JOB DESCRIPTION AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
Job Title:
Service:
Project:
Domestic Abuse Practitioner
Be Free
DASSL (LCC funded)
Responsible to:
Responsible for:
Working hours:
Domestic Abuse Project Manager
N/A
To be worked Monday to Friday, between the hours of 9am – 5pm, evening and
weekend working where required.
To form part of the on call rota for Be Free’s safe accommodation provision,
additional on call payments apply.
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.
1.1
To provide specialist Domestic Abuse support to those living within Be Free’s accommodation and to those living
within the community, providing support at crisis through to recovery, inclusive of early intervention
approaches.
1.2 To maintain a working knowledge of PAC policies and procedures and comply to all.
1.3 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.
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.
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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.
Accommodation specific
2.16 To complete referral, assessment and admissions as appropriate in line with policy and procedure.
2.17 To prepare for and support with the move in of service users, ensuring rooms are cleaned and prepared for new
service users.
2.18 To support tenancy management and housing management tasks within Be Free’s safe accommodation.
2.19 To plan for and support with the preparation of service users’ move on from the service.
2.20 Support in ensuring the accommodation is welcoming, inclusive and accessible by all.
2.21 To manage the project buildings and grounds to ensure the project is safe and secure, and that risk
assessments, and health and safety and fire regulations are complied with.
2.22 To deal effectively and sensitively with project challenges, emergencies or crisis situations such as; conflict,
missing person incidents in line with PAC policy and procedures, utilising DSL support as appropriate.
2.23 To form part of the on call rota for Be Free’s safe accommodation, being on call for support and emergencies out
of core hours.
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.
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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.
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
Due to the nature of the role this job is open only to women. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part
1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.
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 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 To have experience of and an understanding of tasks involved in rehousing victims of Domestic Abuse.
7.19 A working knowledge of child protection procedures and the legal responsibilities surrounding these issues.
7.20 A full UK driving license and have use of a vehicle for work purposes.
7.21 Able to work flexibly and sometimes unsociable hours.
7.21 Possess/gain and maintain a satisfactory enhanced disclosure and barring service check.
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Desirable Criteria – applicants with these requirements are more likely to be successful.
8.1 Have a recognised Domestic Abuse qualification (i.e. IDVA, ISVA, YPVA, OPVA)
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.
8.4 An understanding of tenancy management and housing management tasks.
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