Domestic abuse safety officer in Ipswich

About the role

The postholder will take a trauma‑informed approach and work in accordance with the DASO manual, relevant HMPPS policies and legislation to contribute to risk assessment and client safety planning, and act as a point of contact for the Probation Service for both victims of domestic abuse and people who may be at risk of domestic abuse. Using knowledge and expertise of domestic abuse, a DASO will prioritise based on risk of harm and promote the safety of clients and their children by identifying potential risks and appropriate strategies to protect them from harm, which may be physical, psychological, emotional or financial. DASOs will advocate for protection of the victims with whom they come into contact, presenting the victim perspective to staff within the Probation Service and in other agencies, and providing domestic abuse expertise and professional advice on domestic abuse issues.

Responsibilities

• Develop strong professional relationships with clients to support and empower them in navigating formal and legal processes.
• Initiate timely contact with clients, explain the DASO Service, share the Privacy Notice and obtain a signed Agreement to Participate form to seek consent for engagement.
• Provide clients with information about the programme that the person on probation is attending, ensuring compliance with relevant disclosure guidance.
• Request feedback from clients at regular intervals throughout the intervention and manage their expectations where needed.
• Carry out safeguarding children and safeguarding adult duties in accordance with the HMPPS statutory responsibilities and agency policies.
• Assess the safety of home visiting using available information on the person on probation (such as Probation assessments and information from Social Services, the Police, Victim Support, etc.).
• Identify and assess the safety risks and needs of the client to promote the safety of clients, children, and other dependants, working with them to construct and regularly review a realistic Safety Plan.
• Regularly refer, liaise and signpost to local support organisations and multi‑agency forums, using a completed DASH risk assessment or safety plan as appropriate (e.g., MARAC, Social Services, Child Protection Conferences, MAPPA, IOM schemes).
• Timely record contacts related to the client in the relevant digital database, maintain accurate case records within agreed timescales, and complete client reports and emails to Probation Practitioners summarising key client issues as required.
• Develop working knowledge of and good relationships with local networks (e.g., specialist police domestic abuse units, Criminal and Family Courts, housing, local refuges, victim services, counselling) to enable effective support, signposting and referrals for clients.
• Ensure that any information concerning risks to a client’s safety is shared promptly and in a victim‑sensitive manner with the Probation Practitioner, programme team and other agencies, contributing to the risk management process for People on Probation while adhering to all policies regarding sensitive and confidential information.
• Support the Programme Manager in delivering presentations and providing information about the DASO service, including mentoring new post holders and providing awareness sessions to other Probation Practitioners and professionals from other agencies.
• Fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English or, where specified in Wales, Welsh.

Qualifications

Experience:

• Strong knowledge of domestic abuse and related issues.
• Awareness of how domestic abuse impacts partners and children.
• Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds who have experienced a range of social/personal difficulties, communicating effectively and sensitively, and working within a trauma‑informed way.
• Ability to relate positively and empathetically to victims and/or those dealing with distressing personal circumstances.
• Ability to enable individuals to identify factors affecting their safety, well‑being and social inclusion, and to identify options for improving those areas.

Technical Requirements:

• Completion of Formal Probation Service DASO training upon entry.

Ability:

• Good self‑management skills and above‑average ability to take initiative and problem‑solve.
• Willingness to ask for assistance or refer a matter when appropriate.
• Ability to manage vicarious trauma in a pro‑social manner.
• Ability to work at pace in emergency or high‑risk situations.

Level of security checks required – DBS Standard.

Benefits

• Annual leave of 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years of service, plus public holidays.
• Coverage by the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) run through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund.
• Extensive training and development opportunities provided by the Ministry of Justice.
• Employee‑run networks available for minority groups, employees with disabilities, caring responsibilities, women employees, and LGBT+ employees.
• All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to taking up post.
• Family‑friendly policies, including opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
• Flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
• Childcare support information (including Tax‑free childcare) and information on childcare vouchers.
• Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
• Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.