Domestic abuse safety officer (DASO) - Full Time - Suffolk - East of England in Ipswich

Working within regional Interventions Teams, the postholder will support clients who meet the DASO Service eligibility criteria. Clients are victims and/or current partners of domestic abuse perpetrators required to attend offending behaviour interventions. The role holder will use their knowledge of domestic abuse, the wider criminal justice system and organisations to provide bespoke support to clients, advocating client safety and managing their risk of harm.

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. They will 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. The role prioritises clients based on risk of harm and promotes their safety, protecting them from physical, psychological, emotional or financial harm.

Responsibilities, Activities & Duties

• Develop strong professional relationships with clients to support and empower them to navigate formal and legal processes.
• Initiate timely contact with clients, explain the DASO Service and obtain documented consent for engagement.
• Provide clients with information about the programme the person on probation is attending, ensuring compliance with relevant disclosure guidance.
• Request feedback from clients at regular intervals throughout the intervention and manage client expectations where needed.
• Carry out safeguarding children and safeguarding adult duties in accordance with HMPPS statutory responsibilities and agency policies.
• Assess the safety of home visiting using available information and appropriate risk indicators.
• Identify and assess safety risks and needs of the client, construct and review a realistic Safety Plan with them.
• Regularly refer, liaise and signpost to local support organisations and multi‑agency forums using completed risk assessments and safety plans.
• Maintain accurate case records, record contacts in the digital database and summarise key client issues to Probation Practitioners.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with local networks, specialist police units, courts, support organisations and other relevant agencies.
• Share information about risks to a client’s safety promptly and in a victim‑sensitive manner with all relevant parties.
• Support the Programme Manager in delivering training and awareness sessions on the DASO service, and mentor new post holders.
• Communicate effectively in English, and Welsh where specified.

Behaviours

• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Developing Self and Others
• Managing a Quality Service

Experience

• Strong knowledge of domestic abuse and related issues.
• Awareness of how domestic abuse impacts on partners and children.
• Experience of working with diverse populations who have experienced social or personal difficulties, communicating sensitively and trauma‑informed.
• Ability to relate positively and empathetically to victims or those dealing with distressing circumstances.
• Enabling individuals to identify factors affecting their safety, well‑being and social inclusion, and options for improvement.

Technical requirements

• Completion of Formal Probation Service DASO training upon entry.

Ability

• Good self‑management skills and a proactive, problem‑solving attitude.
• Willingness to seek assistance or refer a matter when appropriate.
• Ability to manage vicarious trauma in a pro‑social manner.
• Capacity to work quickly in emergency or high‑risk situations.

Working Arrangements & Further Information

The MoJ offers hybrid working arrangements where business need allows, blending working from your base location, other MoJ sites, and from home. Flexible working will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate and subject to regular review. The role is based in the UK and may involve evening or weekend working to accommodate clients.

Benefits

• Annual leave of 25 days (30 days after five years) plus public holidays; pro‑rata for part‑time posts.
• Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts.
• Paid parental leave (paternity, adoption, maternity).
• Free annual sight tests for screen users.

Pension

The role is covered by the Local Government Pension Scheme run through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund.

Training & Development

The Ministry of Justice offers extensive training and development opportunities to support professional growth.

Employee Networks

Employees can join networks that provide support and a platform for minority groups, including ethnicity, disability, caregiving, women and LGBTQ+ communities.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As a Disability Confident employer, the MoJ is committed to removing barriers for people with disabilities and providing reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment and employment. The role welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and is fully compliant with EEO provisions.