Domestic Abuse Practitioner – Early Intervention Project

Location: Coventry Police Station, Coventry, with travel to head office as required
Salary: £29,540 per annum
Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday
Contract: To be confirmed

About the Role

RSR is a public safety and enterprise security recruitment specialist, supporting organisations that make a real difference to people's lives.

We are recruiting a Domestic Abuse Practitioner to join an Early Intervention Project based at Coventry Police Station. This is an opportunity to provide vital early support to individuals affected by domestic abuse, helping them access the advice, protection and practical assistance they need to move forward safely.

Working in partnership with the police and local support services, you will act as a first point of contact for individuals experiencing domestic abuse, providing crisis intervention, risk assessments, safety planning, advocacy and ongoing emotional and practical support.

The role has a particular focus on supporting individuals from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) and refugee communities, including those affected by forced marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM), honour-based abuse and barriers to accessing public services.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide an immediate, trauma-informed response to individuals affected by domestic abuse, offering advice, emotional support and safety planning.

• Complete detailed needs assessments and risk assessments, developing and reviewing individual support plans.

• Work closely with Coventry Police to identify suitable referrals, assess needs and communicate outcomes and recommended actions.

• Manage a caseload, providing one-to-one support, advocacy, guidance and group interventions where appropriate.

• Support individuals to access housing, homelessness services, welfare benefits, legal advice, healthcare and other relevant services.

• Help individuals understand their rights and options for legal protection for themselves and their children.

• Identify and respond to safeguarding concerns, including making appropriate child protection and MARAC referrals.

• Build effective working relationships with police officers, statutory services, charities and other partner agencies.

• Maintain accurate case records, confidential files, monitoring information and performance data.

• Promote awareness of the Early Intervention Project and develop positive relationships with external agencies.

• Ensure all support is delivered in a non-judgemental, culturally sensitive and empowering manner.

Essential Experience and Requirements

Candidates must be able to demonstrate the following:

• Previous experience supporting individuals affected by domestic abuse, forced marriage (FM), female genital mutilation (FGM) and/or honour-based abuse (HBA).

• Experience providing practical and emotional support to women and children affected by abuse.

• Experience advising and advocating on issues including housing, homelessness, benefits, legal matters and social welfare.

• A good understanding of domestic abuse, relevant legislation, safeguarding procedures and referral pathways.

• Experience identifying safeguarding concerns and making appropriate referrals for children and vulnerable adults.

• Experience developing and maintaining effective relationships with external agencies.

• The ability to communicate fluently in at least one of the following languages: Urdu, Hindi, Mirpuri, Punjabi, Gujarati, Bengali, Farsi, Pashtu or an African language, particularly Somali.

• A full, current driving licence, access to a vehicle and business-use insurance.

• A clear Enhanced DBS check.

• Strong communication, listening, organisation and administration skills, with good IT literacy.

• The ability to manage a demanding caseload, work under pressure and use initiative while maintaining professional boundaries.

Candidates should also demonstrate an understanding of the additional barriers faced by BAME and refugee communities, including discrimination, cultural pressures, immigration-related concerns and No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF).

Qualifications and Training

A good general standard of education is required. Candidates should have undertaken relevant training in domestic abuse, honour-based abuse, forced marriage and No Recourse to Public Funds. Training will be provided where necessary, and successful candidates must be willing to undertake any outstanding training.

A recognised counselling qualification or relevant professional qualification, such as an NVQ, would be advantageous.

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate will be:

• Empathetic, approachable and non-judgemental.

• Committed to empowering individuals to make informed choices and regain control of their lives.

• Sensitive to cultural differences and committed to equality, diversity and anti-discriminatory practice.

• Able to remain calm and professional in stressful or crisis situations.

• Respectful of confidentiality, privacy and professional boundaries.

• Flexible, organised and comfortable working independently and as part of a multi-agency team.

Apply Now

If you have experience supporting people affected by domestic abuse and can offer culturally sensitive, practical and emotional support, we would like to hear from you.

Apply today to be considered for this full-time opportunity to help individuals access the support and protection they need to live free from abuse and fear.