We’re Hiring: Domestic Abuse Practitioner – Children & Young People
Women’s Aid East and Midlothian (WAEML) provides information, support and accommodation to women, children and young people who have been subjected to domestic abuse. If you can commit to upholding the rights of women, children and young people, this may be the job for you.
Location: You will be expected to travel across Midlothian and East Lothian, access to a car is preferred.
Hours: Flexible hours available although one shift must include Wednesday 9am – 4pm. We are interested in hearing from women who may be interested in a full time (35 hours) or working part time as a job share arrangement.
Salary: This post attracts a salary up to £27, per annum (this will be pro rata for job share); the salary scale is £25, - £27,
Contract Fixed-term – 1 year, post will be extended subject to ongoing funding
Because children and young people deserve safety, voice, and freedom from fear.
At WAEML, we believe in a world where women and children can live free from domestic abuse and coercive control. We are a proudly feminist, anti-racist, LGBTQ+ inclusive charity led by values.
We’re looking for women to join our team as a Domestic Abuse Practitioner specialising in Children & Young People to work with young survivors, help them rebuild trust, and support their healing and growth.
Job Role
About the Role
As a Domestic Abuse Practitioner (Children & Young People), you’ll work directly with children and young people (CYP) who have been subjected to domestic abuse through specialist, trauma-informed support.
You will:
1. Provide 1:1 and group-based support to CYP subjected to domestic abuse.
2. Use play, creativity, and conversation to help CYP make sense of their experiences.
3. Work closely with non-abusing parents/carers to strengthen family resilience and safety.
4. Collaborate with schools, social work, and other agencies to build a safe network around each child.
5. Keep safeguarding and survivor-led practice front and centre—always.
Who We’re Looking For
If you have the heart, the drive, and the commitment to feminist practice, we’ll support you to learn the rest. Whether you’re experienced in youth work, counselling, advocacy or social care—we want to hear from you.
Essentially, if you care deeply about young people and understand the impact of abuse through an intersectional lens—come talk to us.
You Bring:
6. Experience working with children and young people in a supportive or safeguarding setting.
7. A strong understanding of domestic abuse and its impact on children and families.
8. A feminist, anti-oppressive approach to your work.
9. Safeguarding knowledge (we’ll keep training you too).
10. Emotional resilience, warmth, and curiosity.
11. Creativity! Whether it’s art, sport, stories or slime—you're ready to meet young people where they’re at.
What You’ll Get:
12. A feminist, values-led workplace where your voice matters.
13. Regular supervision and reflective practice.
14. Ongoing training and development.
15. Flexible working options.
16. The chance to genuinely change lives.
17. 6 x weeks Annual leave (this is increased to 8 weeks following one year of service)
18. 5% pension contribution
19. Access to Cyle to Work scheme
20. Day one employee rights including: sick pay, family friendly working environment, access to Westfield Health Policy an employee benefits scheme with access to optical cover, dental cover, counselling service and more
Ready to Apply?
We know formal applications can be a barrier.
If you’d prefer to have a conversation first, or need this advert in a different format, let us know. We welcome applications in different formats—video, audio, or CV and cover letter. Please take a look at our application pack and take care to cover all the points in our application form.
To apply, you can download our application pack from our website: (insert link).
Deadline: 10am Monday 21st July .
Interviews: will be held in East Lothian on Monday 28th and Wednesday 30th July.
We’re a proudly feminist employer. We value lived experience and understand the ways that oppression and trauma shape people’s lives. We positively welcome applications from within all sections of the community although only women need apply under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act .
We’re especially keen to hear from:
21. Black and racially minoritised applicants
22. People with lived experience of domestic abuse (safely disclosed)
23. Disabled and neurodivergent applicants
24. Those newer to the sector who bring passion and potential