Domestic Abuse Housing Advocate

Location: New Forest, Hampshire (SO43)
Salary: £29,722 per annum (pro rata for part-time hours)
Hours: Part-Time
Responsible To: Deputy Service Manager (Co-Located Services)
On-Call: Not Required

Overview

An experienced safeguarding and support professional with a strong background in supporting vulnerable adults, children and families experiencing domestic abuse, housing instability and complex needs. Skilled in crisis intervention, advocacy, risk assessment, safety planning and multi-agency working. Experienced in empowering victims and survivors to maintain safe accommodation, access services and build the confidence and independence needed to move forward safely. Committed to delivering trauma-informed, person-centred support while promoting safety, wellbeing and long-term resilience.

Key Skills and Experience

Domestic Abuse Support and Advocacy

• Experience supporting adults, children and families affected by domestic abuse and other complex vulnerabilities.
• Skilled in delivering practical and emotional support through a trauma-informed and person-centred approach.
• Ability to advocate effectively on behalf of victims and survivors with statutory and voluntary agencies.
• Experience providing crisis intervention, information, guidance and ongoing support.
• Strong understanding of the impact of domestic abuse on individuals and families.

Housing and Homelessness Support

• Knowledge of housing and homelessness legislation and its application within domestic abuse services.
• Experience supporting individuals to maintain accommodation and access housing-related services.
• Ability to assist clients in developing the skills and confidence required to sustain long-term accommodation.
• Understanding of resettlement processes and supporting clients transitioning from safe accommodation into independent living.
• Experience working with housing providers, local authorities and homelessness services.

Safeguarding and Risk Management

• Strong knowledge of adult and child safeguarding legislation, policies and procedures.
• Experience identifying safeguarding concerns and making appropriate referrals to statutory agencies.
• Skilled in conducting risk assessments and developing effective safety plans.
• Ability to manage complex and high-risk situations while maintaining a focus on client safety and wellbeing.
• Understanding of confidentiality, information sharing and data protection requirements.

Family Support and Empowerment

• Experience working with whole families to improve safety, stability and wellbeing.
• Ability to provide one-to-one support and facilitate family-focused interventions.
• Skilled in developing and reviewing family support plans tailored to individual needs.
• Experience helping families build resilience, confidence and independence following experiences of abuse.
• Commitment to empowering individuals to make informed decisions and achieve positive outcomes.

Multi-Agency Partnership Working

• Extensive experience working collaboratively with social care, housing teams, education services, police, health professionals and voluntary sector organisations.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive professional relationships with a range of stakeholders.
• Experience participating in multi-agency meetings and contributing to coordinated support plans.
• Skilled in increasing awareness and understanding of domestic abuse issues among partner agencies.
• Strong commitment to partnership working and integrated service delivery.

Case Management and Administration

• Experience managing competing priorities and maintaining an organised caseload.
• Skilled in maintaining accurate, confidential and up-to-date client records.
• Ability to collect, record and monitor service data, referrals and outcomes.
• Competent in the use of electronic case management systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience producing reports, monitoring information and evaluation data.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong advocacy, negotiation and relationship-building abilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients, families, professionals and partner agencies.
• Skilled in providing advice, guidance and support in sensitive and emotionally demanding situations.
• Ability to engage and build trust with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Crisis Intervention and Problem Solving

• Strong crisis management skills and ability to respond effectively under pressure.
• Ability to assess risk, prioritise workloads and make sound professional decisions.
• Skilled in identifying solutions to complex issues affecting vulnerable individuals and families.
• Experience working independently while maintaining accountability and professional standards.
• Understanding of lone working procedures and safe working practices.

Additional Requirements

• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes.
• Enhanced DBS clearance.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and anti-discriminatory practice.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and learning.
• Ability to work flexibly to meet the needs of clients and the service.

Areas of Expertise

• Domestic Abuse Advocacy
• Housing and Homelessness Support
• Safeguarding Adults and Children
• Risk Assessment and Safety Planning
• Crisis Intervention
• Family Support and Resettlement
• Multi-Agency Partnership Working
• Case Management and Record Keeping
• Housing Sustainment
• Trauma-Informed Practice
• Client Advocacy and Empowerment
• Confidentiality and Data Protection

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