Domestic Abuse Support Worker

Job Purpose:

Before applying for this job, it is important that you read the 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: Marischal College,
Duration: Permanent, 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 10 and above (currently £30,030 per annum / £16.50 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/about the role

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. We work with individuals who have committed offences at all levels of risk and need. This includes those who have committed offences of a sexual, domestic abuse and/or violent nature with whom work can be complex and challenging. 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:

• Standard grade English or equivalent
• Membership of the PVG Scheme or willingness to become a member

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 the Job Profile for further details.

Aberdeen City Council is an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. For further information, please see our Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Recruitment pack.

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 Recruitment@aberdeencity.gov.uk.

Armed Forces

We are a forces-friendly employer, have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and are a gold 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: armedforces@aberdeencity.gov.uk.  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 the role they are applying for who:

• have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010 (all jobs)
• looked after young people, those that are in continuing care or are a care leaver up to the age of 29 (all jobs)
• 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

Please note that eligibility to work in the UK is dependent on legal status and all applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK.