Domestic Abuse Safety Officer in Leicester

Working within regional Interventions Teams, the postholder will support clients who meet the DASO Service eligibility criteria. The role holder will use their knowledge of domestic abuse, the wider criminal justice system, and relevant organisations to provide bespoke support, advocate client safety and manage the risk of harm. The postholder will apply a trauma‑informed approach in line with the DASO manual, relevant HMPPS policies and legislation, and act as a point of contact for the Probation Service for both victims of domestic abuse and people who may be at risk. The role requires flexible working hours, including evenings and weekends where necessary.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop strong professional relationships with clients to support and empower them.
• Initiate timely contact, explain the DASO Service, share the Privacy Notice and obtain a signed Agreement to Participate.
• Provide clients with information about the probation programme and ensure compliance with disclosure guidance.
• Request and manage client feedback and expectations.
• Carry out safeguarding duties for children and adults in line with HMPPS statutory responsibilities.
• Assess the safety of home visits using available information and construct realistic safety plans.
• Regularly refer and liaise with local support organisations and multi‑agency forums (e.g. MARAC, Social Services, Child Protection Conferences).
• Timely record all contacts, maintain accurate case records and produce client reports and emails to Probation Practitioners.
• Share information about risks to a client’s safety promptly and sensitively with the Probation Practitioner, programmes team and other agencies.
• Support the Programme Manager with presentations, training and mentoring of new post holders.

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.
• Aware of how domestic abuse impacts partners and children.
• Experience working with diverse backgrounds and trauma‑informed approaches.
• Empathy and the ability to relate positively to victims or distressed individuals.
• Ability to identify safety factors, well‑being and social inclusion options.

Technical Requirements

• Completion of Formal Probation Service DASO training upon entry.

Abilities

• Good self‑management and initiative; above‑average problem‑solving.
• Willingness to seek assistance or refer when appropriate.
• Manage vicarious trauma in a prosocial manner.
• Adaptability to high‑risk situations and pace of work.

Benefits

• Annual leave: 25 days (increasing to 30 after five years of service) plus public holidays.
• Pension: National Probation Service covered by the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Extensive training and development opportunities.
• Access to employee‑run networks supporting minority ethnic, disability, caring, women and LGBTQ+ staff.
• Family‑friendly policies – reduced hours, job‑sharing options.
• Flexible benefits: voluntary benefits, retail vouchers, discounts on a range of goods and services.
• Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
• Free annual sight tests for employees using computer screens.

Employment Conditions

The role offers a hybrid working arrangement where business needs allow, combining base-location, MoJ sites and home work. All working must be within the UK. Working hours are standard 37 hours per week (excluding unpaid breaks). The MoJ welcomes part‑time, flexible and job‑sharing working patterns where they meet the demands of the role.

Equal Opportunity

All applicants will receive equal consideration irrespective of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, religion or age in line with UK law and MoJ policy.