Women's Safety Support Worker (Part-Time) (Fixed Term)

Job Description

This is a fixed term post until 30/03/2025.

This is a part time post and the salary will be pro-rata to the number of hours worked.

An exciting new opening has arisen with the Women’s Safety and Support Service within Justice Services with additional funding supporting a further part-time (21 hours) support worker post until March 2025. The post covers the West Dunbartonshire area and travelling across the authority is a regular feature of the post.

This unique service works collaboratively within Justice Social Work to reduce the risks of domestic offenders and increase the safety and well-being of women and children affected by gender-based violence including women who are themselves in the justice system. The service has expanded and diversified over the past year, and this is an opportunity to be part of a forward thinking, innovative service, and small dedicated team. The service delivers practical and therapeutic supports. This new Women's Support Worker post will contribute significantly to our timely responses and provide intensive intervention with women with complex needs and trauma resulting
from gender-based violence.

A good understanding of a gendered analysis of domestic abuse and the impact of Gender Based Violence is essential. Knowledge of the Justice System’s response to domestic abuse is desired for fulfilling this role. An SVQ 3 in social care or equivalent is essential. The key purpose of the role is to increase the safety of women and girls experiencing trauma and reduce the long-term impact of abuse. An empowering and strengths-based approach and an ability to engage women with empathy, compassion and confidence are essential values. Structured risk identification, safety planning and group work is in place, and you will be supported to deliver these to a high quality
through thorough induction, further job specific training and regular supervision.

You will provide a contribution to evaluating the outcomes of our activities that demonstrate the effectiveness of the services we provide. This includes service user involvement and delivering opportunities for women and girls to influence service improvements. Experience of contributing to service evaluation is desirable and reflective practice is essential.

Developing and maintaining professional relationships whilst working effectively with partner agencies to plan and deliver services and interventions that increase safety and well-being of women is a key role of the post.

Due to the nature of this service, this post is female only and is exempt under Section 9(2)(b) of the Employment(Sex Discrimination) Act 2000.  For further information and informal discussion about this post please contact Grace McVey- WSS Service Co-ordinator or Laura Smith Justice Service Manager on 01389 738484.

Requirements

This post is considered as Regulated Work with Children and Adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007 and as such membership with the PVG scheme is essential. Further details of this scheme can be found here.

Preferred applicants will be required to become members of the relevant PVG scheme, or undergo a PVG Scheme update check prior to a formal offer being made by West Dunbartonshire Council.

Responsibilities

The employment for which you are applying is excepted from the provisions of section 4(2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders (Exceptions) Order 1975. Applicants are, therefore, not statutorily entitled to withhold information about convictions which for other purposes are "spent" under the provisions of the Act. In the event of employment any failure to disclose such convictions could result in dismissal or disciplinary action.

The Individual

WDC was voted one of the top ten flexible employers and prides itself in providing flexible working to support work life balance. In addition to this there are also additional benefits:

• Access to the Local Government pension scheme (LGPS) with an employer’s contribution of at least 19.3% and all associated benefits
• A minimum of 25 days annual leave, increasing a day each year up to 35 days as well as 8 fixed public holidays each year
• Access to employee wellbeing supports including occupational health & counselling if ever you need help and support

Now that you have read the role and what we have to offer, we would love to hear from you. Please use the application to tell us your experience, and why you are the candidate for this role.

For information about West Dunbartonshire Council please click on the following link and see why we are an employer of choice:
http://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/jobs-and-training/working-for-us/about-us/

More information on the benefits of working within West Dunbartonshire Council, can be found using the following link:
http://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/jobs-and-training/working-for-us/benefits-of-working-with-us/