DSV Caseworker - Newham DSVSS

We are Hestia. We make a difference.

At Hestia, we live by our values and are committed to a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation that provides a variety of services such as Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery, Mental Health & Complex Needs and Criminal Justice. We are committed to empower people to rebuild their lives and regain independence. 

The service you will work in

The Alessia Project is a commissioned independent service dedicated to supporting those who sell sex, who are sexually exploited or trafficked in Newham. This service is available for those aged 16+ and welcomes both self-referrals and those referred externally.

The aim of the project is to empower and support people to make informed choices about their lives. We promote a multi-agency working approach and our ethos are in line with ‘Violence against Women & Girls' (VAWG) values. Our practice is trauma informed and anti-oppressive, supporting individuals to access relevant services, from financial to therapeutic.

Please note that Section 7(2) b & e of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 applies to this position – (Women only please).

A day in this role looks like….

As a DSV Case Worker at Hestia, you will play a crucial role in our Domestic Abuse Service. Your contributions will directly influence the lives of our service users, guiding them towards a path of empowerment and independence.

A day will never look the same and some of the things you can expect to do/be responsible for are:

• Effectively identify, make contact and offer support to those involved in sex work in Newham.
• Enable service users to develop skills required for independent living and their broader needs by enabling access to other relevant services.
• Carry out Risk, Needs assessments and Support Plans.
• Provide crisis intervention where necessary and as appropriate to the needs and safety of the service users.
• Make appropriate Safeguarding referrals (ASEAP and MARAC).
• Provide cover at our drop-in events/hubs and attend weekly outreach between 9pm-11pm.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations, and best practice to effectively support the Service Users.
• Effectively identify, make contact and offer support to women and other individuals involved sex work in Newham.
• Provide information, advice and advocacy to off-street and street-based sex- workers in Newham.
• Enable service users to develop skills required for independent living and their broader needs by enabling access to other relevant services.
• Provide crisis intervention where necessary as appropriate to the needs and safety of the service users.
• Addresses additional risk factors: substance misuse/ homelessness /economic disadvantage Referral to MARAC if high-risk e.g. controlled by pimps/traffickers.
• Form partnerships with relevant agencies such as Sir Ludwig Guttman Centre, Ambrose King Sexual Health Centre, All East, Positive East to effectively support Service Users.
• Provide a night-time outreach with a colleague.
• Ensuring confidentiality and safeguarding is always maintained.

Why Hestia?

Joining Hestia means more than just a job; it's an opportunity to be part of something bigger. We offer a supportive, inclusive and resolution driven work environment where your contributions are recognised and valued. As a member of our team, you will have the chance to grow both personally and professionally while making a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.

We are looking for candidates who bring a combination of passion, expertise, and dedication to the table. To excel in this role, you should possess:

• Experience of working with vulnerable people, particularly those involved in off and on street-based sex work.
• Ability to understand and support those experiencing trauma.
• Knowledge and understanding of issues faced by people involved in sex work and the barriers faced when accessing services.
• Excellent verbal, written and IT skills.
• Good knowledge and understanding of safeguarding issues and the ability to apply these to your work.
• Knowledge of health and social care services.
• Knowledge of legal framework surrounding sex work.
• A Full Valid Driving License preferrable.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer…

Hestia is a disability confident employer, committed to the employment and career development of individual with disabilities. As part of this commitment, we operate a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We will also accommodate reasonable adjustment during the selection and interview process and throughout your employment with us.