Domestic Abuse Practitioner

Positive Action in the CommunityRegistered Charity Number: 1088536 |  Company by Limited Guarantee: 04167948Registered in England and Wales, Hills House, Leeds Road, Nelson, BB9 8ELRECRUITMENT PACKRole: Domestic Abuse PractitionerDeadline: 9am,  Wednesday 18 March 2026 thHello and thank you so much for taking an interest in our Domestic Abuse Practitionerrole here at Positive Action in the Community (PAC). I am thrilled to have the opportunityto introduce and welcome our Charity to you. I do hope that on reading the followinginformation you will gain an insight into the work we do and the differences we make inour community. As a charity we have over 25 years’ experience of delivery and wecontinue to be a growing, ambitious, and passionate charity with strong foundations offantastic people across our projects, including our central team, our services andprogrammes teams, our Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and our board of trustees. We pride ourselves on meeting the needs of our community by embracing evidencebased and innovative approaches that create the greatest opportunities for moreoutcomes for more people. We are driven by our Mission, Vision and Values andmotivated by our purpose. So if you feel that this is something you want to be part of,that you can bring new ideas to, and that you could enhance our strong foundations,then we strongly encourage you to apply. If you do have further questions after readingthis pack, please do feel free to get in contact with us either by email on recruitment@p-a-c.org.uk or via telephone on 01282 227649. We look forward to receiving yourapplication.ClaireHELLO FROM OUR CEO,CLAIRE BENNETTPositive Action in the CommunityRegistered Charity Number: 1088536 |  Company by Limited Guarantee: 04167948Registered in England and Wales, Hills House, Leeds Road, Nelson, BB9 8ELOUR VISION, MISSION, VALUES & PURPOSEVisionTo have a community that gives the greatest opportunities for a safe, fulfilled andaspirational life free from domestic abuse, homelessness and poor mental health.MissionWe aim to make a positive difference to those impacted by Domestic abuse, homelessnessor/and poor mental health by developing innovative responses to need and providing highquality, specialist support to build independent resilience and live safely.ValuesSupportive / Empowering – to have support and be supportiveInnovative –  to be creative in lifeInspirational / aspirational –  to be inspired and to want to achieveIntegration –  to be part of somethingResilience -  to keep growing and learning at lifePurposeTo make a positive difference To proactively meet unmet needs and gaps – providing early intervention to supportstatutory, family and community needsTo empower service users’ to reach their potential and thriveTo build strong futures for communities and create generational changeTo be a trusted organisation – which is professional and respected for the quality of itsservices and its approachability and flexibilityPositive Action in the CommunityRegistered Charity Number: 1088536 |  Company by Limited Guarantee: 04167948Registered in England and Wales, Hills House, Leeds Road, Nelson, BB9 8ELABOUT US & OUR HISTORYPAC – Positive Action in the Community was set up in 1999 to meet the needs of the Pendlecommunity which were not being met through statutory provision or by other organisations,since then we have expanded to deliver support provision across East Lancashire. Our mission statement is: To provide public benefits for the inhabitants of the North of England without distinction of sex, or of political,religious or other opinions, by associating the Local Authorities, Voluntary Organisations, and local inhabitantsin the following ways: (i) The prevention and the relief of poverty. (ii) To promote the education of persons who through their social and economic circumstances are in need andunable to gain employment and in particular to provide or support schemes where such persons may acquireand develop vocational skills which will enhance their employment prospects their physical and emotionalhealth and well-being. (iii) To provide facilities in the interest of social welfare for recreation and leisure time occupation with theobject of improving the conditions of life of those persons in need, hardship or distress. (iv) To advance education for the public benefit by providing advice and guidance upon questions ofunemployment, housing, domestic abuse, safeguarding and social welfare and related topics (v) To assist persons of limited means in cases of social hardship or economic misfortune upon termsappropriate to their means whether or not members of the society to find appropriate living accommodationand whilst so doing to provide where possible temporary shelter in properties managed by the charity fromtime to time. PAC was previously known as Pendle Action for the Community, but due to demand for ourprovision outside of Pendle our name was changed in 2016 to remove any barriers andconfusion caused to beneficiaries, ensuring access was for all.  