Domestic Abuse Officer
Location: Swindon
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Team: Family Safeguarding - Children's Services
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About the Role
An exceptional opportunity has arisen for a Domestic Abuse Officer to join our Family Safeguarding Team within Swindon's Children's Services. This multidisciplinary service works with families to safeguard children and support positive change. The team addresses complex issues such as domestic abuse, mental health, and substance misuse, striving to reduce harm and keep children safely within their families wherever possible.
As a Domestic Abuse Officer, you will deliver high-quality assessments and interventions with both victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse. You will play a key role in promoting safety, accountability, and behavioural change, contributing to improved outcomes for children and families.
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Key Responsibilities
* Deliver assessments and structured interventions for perpetrators and victims of domestic abuse.
* Work collaboratively within a multi-agency team, including Social Workers, Mental Health Practitioners, and Recovery Workers.
* Develop and implement risk management and safety plans to protect vulnerable family members.
* Use Motivational Interviewing and CBT-based approaches to engage families in sustainable change.
* Lead and facilitate intervention programmes such as Thinking Skills, Building Better Relationships, Anger Management, and Caring Dads.
* Undertake home visits and contribute to group supervision, case conferences, and planning meetings.
* Liaise with key partners including Police, Probation, MARAC, MAPPA, Housing, and Legal Services to ensure cohesive and timely support.
* Maintain accurate case records on both Children's Services and agency databases.
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About You
You will be a qualified Probation Officer or hold a relevant professional qualification with proven experience in supporting victims and challenging perpetrators of domestic abuse. You will have a strong understanding of risk assessment, safeguarding, and the complex dynamics of abuse within families.
Your practice will be underpinned by empathy, professionalism, and a commitment to equality and diversity. You will demonstrate resilience under pressure, excellent communication skills, and the ability to build positive working relationships with both service users and professionals.
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Essential Requirements
* Recognised Probation Officer qualification (or equivalent).
* Demonstrable experience working with victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse.
* Strong knowledge of risk assessment and management frameworks.
* Understanding of Motivational Interviewing, CBT principles, and personality disorders.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, high-quality reports.
* Experience working collaboratively in a multi-agency safeguarding environment.
* Commitment to continuous professional development and reflective practice.
* A sound understanding of safeguarding, equality, and professional boundaries.