Domestic Abuse Practitioner

Description COVID-19 update: Subject to the ongoing situation, it's essential that we continue recruiting safely. Therefore, interviews and communication will be virtual wherever possible and this will be communicated to you directly by the hiring manager. Please also expect that advert closing dates and interview dates may change as required. We still continue to welcome applications for our current roles and wish you the best of luck with your application. About the role In Surrey, the Family Safeguarding model brings together under one roof all the professionals needed to help children. This ground-breaking approach has proved highly successful in other authorities around the country and Surrey is the first council in the South East to implement it, for the benefit of Surrey's children. The Family Safeguarding model is a strength based model that works on a simple concept, to get people who are working with the same family to work in a team and share their concerns and risks to improve outcomes. Bringing together under one roof a blend of children's social workers and professionals, such as domestic abuse practitioners, family support workers, recovery workers, mental health practitioners and psychologists, allows us to work with adults and help families in a holistic way. Collectively we can provide intensive support to parents to address the substance misuse, mental health and domestic abuse that place children at risk of significant harm; helping them to understand the impact of their issues and actions on their children and parenting. This role sits within the Family Safeguarding teams across the county and provides practical and emotional frontline support, advice and guidance to victims of domestic abuse to enable them to live safely. Typical tasks may include (but will not be limited to) safety planning to allow those experiencing domestic abuse to access and maintain safe accommodation, undertaking motivational interviewing to obtain information to support them and look at the impact of domestic abuse on their children. You will be required to ensure case records are accurately maintained in line with procedural and legislative requirements and to deliver domestic abuse group work programmes. Working closely with an allocated social worker as well as other adult's specialist workers you will support the planning, running and review of cases within the team, contributing to case discussions and exchanging information where appropriate. You will also liaise with a broad network of partners such as probation, mental health services, housing and the voluntary sector to ensure that a multi-agency approach to the way that cases are managed and services are delivered is applied. This role will require you to be able to quickly establish effective relationships with colleagues, partners, children and families, working respectfully in a way which encourages them to recognise what help they require and empowering them to develop strategies to support their needs. You will be operating in sometimes challenging and emotionally charged situations therefore you must have the ability to communicate clearly, remain calm under pressure and deal with each request confidentially, applying a discreet and sensitive approach to all that you do. To be shortlisted for this role you will: Have a good understanding of domestic abuse Be a skilled listener with high level verbal and written communication skills Have an understanding or awareness of the relevant legislation Have previous experience of working with children and families Have successfully collaborated with partners to effectively deliver work Have the ability to plan your work using your own initiative Have proven IT skills Please ensure you refer to the full role profile attached at the bottom of this advert for further information. If you are passionate about making a difference and have the skills we are looking for then we would love to hear from you