Family Domestic Abuse Practitioner

Application Pack

2026

Family Domestic Abuse
Practitioner

Welcome

Changing Pathways is a registered Charity, providing domestic abuse
services across the south of Essex, in partnership with Ending Violence
in Essex Charity.

We  are  the  Essex  County  Council  commissioned  service  for  Harlow,
Epping, Brentwood, Thurrock and Basildon.

We  deliver  a  range  of  services,  offering  a  non-judgemental,  trauma
informed  approach  to  support  men,  women  and  children  who  are  or
have experience domestic abuse.  This includes:

•  Safe accommodation
•  Outreach Support
•  Specialist Services for the Global Majority
•  Stalking Support
•  Counselling
•  Training

Joining our team means becoming part of a dynamic, innovative, and
supportive  environment  where  your  growth  and  success  matter.  We
are passionate about what we do, and we value collaboration, creativity,
and excellence. By joining us, you’ll work alongside talented individuals
who  inspire  and  challenge  one  another  to  achieve  their  best.  We  are
committed  to  providing  opportunities  for  professional  development,
inclusivity,  and  recognising  the  unique
fostering  a  culture  of
contributions of every team member. If you’re looking for a workplace
that  values  your  skills,  encourages  your  ideas,  and  supports  your
ambitions, this is the perfect place for you to thrive.

Tania Woodgate

Chief Executive Officer

Our Vision

Our vision is a world in which
all can live fulfilled lives, free
from domestic abuse.  We aim
to create an equitable and just
future for women, men and
their families.

Our Mission

We do this to by helping everyone
find their own pathway out of life of domestic
abuse and change their future for the better. We
understand  the  complexities  of  domestic  abuse  and  that  individual
who connect us are coming from different points in their journey, some
are still in their relationships, some  have left, but regardless of  where
they are, we will support them all.

Our Values

EMPOWER individuals to make their own choices in a safe environment
to enable them to regain their independence.

Work with RESPECT AND DIGNITY, valuing everyone’s experiences and
circumstances and advocating for their unique needs.

EDUCATE  for  the  devastating  impact  that  domestic  abuse  has  on
individuals, local community and society.

COLLABORATE  and  work  in  partnership  with  other  organisations  to
provide the best support for those impacted.

OUR TEAM

Board of Trustees

Thurrock
Refuge
Manager

EDAPP

Health
IDVA

Senior
DAP/CYP
DAP

Refuge
DAP

Basildon
Refuge
Manager

Senior DAP

Refuge
DAP

Chief Executive Officer

Outreach
South
Manager

Senior
IDVA

Outreach
West
Manager

Senior
IDVA

IDVA

IDVA

CYP DAP

CYP DAP

ISAC

DAP

Brighter
Futures
Worker

Cleaner

DAP

Cultural
Specialist
Team

Senior
IDVA

IDVA

DAP

Finance
Manager

Finance
Assistants

Admin
Assistant

Monitoring
&
Evaluation

Adult and
Child
Counselling
Services

Ops Lead

Therapists

Volunteers

The Role

To support the needs of children, young people and non-abusing parent / carer who
have  experienced  domestic  abuse  living  in  Harlow,  Brentwood,  Basildon  and
Thurrock community.

To deliver group programmes and 1-1 interventions to children and young people to
recovery from their experiences of domestic abuse.

To provide support to non-abusing parent/carers 1-1 as well as deliver group recovery
programmes to enhance understanding of trauma on children.

To manage own caseload of child and parent cases.

Work with our EViE partners, MARAC and Police to ensure victims achieve the best
outcomes.

outcomes.

Our Staff adhere to our values, that make us PROUD of our organisation.

P

R

O

U

D

Positivity

We approach change and challenges  with a
positive mindset and optimism

Respect

We treat everyone fairly and with respect,
value and celebrate differences

Ownership

Our behaviours are PROUD towards
everyone regardless of their role

Unity

We are one Organisation. Together we are
stronger

Dedication

We uphold a strong commitment to our
clients, our work, the organisation and each
other

Main Responsibilities

MAIN DUTIES:

•  Undertake initial need and risk assessments of families and

individuals referred to the service, keeping accurate records.

•  Deliver recovery groups to children and young people impacted by

domestic abuse.

•  Deliver recovery groups to parents/carers about the impact of
domestic abuse and trauma on children and young people.
•  Manage own caseload of work, being responsible for scheduling

appointments and liaising with other settings as needed and liaising
with the team to schedule all aspects of group work from enrolment
to delivery and review.

