Job Description

We're looking for a Domestic Abuse Worker, Interested?

Do you want a role where you're recognised for what you do, given the opportunity to thrive and have the chance to be the best version of yourself? Interested in joining a great organisation with an employee offer and experience that rivals others? Are you looking for a new challenge? If so, please keep reading as you're just what we're looking for!

The team...

Our award-winning Domestic Abuse Team provides practical and emotional support to empower those affected by domestic abuse to make informed choices and promote strategies that manage risk. Team members work directly with adults, young people and children impacted by domestic abuse and offer a Behaviour Change Programme to address abusive behaviour.





The Domestic Abuse Team forms part of our Specialist Services within Children's Social Care and Early help.





In 2024, an Ofsted inspection of Gateshead Council judges us to be Good across all outcome areas. We remain ambitious in our improvement journey towards outstanding.

About the role....

We are looking to recruit a full time, permanent Domestic Abuse Worker to join the Domestic Abuse Team.





The role involves providing advocacy, advice and practical and emotional support to ensure the safety of adults, children, young people and families affected by domestic abuse.



You will hold your own caseload undertaking assessments and support planning while working in partnership with other professionals contributing to Early Help assessments, Child Protection, Child in Need or Looked After Child plans to reduce the risk of harm.



It is essential that you hold a professional qualification or can demonstrate equivalent experience and be willing to undertake specialist domestic abuse training. You will have knowledge of the impact of domestic abuse on adult and child victims, an understanding of child protection procedures, issues and legal responsibilities and good understanding of legislative framework in relation to domestic abuse (Civil and Criminal). You will also have an understanding of child development, the principles of risk assessment and safety planning, understanding of and commitment to equal opportunities in practice and an ability to maintain professional boundaries.



You will have experience of working with victims of domestic abuse and their families, working within a multi-agency partnership and working directly with children. Good written and verbal communication skills, good organisational skills and being able to work on your own initiative as well as part of a team are also essential.



You will work across agencies to achieve best outcomes and be part of an experienced, supportive team where there are great training opportunities to support your professional development.

A bit about Gateshead Council...

Gateshead is a constantly changing borough combining modern facilities with a fascinating heritage and the demand for our services continues to grow. We engage with many partners and contract a high number of services to deliver the best outcomes for our community. We're truly committed to providing our customers with the highest quality of service and we need like-minded people who can help us deliver a sector leading service. We need people who want to make a difference, who are talented, possess the right knowledge and skills and who want the chance to demonstrate how good they are.





People really are our greatest asset at Gateshead Council, and we value every employee. We encourage our people to think differently, do the right thing and be innovative.

What's in it for you? Well, there's so much on offer and here's just a few of the highlights!

You'll be paid a competitive salary of 37,938 to 40,476 pa We'll help you save for your future with an outstanding employer contribution to your pension. You will receive an annual leave entitlement starting at 28 days per year (pro-rata for part time employees) rising to 32, 2 of which may be fixed by the council at any time. You also have the chance to buy up to 10 additional holidays per year. You'll have the opportunity to participate in the Council's Flexi time scheme, subject to management approval and business needs, which could be up to 26 flexi days per year. We offer hybrid working arrangements to ensure a positive work life balance. A robust Workforce Development offer with opportunities for learning to progress your career and to enhance your knowledge in specific areas. You'll have access to great health and wellbeing support, including discounted membership to GO Gateshead Leisure Services and ability to use our cycle to work scheme. You'll have access to our new benefits platform VIVUP where you can get discounts and offers on online and high street shopping

It's time to apply!

We're delighted that you want to come and work with us. Please take a look at the full job profile via this link Job profile. It's important that you read it in full and check that you meet the essential criteria, because when we start choosing people to come and meet us we'll be checking to ensure that they meet the essential criteria as set out in the job profile.



For an informal discussion or if you need any assistance, please contact Bev Coombs on 0191 433 5053.