Domestic Abuse Practitioner

The organisation has a rewarding opportunity for a compassionate and resilient professional to join a multi-disciplinary Family Safeguarding team, supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse and helping improve outcomes for families.

If you've also worked in the following roles, we'd also like to hear from you: Domestic Abuse Worker, Domestic Violence Advocate, IDVA, Family Support Worker, Safeguarding Support Worker, Victim Support Worker, Community Support Worker, Abuse Support Worker

Please note: Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies. The post holder must be female

SALARY: £25,282 (unqualified) to £30,304 (qualified) per annum + Benefits

LOCATION: Dudley, West Midlands

JOB TYPE: Full-Time, Permanent

WORKING HOURS: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm. Some out-of-hours work may be required

JOB OVERVIEW

This is a rewarding opportunity to work in a trauma-informed service supporting parents and carers whose children are receiving Family Safeguarding intervention.

Working as a Domestic Abuse Practitioner you will provide practical and emotional support to victims and survivors, assess risk, develop safety plans and help ensure the voice of the victim is reflected throughout care planning.

As a Domestic Abuse Practitioner you will work with children's social care, statutory and non-statutory agencies and wider support services to reduce risk, promote safety and support independence.

The Domestic Abuse Practitioner will manage a caseload, contribute to multi-agency plans and provide advice and guidance to professionals supporting children and families affected by domestic abuse.

DUTIES

Your duties as the Domestic Abuse Practitioner include:

• Case Management: Manage a caseload, completing risk assessments, needs assessments, safety planning, support planning and case reviews
• Victim Support: Provide practical and emotional support to victims, survivors and their children
• Care Planning: Prepare care and support plans for Children's Services and coordinate community support
• Multi-Agency Working: Work with safeguarding teams, Children's Services and partner agencies to deliver coordinated interventions and respond where risk escalates
• Professional Guidance: Provide advice, guidance and awareness support to professionals working with children and families affected by domestic abuse
• Information Management: Maintain accurate records in line with GDPR, confidentiality and information sharing procedures
• Meetings and Reviews: Attend relevant case reviews and multi-agency meetings including CIN, CP, TAC, TAF, MARAC and MAPPA where appropriate

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS ESSENTIAL

• This post is open to female applicants only as an Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010
• Experience of working with vulnerable adults and children in a safeguarding capacity
• Ability to maintain professional relationships and boundaries
• Knowledge of domestic abuse dynamics and the impact on individuals and families
• Knowledge of the Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy and the gendered nature of violence
• Strong risk assessment practice and understanding of domestic and sexual violence
• Good safeguarding understanding and ability to contribute to safer working
• Ability to use Microsoft Office and virtual platforms
• Experience of managing a caseload and working to timescales
• Clear verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to gather, analyse and interpret information
• Organised, proactive, resilient and able to work as part of a team
• Client-centred, empathetic, non-judgemental and anti-discriminatory approach
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
• Eligibility to work in the UK

DESIRABLE

• Minimum Level 3 qualification in a related field
• Experience of working with victims and/or survivors of domestic abuse, including risk assessment and safety planning
• Experience of complex casework involving safeguarding, mental health, substance misuse, trauma or crisis intervention
• Understanding of motivational interviewing skills and trauma-informed approaches
• Willingness to work unsociable hours when required

BENEFITS

• Training and development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to group clinical supervision
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)
• Pension scheme with employer contribution
• Time off in lieu for additional hours worked

This role requires a DBS check

JOB REF: AWDO-P15071