JOB DESCRIPTION AND PERSON SPECIFICATION

Job Title:
Service:
Project:

Domestic Abuse Practitioner
Be Free
Supporting all generations to Be Free (TNL funded)

Responsible to:
Responsible for:
Working hours:

Domestic Abuse Project Manager
N/A
Monday to Friday, between the hours of 9am and 5pm, evening and weekend
working where required.

The main objectives to be achieved by the post holder
1.1  To work as a member of the Be Free team; providing a high quality frontline service to victims of Domestic Abuse.

1.2  Hold  a  champion  role  in  ‘Early  Years  and  Parenting’,  ‘Young  People’  or  ‘Older  People’,  providing  a  specialist

approach to respond to the unique needs and vulnerabilities of these generational groups.

1.3  To  deliver  a  varied  programme  of  support  to  address  Domestic  Abuse  and  the  individual  impacts  on  all
generations  of  the  family,  providing  support  at  crisis  through  to  recovery,  inclusive  of  early  intervention
approaches.

1.4  To maintain a working knowledge of PAC policies and procedures and comply to all.

1.5  To be positive and motivational in promoting PAC’s ethos and values.

Support
2.1 To effectively respond to all aspects of referrals; including helpline calls made by service users (potential, engaged,

closed), professionals and the wider community in respect of Domestic Abuse.

2.2 To identify and assess the risks and needs of Domestic Abuse victims using an evidence based risk identification

checklist.

2.3 To produce support and safety plans in line with the identified risks and needs of service users, reviewing such

plans to reflect changing and emerging needs.

2.4 To advocate for service users with agencies who can help to address Domestic Abuse by;

a.  Understanding  the  role  of all  relevant  statutory  and non-statutory  services  available  to Domestic  Abuse

victims and how your role fits into them.

b.  Providing advocacy, emotional and practical support and information to victims including in relation to legal

options, housing, health and finance.

c.  Working directly with all key agency partners to address the safety of those affected by Domestic Abuse,

ensuring safety plans are coordinated particularly through the MARAC.

2.5      To hold and manage a caseload; ensuring each service user receives the appropriate service individual to the

identified risks, vulnerabilities and needs.

2.6      To provide one to one support to address service user’s wellbeing and practical needs.

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2.7     To deliver group programmes and facilitate peer support opportunities.

2.8     To provide emotional and advocacy support for service users when decisions are being made about their lives

by statutory services and the family courts.

2.9     To work and deliver all aspects of support in a trauma informed way.

2.10   To ensure that risk assessment and risk management procedures are followed at all times, prioritising those

most at risk.

2.11    To support the empowerment of service users and assist them in recognising the features and dynamics of

Domestic Abuse present in their situation, helping them to regain control of their lives.

2.12   To engage in all aspects of the Lancashire Continuum of Need including the Lancashire Early help Assessment
process, Team Around the Family, Child in Need, Child Protection and Looked after Children protocols.

2.13   To be responsible for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of service users at all times.

2.14    Promote participation of service users in the delivery and development of the service.

2.15   To conduct exit assessments and provide clear exit pathways from the service.

Administration
3.1     To ensure accurate and timely case records are maintained in line with project procedures.

3.2     Complete necessary monitoring for the project to ensure outcomes are achieved and learning is gained.

3.3     Comply with data protection legislation, confidentiality and information sharing policy and procedures and all
            legislation connected to your work in order to uphold standards of best practice.

Health and Safety
4.1 Comply with and contribute to all aspects of health and safety and risk assessments within the service.

4.2 To report any health and safety concerns immediately and take appropriate action to minimise any risks identified.

4.3  To help maintain the cleanliness and tidiness of PAC premises, ensuring the facilities are welcoming, inclusive and

accessible by all.

Finance and Resources
3.1 To ensure that PAC financial policies and procedures are adhered to.

Human Resources
4.1 Engage in case management, supervision, clinical supervison, performance appraisals, team meetings and away
days.