PAC is supported by a board of committed voluntary trustees who bring with them a wealth ofexperience, and knowledge ranging from legal services, business and project management,financial management, educational services, health and safety, employment and trainingopportunities and charity governance. PAC employs an incredible and dedicated frontline workforce ranging from volunteers,support staff, management, a central administration and project support team, alongside aCEO and senior leadership team who facilitate strategic and operational development of thecharity.Positive Action in the CommunityRegistered Charity Number: 1088536 |  Company by Limited Guarantee: 04167948Registered in England and Wales, Hills House, Leeds Road, Nelson, BB9 8ELOUR PROVISIONPositive Action in the CommunityRegistered Charity Number: 1088536 |  Company by Limited Guarantee: 04167948Registered in England and Wales, Hills House, Leeds Road, Nelson, BB9 8ELBe Free exists to support and empower victim-survivors of domestic abuse by providingcompassionate, trauma-informed services that promote safety, healing and choice, whileadvocating for dignity, justice and a future free from abuse.Be Free are committed to listening without judgment and standing alongside victim-survivors ofdomestic abuse with compassion, respect and belief. As a specialist service, Be Free provide safe,trauma-informed and culturally responsive support tailored to individual needs, empowering eachperson to make informed choices, regain control and move towards safety and recovery at their ownpace.SafeSpace provides supported accommodation for young people in Lancashire between the agesof 16 and 21 with experience of homelessness. Across 3 sites, providing 44 units ofaccommodation in total, SafeSpace provides a safe, supportive and nurturing environmentwhere young people can build life skills, regain confidence and achieve long-term stability intheir journey towards independence. SafeSpace offer young people guidance, resources, supportand practical assistance tailored to individual needs, always with kindness, respect, andunderstanding. All SafeSpace sites, in Pendle, Rossendale and Hyndburn, are staffed 24 hours aday, 7 days a week, all year round. SafeSpace is regulated by Ofsted under the SupportedAccommodation (England) Regulations 2023. SafeSpace have a youth homelessness prevention service called HAPI (Homelessness AwarenessPrevention Interventions) which is available to young people aged 14-25 years in Pendle, Burnleyand Rossendale providing support to young people in crisis in relation to their housing needs.  Be Free’s community provision is available for adults, young people and children who live inPendle and Rossendale. Be Free’s safe accommodation provision is based in Pendle and is available for women andchildren escaping Domestic Abuse from across the country.Be Free is a Women’s Aid member and a partner of DASSL (Domestic Abuse Support ServicesLancashire).Evolve delivers a number of community wellbeing programmes and aims to develop the pathway toindependence to support wellbeing, personal development and opportunities for individuals in ourcommunities. Evolve programmes are delivered by experienced workers and our counselling service isdelivered by qualified counsellors who are fully insured and comply with BACP regulations. Evolve provides: Education, employability and life skills programmes for individuals addressing barriers to engagingin education or employmentCounselling programmes for PAC service users or individuals in the communityPeer parenting support groups for parents with children with emotional or mental health needsYouth work provisionTraining around Mental Health First Aid and Suicide PreventionPositive Action in the CommunityRegistered Charity Number: 1088536 |  Company by Limited Guarantee: 04167948Registered in England and Wales, Hills House, Leeds Road, Nelson, BB9 8ELPositive Action in the CommunityRegistered Charity Number: 1088536 |  Company by Limited Guarantee: 04167948Registered in England and Wales, Hills House, Leeds Road, Nelson, BB9 8ELOUR ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURESTAFF BENEFITSPositive Action in the CommunityRegistered Charity Number: 1088536 |  Company by Limited Guarantee: 04167948Registered in England and Wales, Hills House, Leeds Road, Nelson, BB9 8ELPositive Action in the CommunityRegistered Charity Number: 1088536 |  Company by Limited Guarantee: 04167948Registered in England and Wales, Hills House, Leeds Road, Nelson, BB9 8ELJOB DESCRIPTIONJob Title: Domestic Abuse PractitionerService: Be FreeSalary: £27,699 - £29,632 (Per annum pro rata)Responsible to: Domestic Abuse Project ManagerResponsible for: N/AWorking hours/ requirements: 16 hours per week, Thursday’s and Friday’s are mandatory days (hours of work can be agreed upon appointment).