•  Deliver support at internal setting, schools and other settings, as well

as online using Zoom, Whatsapp and other methods as approved and
appropriate.

•  Utilise therapeutic skills and interventions when working with
children and young people in emotional distress and crisis.

•  Develop support plans and regular reviews of the needs and action

plans.

•  Ensure services are delivered in an empowering, inclusive and
accessible way that promotes and clearly demonstrates the
organisation’s ethos. Working with a trauma informed approach,
using pro-social modelling and assertive communication.

•  Delivering some work outside of core hours in conjunction with the

CYP team to provide support to clients.

•  Promote the needs of children and young people to the non-abusing

parent / carer.

•  Advocate for the needs and voice of child/young person, and the

survivor, within professionals in meetings and other communications.

•  Maintain relationships with statutory and voluntary agencies

including schools, making referrals to external services to meet the
needs of clients.

•  Attend and contribute to reports for multi-agency meetings.
•  Represent Changing Pathways at community events, occasionally out

of hours.

•  Comply with Changing Pathways Child Protection and Safeguarding

of Vulnerable Adults’ policies and procedures. Be alert to child

protection and safeguarding issues and inform manager/safeguarding
lead of concerns in line with safeguarding policies and procedures
•  Ensure that all regulatory requirements and polices are adhered to by
staff, volunteers and student placements, and that families, children
and young people are aware and adhere to Health and Safety
procedures whilst on site

•  To maintain accurate and relevant records capturing case details,

outputs and outcomes as necessary using the Changing Pathways
case management system.

•  Ensure all client data processed and stored complies with data

protection legislation, confidentiality and information sharing policy
and procedures.

•  Undertake monitoring, service user evaluations and reviews of
services offered to children and young people and to report to
Operational Lead.

•  Participate in regular management supervision to ensure the highest

standards of support and advocacy.

•  Maintain  strict  organisational  confidentiality,  professional  boundaries

and security procedures.

•  Be receptive to development and training opportunities.
•  Support the wider team as appropriate and as directed by the

Operational Lead

GENERAL:

1.

Identify own training and development needs and participate in all
training courses relevant to the Changing Pathway’s commitment to
providing high quality services.

2.  Work at all times with due regard to the policies and procedures of

Changing Pathways, including financial regulations, participating in
their development and amendment where required.

3.  Willingness to work outside normal working hours including evenings
and weekends and to participate in promotional, fundraising and
income generating events, activities and any other duties as may be
reasonably required by the organisation.

OTHER:

1.  The post is subject to a DBS disclosure which will be carried out at

appointment of a candidate.

2.   This post is subject to completion of a six-month probationary period.

3.   Must be able to drive (the Pool Vehicle to visit sites) and work across

the whole contract area as required.

4.  Must hold business cover insurance on their own vehicle.
5.   Post is open to women only under the Equality Act 2010, schedule 9,

part 1

This job description is not designed to provide an exhaustive list of tasks and
therefore the post holder is expected to undertake any other reasonable
duties within the scope of the post as specified by their line manager.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Experience

Criteria
Considerable experience of working with
children and/or young people.
Experience delivering or co-facilitating group
exercises or interventions.
Experience of creating support plans.

Experience delivering parenting interventions.

Experience delivering interventions to children
and young people.
Experience of supporting families who are
victims of domestic abuse.
Experience of managing own workload.

Experience of managing safeguarding
concerns and disclosures. Making safeguarding
referrals and attending child protection
meetings.
Experience providing safeguarding advice and
guidance to others.
Experience of using a database / case
management system.
Knowledge and Understanding
Criteria

Understanding of the impact domestic abuse
has on adults and children.

Essential/
Desirable
E

E

E

D

D

D

D

D

D

D

Assessed by

Application
Form/Interview
Application
Form/Interview
Application
Form/Interview
Application
Form/Interview
Application
Form/Interview
Application
Form/Interview
Application
Form/Interview
Application
Form/Interview

Application
Form/Interview
Application
Form/Interview

Essential/
Desirable
E

Assessed by

Application
Form/Interview

Knowledge of trauma informed practice.

Understanding of child development and the
impact of trauma on behaviour.
Understanding of child protection issues and
how to recognise signs of abuse.
Comprehensive understanding of the impact
of trauma on child development, behaviour
and knowledge of interventions.
Comprehensive understanding of the impact
of domestic abuse on parenting and
knowledge of interventions.
Knowledge of the principles of advocacy.