Working with Others
5.1 To effectively communicate internally and externally on a daily basis by assisting people in a helpful and diplomatic

manner and dealing with enquiries appropriately.

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5.2 To work in a way which demonstrates respect for and understanding of the diverse need, circumstances, lifestyles

and choices of service users.

5.3 To respect and value the diversity of the community in which the services works in, and recognise the needs and

concerns of a diverse range of survivors ensuring the service is accessible to all.

5.4 To effectively liaise with and engage with other professionals as appropriate.

5.5 To provide advocacy on behalf of service users, representing their views and put forward professional views

5.6 To refer clients to other services to meet unmet needs that cannot be met by the service.

5.7   To promote the participation of service users in the delivery and development of the project, including regularly
seeking  service  user’s  feedback  and  views  and  responding  positively  and  professionally  to  complaints,
compliments and comments.

5.8 To support other team members in carrying out their duties effectively, including the effective communication of

relevant information during handovers and in line with PAC procedures.

Additional Requirements
6.1

To work flexibly in order to meet the needs of the service.

6.2

To undertake appropriate training and engage in development days.

6.3      To support and positively promote the charity’s activities, development and profile to service users and the
wider community including assisting in the organisation and participation in publicity and fundraising events
as required

6.4      To contribute effectively to all quality mark systems.

6.5      To fully understand and comply with PAC’s safeguarding policies and procedures for child protection and
            the protection of vulnerable adults.

6.6       To provide support elsewhere in the service as presenting needs arise, as directed by your line manager.

Note:

In addition, other duties at the same responsibility level may be interchanged with/added to this
list at any time.

Developed by:  Jen Gore (Head of Services and Development), September 2024.

Approved by:  Claire Bennett (CEO)

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PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential criteria – successful applicants must have/be;

7.1 A relevant level 3 qualification or equivalent experience.

7.2 At least 1 years’ experience of working with vulnerable people or those at risk of harm.

7.3 A thorough understanding of Domestic Abuse and the generational challenges that could increase a person’s risk,
vulnerabilities and needs.

7.4 An understanding of the principles of risk assessment, safety planning and risk management for victims of
domestic abuse and their children.

7.5 Experience of effective case management.

7.6 Experience of effective engagement with victims of domestic abuse working sensitively to meet their individual
needs.

7.7 Experience of working in a multi-agency framework.

7.8 An ability to work as an effective team member.

7.9 A clear understanding of confidentiality policy and procedures.

7.10 Computer literate and have the ability to maintain client records and monitoring information in a clear and
accurate manner; being confident in the use of Microsoft packages and case management software.

7.11 An ability to communicate, negotiate and advise effectively in a variety of formats with a range of agencies and
service users.

7.12 An ability to work sensitively in a multi-cultural environment.

7.13 An ability to work on your own initiative.

7.14 An ability to organise and prioritise work.

7.15 An understanding of confidentiality, equal opportunities, non-judgemental attitudes and be committed to these
principles.

7.16 An ability to be empathetic with service users and act with integrity and respect with all service users, agencies
and individuals.

7.17 Strong crisis management skills and the ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations.

7.18 A working knowledge of child protection procedures and the legal responsibilities surrounding these issues.

7.19 A full UK driving license and have use of a vehicle for work purposes.

7.20 Able to work flexibly and sometimes unsociable hours.

7.21 Possess/gain and maintain a satisfactory enhanced disclosure and barring service check.

Desirable Criteria – applicants with these requirements are more likely to be successful.

8.1 Have a recognised Domestic Abuse qualification (i.e. IDVA, YPVA, OPVA)

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8.2 Have theoretical, practical and procedural knowledge of civil and criminal justice remedies for victims of
domestic abuse and their children.

8.3 Trained in facilitating Domestic Abuse programmes, i.e. You and Me Mum, Power to Change, Recovery Toolkit.

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