Domestic Abuse Safety Officer, Yorkshire and the Humber Probation Service, Leeds, Full Time

Working within regional Intervention Teams, the postholder will support clients who meet the DASO Service eligibility criteria. The role holder will use knowledge of domestic abuse, the broader criminal justice system, and related organisations to provide bespoke support to clients, advocating client safety and managing their risk of harm.

The postholder will take a trauma‑informed approach 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, prioritising safety and risk management.

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 and explain the DASO Service, share the Privacy Notice and obtain consent for engagement with the Service.
• Provide clients with information about the programme their 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 duties for children and adults in accordance with HMPPS statutory responsibilities and agency policies.
• Assess the safety of home visiting using available information on the person on probation (e.g., Probation assessments, Social Services, Police, Victim Support).
• Identify and assess safety risks and needs of the client to promote safety for clients, children and dependants by working with them to construct and regularly review a realistic Safety Plan.
• Refer, liaise and signpost to local support organisations and multi‑agency forums (e.g., MARAC, Social Services, Child Protection Conferences, MAPPA, IOM schemes) using a completed DASH risk assessment and/or safety plan as appropriate.
• Timely record contacts in the digital database, maintain accurate case records, complete client reports and email 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, refuges, victim services, counselling) to enable effective support, signposting and referrals for clients.
• Share any information relating to risks to a client’s safety promptly and sensitively with the Probation Practitioner, programme team and other agencies, contributing to the risk management process for People on Probation in accordance with all policies.
• Support the Programme Manager in delivering presentations and providing information about the DASO service, mentoring new post holders and providing awareness sessions to other Probation Practitioners and professionals from other agencies.
• Communicate effectively in English, or Welsh where specified in Wales.

Behaviours

• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• 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 people from diverse backgrounds who have experienced a range of social/personal difficulties, providing trauma‑informed support.
• Ability to relate positively and empathetically to victims and/or those dealing with distressing personal circumstances.
• Capacity to help individuals identify factors affecting their safety, well‑being and social inclusion and to identify options for improvement.

Technical requirements

• Completion of Formal Probation Service DASO training upon entry.

Personal 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 prosocial manner.
• Capacity to work at pace in emergency or high‑risk situations.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to taking up post. The MoJ is committed to providing an inclusive workplace and supporting all candidates through adjustments and reasonable accommodations.