge in line with professional IDVA training standards Participate in research and learning projects which are relevant to Domestic Abuse Ensure accurate record keeping as per Trust policy and professional Guidelines on paper and electronic patient records
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Experience as a qualified IDVA, usually 2 years or extensive portfolio
- Knowledge of the Hospital & community IDVA role
Desirable
- Experience within a hospital or community IDVA role
Work Skills
Essential
- Able to prioritise and plan workload
- Proven ability to plan and comply with procedures
- Accurate record keeping
- Ability to use databases effectively
Communication
Essential
- Clear and accurate written/verbal communication, including management of databases and systems
Desirable
Flexibility
Essential
- Able to work the hours required by the need of the service.
- Able to adapt to the changing needs of the service.
Personal Skills
Essential
- Proven ability to work within a team and also, when required, work independently
- Demonstrate a sympathetic /sensitive approach and to be able to speak effectively to colleagues, staff and patients
Learning Ability
Essential
- Actively seeks to develop own skills and knowledge in relation to the role
Desirable
- Willingness to undertake future study for own professional development and service needs
Other Skills
Essential
- Demonstrate ability to use own initiative and work without close supervision
- Able to deal with confidential information in the appropriate manner.
Practical Requirments
Essential
- Access to a vehicle/transport for work purposes
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Experience as a qualified IDVA, usually 2 years or extensive portfolio
- Knowledge of the Hospital & community IDVA role
Desirable
- Experience within a hospital or community IDVA role
Work Skills
Essential
- Able to prioritise and plan workload
- Proven ability to plan and comply with procedures
- Accurate record keeping
- Ability to use databases effectively
Communication
Essential
- Clear and accurate written/verbal communication, including management of databases and systems
Desirable
Flexibility
Essential
- Able to work the hours required by the need of the service.
- Able to adapt to the changing needs of the service.
Personal Skills
Essential
- Proven ability to work within a team and also, when required, work independently
- Demonstrate a sympathetic /sensitive approach and to be able to speak effectively to colleagues, staff and patients
Learning Ability
Essential
- Actively seeks to develop own skills and knowledge in relation to the role
Desirable
- Willingness to undertake future study for own professional development and service needs
Other Skills
Essential
- Demonstrate ability to use own initiative and work without close supervision
- Able to deal with confidential information in the appropriate manner.
Practical Requirments
Essential
- Access to a vehicle/transport for work purposes
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).