Part-Time: 18 Hours per week
Salary: £24,454. pro rata (unaccredited)
£27,000 pro rata (accredited*) *on completion (or prior attainment) of a role- specific accreditation
Location: Hybrid (TBC*/Home) with occasional travel across the UK.
Induction will be at our Head Office in Portsmouth
Contract: Until 31 March 2027
DBS Disclosure at Enhanced Level will be required prior to any offer of employment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
JOB ROLE
As a Royal Air Force (Armed Forces) Advocate your role will be to provide a high-quality frontline service to victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence and/or stalking (aged 16+), working specifically within an armed forces remit, as follows:
- Where the victim is a serving member of the Royal Air Force
- Where the alleged perpetrator(s) is a serving member of the Royal Air Force
To work within a multi- agency framework and develop tailored safety and support plans which respond to individual risk/need.
Responsible to: Armed Forces Senior Advocate
CORE DUTIES
- Take the role of an Armed Forces Advocate (AFA) within the Aurora Service, working specifically with victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence and/or stalking who have links to the armed forces.
- Work in accordance with the bespoke model of support provided by our Armed Forces Advocacy Service (AFAS), responding to the unique needs of forces personnel and their families in the development and delivery of support plans.
- Identify and assess the risks and needs of victims using evidence-based risk identification checklist, or thorough needs assessment, as appropriate to the case.
- Work with victims of abuse to help them access services to keep themselves, their families, and their children safe.
- Advocate for victims with agencies, while maintaining an independent role, who can help to address the domestic abuse/sexual violence/stalking by:
- Understanding the role of all relevant statutory and non-statutory services available to victims and how your role fits into them.
- Providing advocacy, emotional and practical support and information to victims including in relation to legal options, housing, health, and finance.
- Working within the structure and policy/process framework of the armed forces, tailoring your support accordingly and ensuring that victim safety and wellbeing is always kept at the forefront.
- Working directly with all key agency partners (forces and civilian) to address the safety of victims, ensuring that their safety plans are coordinated through established multi-agency processes.
- Support the empowerment of the client and assist them in recognising the features and dynamics of domestic abuse/sexual violence or stalking, helping them regain control of their lives.
- Act in an advisory capacity to armed forces personnel and welfare services as required.
- Participate in the delivery of training and awareness raising as relevant to the role.
- Be proactive with the Line Manager in carrying out periodic case reviews based on a review of risk and need, which feeds back into action planning to further progress, signpost, or close cases.
- Help maintain accurate and confidential case management records using the database and contribute to monitoring information for the service.
- Comply with data protection legislation, confidentiality and information sharing policy and procedures and all legislation connected to your work.
- Support colleagues and partner agencies, through awareness raising and institutional advocacy, to provide the best possible service for victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence, and stalking.
- Respect and value the diversity of the community within which the service works and recognise the needs and concerns of a diverse range of survivors ensuring the service is accessible to all.
- Occasional travel to RAF bases across the UK and possible overseas to offer support to victims and promotion of the service.
This job description is a guide to the work you will initially be required to undertake. It may be changed from time to time to meet changing circumstances. It does not form part of your contract of employment.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Applicants must have experience of the Armed forces community (whether as a dependent or as a member of serving personnel) and be able to apply this experience to their practice.
- Prior experience of working in the domestic abuse/sexual violence sector is not essential. Full training in the role will be provided, and we welcome any and all applicants with a forces background.
EXPERIENCE
- Some experience of working with or supporting people experiencing domestic abuse, sexual violence or stalking in an official capacity would be advantageous. Where applicants do not have direct experience, they should be able to demonstrate a solid understanding of the subject matter.
- Experience of multi-agency work would be advantageous.
QUALIFICATIONS/PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP
- A willingness to undertake additional relevant study and training is essential.
PERSONAL QUALITIES, ATTITUDE AND PRESENTATION
You are required to demonstrate:
- A commitment to a feminist ethos
- The ability to remain compassionate and empathetic towards your client’s situation at all times.
- A non-judgmental and non-directive approach to empowering survivors along with the ability to understand each individual’s needs.
- The ability to think creatively, show initiative and be proactive when managing your caseload and interacting with your clients and the agencies you are working with.
- That you act with integrity and respect when working with all clients, agencies, and individuals.
- The ability to motivate individuals and agencies to move through courses of action and decision-making processes.
- That you are able to critically assess your own performance and reflect on own practice.
- That you are consistent and flexible, and able to deal with changing and competing demands.
- A commitment to anti-discriminatory practice.
- That you are efficient and punctual.
- A willingness to travel to meet the needs of the post.
Pay: £24,454.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Portsmouth (Hampshire, Hampshire, South East Region, South East Region)
