At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and young people affected by domestic abuse, guiding them towards safety and recovery.
- Company: Join Safenet, a leading charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse in the Northwest.
- Benefits: Enjoy exclusive discounts, health support, gym memberships, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that champions inclusion and resilience.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young people.
- Qualifications: Compassionate individuals from various backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
The predicted salary is between 22950 - 28050 £ per year.
Location: Preston / Lancaster
Hours: 37
Please note, this is an on-site role only. Due to the nature of our Refuges and Outreach services, it is essential that our teams are present and accessible, enabling us to provide safe, responsive and high-quality support to those who need us most.
This post is open to women only as permitted under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010.
About Safenet
We provide domestic abuse services across the Northwest of England, including refuges for women and children, safe houses for men, community support, and extra support for those facing addiction, mental health, or other issues. We understand the serious impact domestic abuse can have, especially on health and wellbeing, and provide support and guidance to help survivors live safely and securely. Safenet is part of the Calico Group.
About the role
As a CYP Domestic Abuse Practitioner, you’ll play a vital role in helping child victims and survivors affected by domestic abuse take their first steps toward safety, recovery, and independence. You’ll be the first point of contact for those in crisis—offering compassionate, practical, and emotional support that makes a real difference.
In this role, you’ll build trusting relationships with children and young people, helping them feel safe, heard, and empowered. Through one-to-one and group support, you’ll guide clients in developing safety plans, setting personal goals, and engaging in wellbeing activities that reduce isolation and foster a sense of community.
Working in a communal setting, you’ll be part of a dedicated team that champions inclusion, resilience, and hope—supporting each resident to rebuild their confidence and connect with the wider community.
What we are looking for
We welcome applicants from a range of relevant backgrounds; direct refuge experience is not essential, but you do need to bring credibility, confidence and compassion from related fields. You might come from:
- Substance misuse or addiction recovery services
- Trauma‑informed women’s services
- Mental health or psychologically informed environments (PIE)
- Housing or supported accommodation with complex needs
Essential Core Skills
- Health & Safety Awareness: All our employees are required to work in a safe way, wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and keep themselves, other colleagues and customers safe. You will be expected to update your knowledge and skills on Health & Safety if successful in your application.
- Safeguarding: We work with adults and children who may be ‘at risk’ and expect colleagues to work in a way which protects the people we support from harm. Our colleagues are expected to identify people ‘at risk’ and confidently report any Safeguarding concerns as appropriate within the service.
- Digital: Across our services, we use a range of technology and systems and expect colleagues to use them effectively and safely following cybersecurity and data protection principles (UK GDPR). Full training on specific systems is provided but a willingness to learn and develop is essential.
- Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): The Calico Group welcomes diversity and champions the rights of those in society who may be marginalised. Our employees are expected to be inclusive, embracing those from different backgrounds to develop a fairer society.
What’s in It for You?
At The Calico Group, we value our people and offer a supportive, inclusive culture alongside fantastic benefits:
- Bravo Benefits – Exclusive discounts at popular high street brands including many retailers and restaurants.
- Westfield Health – Our company funded cash plan, with access to a Doctor 24/7 – for you and your dependents.
- Mental Health Support – Access emotional and mental well-being services through Spectrum.
- Cycle to Work Scheme – Save on commuting costs while staying active.
- Pension Options – with employer pension contributions.
- Life Assurance – Peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
- Financial Advice – Expert guidance to help manage your finances.
- Recognition Awards – Celebrate your achievements with our recognition programs.
- Meaningful learning and development programmes with regular focus on your individual growth.
- Gym Membership Discounts – Stay fit with local gym access.
- One Calico Events – Connect and unwind at our employee social gatherings.
- Paid Professional Fees – We’ll cover the cost of professional subscriptions so you can continue growing your career.
And much more! We also offer enhanced holidays, sickness, maternity, and paternity options, ensuring you feel supported when you need it most.
How to Apply
Click Apply Now to complete your application online. Applications close on 11/25/2026. We can’t wait to welcome you to our team!
This post is open to women only as permitted under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010.
SafeNet is working towards Equal Opportunities for all and actively encourages applications from disabled, ethnic minority and LBGTQI+ women who are under-represented.
Inclusive Hiring at Calico
We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and can thrive. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process or would like to discuss accessibility, please let us know at careers@calico.org.uk.
Our Commitment to Safeguarding
The Calico Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our customers, employees, and volunteers. Successful candidates will be subject to a DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service) and appropriate pre-employment checks in line with our safeguarding policies.
Domestic Abuse Practitioner (Children & Young People) - Community in Preston employer: The Calico Group
The Calico Group is an exceptional employer located in Burnley, dedicated to fostering an inclusive culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and engagement. With a strong focus on professional development, employees are encouraged to grow within their roles while contributing to meaningful people strategies that drive organisational success. Join us to be part of a collaborative team that values your insights and empowers you to make a real impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Domestic Abuse Practitioner (Children & Young People) - Community in Preston
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at The Calico Group.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from The Calico Group!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like The Calico Group, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at The Calico Group or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Domestic Abuse Practitioner (Children & Young People) - Community in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to The Calico Group:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to The Calico Group! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Calico Group
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