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 holder1.1   To work as a member of the Be Free team; providing a high quality frontline service to victims of Domestic Abuse.1.2   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.1.3   To maintain a working knowledge of PAC policies and procedures and comply to all.1.4   To be positive and motivational in promoting PAC’s ethos and values.Support2.1   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.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.Positive Action in the CommunityRegistered Charity Number: 1088536 |  Company by Limited Guarantee: 04167948Registered in England and Wales, Hills House, Leeds Road, Nelson, BB9 8EL2.12   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 specific2.16   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.Administration3.1   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 Safety4.1   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 Resources3.1   To ensure that PAC financial policies and procedures are adhered to.Human Resources4.1   Engage in case management, supervision, clinical supervision, performance appraisals, team meetings and away days.        Working with Others5.1   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 views5.6   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.Positive Action in the CommunityRegistered Charity Number: 1088536 |  Company by Limited Guarantee: 04167948Registered in England and Wales, Hills House, Leeds Road, Nelson, BB9 8ELAdditional Requirements6.1   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 required6.4   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)Positive Action in the CommunityRegistered Charity Number: 1088536 |  Company by Limited Guarantee: 04167948Registered in England and Wales, Hills House, Leeds Road, Nelson, BB9 8ELPERSON SPECIFICATIONDue to the nature of the role this job is open only to women. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of theEquality 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.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.ENHANCED DBS REQUIREMENT  Equality, diversity and inclusion is about valuing differences and creating an environmentwhere everyone has an equal chance to live, learn and work, free from discrimination andprejudice and to be included. To this end, PAC and its projects wholeheartedly support theprinciples of equal opportunities in employment and service delivery and oppose all forms ofunlawful or unfair discrimination on the grounds of colour, race, gender, being transgender,appearance, age, disability, faith, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, marital status,maternal status, being pregnant, being married or in a civil partnership, or HIV status. PACrecognises that certain groups of people in society are denied equal opportunity and sufferdiscrimination. Therefore PAC is committed to developing an effective equal opportunitiespolicy and plan to provide equal treatment, equal access and equal benefits, and strives forgood practice in all its area of work including services to clients; in its practice as an employerand in the way it works with other organisations, both statutory and voluntary. PACrecognises that equal opportunities must be actively promoted, implemented and monitored,and that policies must be reviewed on a regular basis. We do not discriminate against staff orthose coming into contact with us via our services on the basis of age, disability, genderreassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality,ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation (protectedcharacteristics). Your attention is drawn to the fact that this post is covered under the Rehabilitation ofOffenders Act 1974 (Exemptions) Order 1975 and you should declare any convictions. Ifsuccessful at interview, an Enhanced Criminal Record Certificate will be sought from theCriminal Records Bureau before confirmation of appointment. It is suggested that you takeappropriate advice if you are in doubt as to the correct answer to give. Positive Action in the CommunityRegistered Charity Number: 1088536 |  Company by Limited Guarantee: 04167948Registered in England and Wales, Hills House, Leeds Road, Nelson, BB9 8ELEQUALITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION STATEMENTPositive Action in the CommunityRegistered Charity Number: 1088536 |  Company by Limited Guarantee: 04167948Registered in England and Wales, Hills House, Leeds Road, Nelson, BB9 8ELHOW TO APPLYFor more information about this role, you can make contact with us in the following ways:Email: recruitment@p-a-c.org.uk Call: 01282 227649If you would like to proceed in applying for the post please complete the application form thataccompanies this pack. Please do ensure that you complete all sections of the application includingthe monitoring information.Statement on the use of AI Please note, whilst we are aware of the true benefits and advancements of the use of AI, we ask thatan application is produced with your own words, reflecting your direct knowledge and experience. Wereserve the right to eliminate applications that we believe have not been directly produced by theapplicant. Thank you again for considering this role, we look forward to receiving yourapplication.