Domestic Abuse Worker (Young People's Work)

Our Domestic Abuse Team works across Gateshead to support adults, children and families affected by domestic abuse. Working closely with Children's Social Care, the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) and a wide range of partner agencies, we provide specialist assessment, advocacy, practical support and intervention to improve safety and reduce harm. We are committed to delivering a whole-family approach, ensuring victims receive the support they need while promoting positive outcomes for children and encouraging engagement with appropriate perpetrator programmes. As part of our team, you'll play a vital role in helping some of the most vulnerable members of our communities achieve safer and more stable futures. As part of the ongoing development of our Domestic Abuse Service within Families First, we are expanding our specialist offer for children and young people affected by domestic abuse. We are seeking highly skilled practitioners who are passionate about improving outcomes for children, young people and families. The post will sit within our Domestic Abuse Team and will have a particular focus on Teenage Relationship Harm, delivering direct support and interventions with young people who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing domestic abuse in their own intimate relationships, helping them understand their experiences, build resilience and improve their safety and wellbeing. Use your skills to amplify young voices and create safer futures. What you will get to do:

• Carry out domestic abuse assessments, identify risks and needs, and develop effective safety and support plans.
• Contribute to Family Help and children's care plans to reduce harm and improve outcomes for children and families.
• Provide advocacy, practical assistance, emotional support and advice to victims of domestic abuse and, where appropriate, their children.
• Manage a varied caseload, prioritising work effectively and maintaining accurate, timely records.
• Support individuals who have experienced or witnessed domestic abuse, helping them understand and address the impact on their lives.
• Deliver domestic abuse duty cover on a rota basis, triaging referrals and ensuring timely allocation of work.
• Promote engagement with perpetrator programmes as part of a whole-family approach to reducing risk.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external partners, sharing information appropriately to safeguard and support families.
• Act as the MASH Domestic Abuse Liaison on a rota basis, providing specialist expertise and guidance.
• Deliver domestic abuse information, awareness and training to colleagues and partner organisations.
• Contribute to service monitoring, evaluation and data collection activities.
• Provide a responsive and flexible service, including occasional evening and weekend working where required.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the grade of the post.
Supporting children today. Changing futures tomorrow. What you will bring


• A relevant professional qualification at NVQ Level 4 or above, or substantial experience supporting victims of domestic abuse and their families, together with a willingness to undertake specialist domestic abuse training.
• Strong knowledge of the impact of domestic abuse on adults and children, child development, safeguarding procedures and associated legal responsibilities.
• Understanding of the civil and criminal legislative framework relating to domestic abuse, along with risk assessment and safety planning principles.
• Significant experience providing practical and emotional support to victims of domestic abuse, including direct work with children affected by abuse.
• Experience of building effective multi-agency partnerships and working collaboratively with a wide range of professionals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to maintain professional boundaries and work in a way that promotes equality, inclusion and respect.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities, organise workloads, use initiative and work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
  
  Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.
We're delighted that you're interested in working with us. You'd be joining us at a very exciting time. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive. At Gateshead Council you'd be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we're confident that it isn't just the salary that attracts our staff.


• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don't just offer a great salary - we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions - a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services - plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service.