Knowledge of local support services for
individuals living in the local area.
Skills and Abilities

Criteria
Ability to work in a manner that empowers
service users to make decisions and choices.
Ability to engage with vulnerable adults and
children and show empathy.
Good communication skills both verbal and
written.
Confidence to manage group sessions and
difficult conversations.
Ability to work in a flexible and responsive
manner whilst prioritising work in a busy
environment.
Good IT skills including the ability to use
Microsoft Office and organisational case
management databases
Ability to maintain personal and professional
boundaries.
Ability to work in a confidential manner.

Education

Criteria
A good standard of general education.

E

E

E

D

D

D

D

Essential/
Desirable
E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

Application
Form/Interview
Application
Form/Interview
Application
Form/Interview
Application
Form/Interview

Application
Form/Interview

Application
Form/Interview
Application
Form/Interview

Assessed by

Application
Form/Interview
Application
Form/Interview
Application
Form/Interview
Application
Form/Interview
Application
Form/Interview

Application
Form/Interview

Application
Form/Interview
Application
Form/Interview

Essential/
Desirable
E

Assessed by

Application
Form/Interview

Degree in child development, social care,
psychology, education, counselling or other
relevant field.
Personal qualities

Criteria
Be compassionate and empathetic

Show initiative and be proactive when
managing workload
Act with integrity and respect when working
with all clients, agencies, and individuals
Work flexibly as part of a team

Be optimistic about the possibility of personal
growth and change
Motivate individuals and agencies to move
through courses of action and decision-making
processes
OTHER

D

Application
Form/Interview

Essential/
Desirable
E

E

E

E

E

E

Assessed by

Application
Form/Interview
Application
Form/Interview
Application
Form/Interview
Application
Form/Interview
Application
Form/Interview
Application
Form/Interview

Criteria

Commitment to equal opportunities and
anti-discriminatory practice
Willingness to undertake training and a
commitment to continuous personal
development
Willingness to work flexibly and able to travel
to different sites and venues

Essential/
Desirable
E

E

E

How Assessed

Application
Form/Interview
Application
Form/Interview

Application
Form/Interview

We are committed to operating within the legal framework of the Equality Act
2010. As our organisation qualifies for an exemption under Section 9 of the Act,
we only recruit female candidates for this role. This exemption is applied
lawfully and in accordance with the specific occupational requirements of our
organisation.

What you can  expect from us

Supportive Work Environment

•  A culture of respect, collaboration, and inclusivity.
•  Open-door policy for feedback, ideas, and concerns.

Opportunities for Growth

•  Continuous  learning  through  training  programs,  workshops,

and certifications.

•  Clear career progression paths to help you achieve your goals.

Work-Life Balance

•  Flexible working hours and hybrid/remote work options.
•  Paid time off, holidays, and wellness days.

Competitive Compensation

•  Fair and market-aligned salary packages.

Recognition and Rewards

•  Regular acknowledgment of individual and team contributions.
•  Awards, shout-outs, and celebrations of success.

Innovation and Creativity

•  Encouragement to bring new ideas to the table.
•  Freedom to innovate, experiment, and grow professionally.

A Focus on Well-Being

•  Mental health resources and employee assistance programs.

Social Responsibility

•  Commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.

Empowerment and Autonomy

•  Trust in employees to take ownership of their work.
•  Support for independent decision-making and problem-Solving.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Contract

Salary

This  is  a  full  time  position.  On  a  permanent
contract.
£26,222.00 per annum paid monthly

Hours
Reports to:
Benefits Include

Hours

Leave
Expenses

Location

Occupational  Sick
Pay
Notice Period

Monday-Friday 9-5
Operations Manager
Contributory  Pension  Scheme.  Equipment  to
undertake  your  role  (hybrid).    Training  and
developed tailored to your level of experience.
Staff  Discounts  on  BrightHR.    Pets  at  Work
Policy.
37.5  hours  per  week  (Mon-Fri  between  8am-
6pm)
25 days per year plus bank holidays (pro rata).
You  will  be  reimbursed  for  all  reasonable
expenses  which  are  incurred  by  you  in  the
proper performance of your duties
Based  in  Basildon  –  will  be  required  to  travel
between sites in Thurrock, Basildon and Harlow
On successful completion of probation, we offer
tiered sickness pay benefits.
4 weeks’ notice

How to apply
Please complete our application form and email completed form
to welcome@changingpathways.org stating clearly in the subject
line the post you are applying for.

Those  shortlisted  for  interviewed  will  be  informed  by  email  no
later than two weeks after the closing date.  Only those who are
successfully shortlisted will be contacted.