Domestic Abuse Outreach Worker

Who We Are & What We Stand For

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.

We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time.

We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward‑thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.

At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi‑time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.

The Neighbourhoods & Localities team play a key role in several important areas, such as homelessness prevention work, older person’s housing support and case management of antisocial behaviour work. They do all of this and more, through proactive and strategic approaches that are designed to agree and deliver on local priorities via both internal and external partnerships. The team also offer a comprehensive housing service, managing over 17,000 properties through a team of housing officers, support staff, caretaking staff, concierge and handy persons.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Domestic Abuse Housing Outreach Worker. Based within the Neighbourhood Relations Team, reporting to the Partnership and Inclusion Coordinator you will be responsible for providing housing related outreach advice and support to victims of domestic abuse with the aim of overcoming barriers to housing and preventing homelessness.

You should have experience of working with people experiencing domestic abuse, as well as a good understanding of safeguarding practice and the challenges victims face, particularly in relation to housing.

You will contribute to multi‑agency arrangements for victims of domestic abuse, sharing relevant information and safety planning, including providing additional security in homes.

• Provide housing related outreach advice and support to victims of domestic abuse, helping them overcome barriers to housing, improving outcomes, and preventing homelessness.
• Identify barriers to housing for victims of domestic abuse, use allocated funding to address these where appropriate, and identify potential service improvements within housing services.
• Provide onetoone support and advice to victims of domestic abuse around housing related issues.
• Deliver presentations on the progress and outcomes achieved by the service.
• Liaise with other services and providers to ensure victims can access appropriate support services.
• Record data, including outcomes achieved, for reporting and monitoring purposes.
• Identify and respond to risks of harm by putting appropriate measures in place to reduce risk and support the victim.
• Represent Housing at domestic abuse and partnership meetings where appropriate.
• Work with colleagues in Housing Solutions, Supported Housing, and other partners to achieve effective, appropriate outcomes for victims.
• Carry out any other duties appropriate to the grade of the post.
• Raise awareness within hardtoreach groups in the local community about domestic abuse, housing options, and available support.

• ICT packages, including Microsoft Office
• Knowledge of social housing

• 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, including Maths and English, or equivalent
• Relevant work experience

• Experience working with victims of domestic abuse
• Excellent communication skills
• Good organisation and timekeeping skills, with the ability to prioritise
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team

• Competitive Salary:
  We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience
• Outstanding Pension Scheme:
  We don’t just offer a great salary we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government…