About this role
Job summary
A newly created team is being established to support victims of domestic abuse. This is an exciting opportunity to seek individuals who are passionate to make a difference for victims of domestic abuse. The post holder will be central member of the safeguarding children team and provide a culturally sensitive service to high-risk victims of domestic/family abuse who are referred by Trust staff to help keep them and their children safe. They will work with people to support them to live safely as possible, using a whole family approach, where applicable. The service will primarily cover the Emergency Department, and Women and Children's services.
Note: Should we receive a high volume of applications, this vacancy may close before the advertised closing date.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will conduct comprehensive assessments of needs and risk, utilising standardised risk assessment tools such as CAADA DASH or anti-Stalking Risk Assessments, and provide appropriate onward sign posting, while maintaining the immediate safety of all involved. They will provide practical and emotional support to families where domestic abuse is identified, working within appropriate professional guidelines and legislation.
Use a systemic trauma informed approach to improve safety, resilience, wellbeing, and family functioning.
Identifying escalation of risk and follow appropriate safeguarding procedures where there are concerns.
Work in partnership with other members of the specialist and safeguarding teams to ensure a joint plan of care and management of risks.
About us
Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust is home to five of the UK's most renowned hospitals: Guy's, St Thomas', Evelina London Children's Hospital, Royal Brompton, and Harefield. Alongside these institutions, we provide community services in Lambeth and Southwark, all rooted in a long history of high-quality care, clinical excellence, research, and innovation.
As one of the UK's busiest and most successful foundation trusts, we offer specialist care in areas such as heart and lung conditions, cancer, and renal services. Additionally, we deliver a comprehensive range of local hospital and community services to the residents of Lambeth and Southwark.
With a proud tradition of clinical and scientific achievement, we are part of King's Health Partners, one of England's eight academic health sciences centres. This partnership integrates world-class clinical services, teaching, and research. Since 2007, we have hosted one of the National Institute for Health Research's biomedical research centres, established in collaboration with King's College London, alongside dedicated clinical research facilities.
Employing approximately 22,700 staff, we are one of the largest NHS Trusts in the country and a significant local employer. We strive to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve while fostering new and existing partnerships with local people, patients, neighbouring NHS organisations, local authorities, charitable bodies, and GPs.
Job description Job responsibilities
Act as an expert resource for the multi-professional team, specialities, directorate, clinical group, and TrustUse a systemic trauma informed approach to improve safety, resilience, wellbeing, and family functioning. Identifying escalation of risk and follow appropriate safeguarding procedures where there are concerns Support the empowerment of victims, assisting them to recognise the dynamics of domestic abuse present in their own situation and to help them gain control of their lives. Provide advocacy, emotional and practical support and information to male and female victims in relation to their safety, legal options, housing, immigration and financial situations. Support victims to seek immediate temporary housing/ refuge if required. Recognise, respect and address the needs of clients who face particular barriers when seeking help, especially those from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, LGBT communities, disabled people and other hard to reach groups. Work in partnership with other members of the specialist and safeguarding teams to ensure a joint plan of care and management of risks. Create an environment that fosters good communication between patient and health care professionals, that meets individuals needs. Communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally. Where appropriate and in consultation with the patient and other professionals, refer patients to a wide range of services including domestic and sexual abuse specialist.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Diploma level education
Desirable
Health/ social care certification Experience of working with other specialist agencies/ partnership working across agencies
Skills & Knowledge Essential
Evidence of excellant interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with individuals from diverse backgrounds Knowledge of what domestic abuse is Understanding of the risks of domestic abuse and impact on both victim and children Understanding of what constitutes effective risk assessment and planning Evidence of building trusting relationships whilst respecting professional boundaries Ability to manage stressful situations Ability to work in a team and also show ability to work on own initiative
Desirable
To be able to demonstrate evidence of previous multi agency working Understanding of MARAC procedures
Experience Essential
Previous experience working with vulnerable clients/ service users Experience of undertaking risk assessments and planning Experience of working in a team
Desirable
Experience of working with other specialist agencies/ partnership working across agencies
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship 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).
Employer details Employer name Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
Address St Thomas site
Westminster Bridge Road
London
SE1 7EH
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/careers/careers.aspx (Opens in a new tab)