Domestic Abuse Officer
Salary: £40,317 – £45,933 per annum
Grade: E
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: Full-time 37 hours per week
About the Service
The Domestic Abuse and Safeguarding Service within Corporate Services plays an important role in protecting vulnerable residents and strengthening the Council's response to domestic and sexual abuse.
Working alongside Housing, Community Safety, Social Care, Police and statutory and voluntary sector partners, the service helps identify and manage risk, coordinate interventions, and ensure victims and survivors receive timely, appropriate and trauma-informed support.
About the Role
As a Domestic Abuse Officer, you will provide specialist domestic abuse advice, casework and advocacy, supporting victims and survivors to achieve greater safety and access the services and interventions they need.
You will assess risk, develop robust safety plans and coordinate responses to complex domestic abuse cases, working closely with internal services and external partners. You will represent Housing within MARAC and MASH, contribute to multi-agency safeguarding decision-making and ensure information is shared appropriately to manage risk and protect victims and their families.
A key part of the role will be providing expert consultation to colleagues dealing with complex domestic abuse cases and promoting consistent, legally compliant and trauma-informed practice across Council services. You will also support survivors through housing and criminal justice processes where required.
You will help strengthen interventions and perpetrator accountability, working with partners to support appropriate enforcement action and access to behaviour-change programmes.
You will also support delivery of the Council's Sanctuary Scheme, including assessing the safety needs of survivors who wish to remain safely in their own homes and coordinating appropriate security measures.
Key responsibilities include:
- Deliver specialist domestic abuse casework, advocacy, risk assessment and safety planning.
- Provide expert advice and consultation on complex domestic abuse cases.
- Work directly with victims and survivors to identify risks, needs and appropriate interventions.
- Represent Housing and Corporate Services at MARAC, MASH and other multi-agency safeguarding forums.
- Coordinate effective responses with Police, Social Care, Health, Housing and voluntary and community sector partners.
- Promote trauma-informed and victim/survivor-centred practice.
- Support appropriate enforcement and intervention against perpetrators and promote access to behaviour-change programmes.
- Support delivery of the Sanctuary Scheme, including property safety assessments and coordination of security measures.
- Provide guidance and training to strengthen staff knowledge and confidence in responding to domestic abuse.
- Maintain high-quality case records and contribute to reports, service improvement, policy development and good practice.
About You
We are looking for someone with experience of working directly with people affected by domestic abuse and a strong understanding of the dynamics and impact of domestic and sexual abuse.
You will have experience of managing risk, developing safety plans and responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns. You will be able to manage complex and sensitive casework, exercise sound professional judgement and work effectively with a wide range of agencies.
You will be a confident communicator who can provide professional advice to colleagues while keeping the safety, needs and voice of victims and survivors at the centre of your practice.
Essential experience, knowledge and skills
You will have:
- A minimum of two years' experience working directly with individuals affected by domestic abuse, including casework, advocacy and/or safety planning.
- Strong knowledge and understanding of domestic abuse and the needs of victims and survivors.
- Experience of domestic abuse risk assessment, safeguarding and safety planning.
- The ability to manage complex casework and make sound professional judgements under pressure.
- Experience of effective multi-agency working.
- The ability to engage sensitively and effectively with people who have experienced domestic abuse.
- Knowledge of relevant legislation and practical support options, including housing and injunction remedies.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to maintain accurate case records.
Desirable experience
It would be advantageous if you have:
- Experience of working within safeguarding, community safety, housing, enforcement or a related local authority service.
- Experience of working with victims and survivors with complex or additional needs.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed practice.
- Experience or knowledge of perpetrator interventions and behaviour-change programmes.
- Experience of Sanctuary Schemes or other safety-related interventions.
- Experience of contributing to training, policy development or service improvement.
DBS Check: An Enhanced DBS check is required for this post.
Benefits of Working with Us
At Thurrock Council, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable)
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
- Staff discounts and local offers
- A supportive and inclusive working environment
Important Dates
Closing Date (Redeployment Only): 8th October 2026
Closing Date (Internal & External): 18th October 2026
Interview Date: To Be Confirmed
Additional Information
To view the Job Profile and Person Specification, please follow the link below:
Download Job Profile (PDF Document)
Safer Recruitment Application Requirements
As part of the Council's Safer Recruitment process, Gap Management including a full employment/activity history is required from when leaving full-time education for all Safeguarding roles.
Please complete the Gaps in Employment Form provided (refer to the example document for guidance) including employment, education, volunteering or unemployment, together with clear explanations for gaps and details of nominated referees within the relevant periods. Please upload it under Miscellaneous Documents as part of your application together with your full CV and evidence of any qualifications identified as essential in the Job Profile and Person Specification.
Domestic Abuse Officer - Safe Accommodation in Grays employer: Thurrock Council
Thurrock Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being and professional development of its staff. As an Education Lead Adviser based in Grays, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable children while collaborating with dedicated professionals in a multi-agency environment. With a strong commitment to employee growth and community engagement, Thurrock Council provides a rewarding career path for those passionate about safeguarding and educational attainment.
