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Domestic Abuse Worker

Surrey County Council

Victoria Gate, Chobham Road, Woking GU21 6JD£34,660 - £36,943 per annumPermanent36 hours per weekCloses: 2026-08-13
Job Introduction We are committed to the development of our workforce. This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council. We thank you for your interest in our roles and would encourage you to review our vacancies which are open to all. This full-time, permanent position has a starting salary of £34,660 per annum, based on a 36 hour working week. We are excited to be hiring a new Domestic Abuse Worker to join our fantastic Family Safeguarding team based in Woking. This role is open to hybrid working and as a team we split our time between collaborating with colleagues in the office, working within the communities we serve, and working from home. Our Offer to You 26 days’ holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years’ service, plus bank holidays Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave A generous local government salary related pension Up to 5 days of carer’s leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year Paternity, adoption and dependents leave An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents About the Role The Family Safeguarding model brings together all necessary professionals under one roof to support children. This innovative approach, successful elsewhere, is now being pioneered by Surrey County Council, the first council in the South East to adopt it. The model encourages collaboration among professionals, combining children’s Social Workers with experts in domestic abuse, family support, recovery, mental health, and psychology. This holistic approach enables intensive support for parents, addressing issues like substance misuse, mental health, and domestic abuse; ultimately safeguarding children and improving family outcomes. The role of Domestic Abuse Worker provides practical and emotional frontline support, advice and guidance to victims of domestic abuse to enable them to live safely. Working closely with an allocated Social Worker, as well as other specialist workers, you will support the planning, running and review of cases within the team, contributing to case discussions and exchanging information where appropriate. You will liaise with a broad network of partners such as probation, mental health services, housing and the voluntary sector to ensure that a multi-agency approach is applied to the way that cases are managed and services are delivered. In this varied and highly rewarding role, typical duties will include: Safety planning to allow those experiencing domestic abuse to access and maintain safe accommodation Undertaking motivational interviewing to obtain information to support them, and look at the impact of domestic abuse on their children Ensuring case records are accurately maintained in line with procedural and legislative requirements Delivering domestic abuse group work programmes As a Domestic Abuse Worker you will need to be able to quickly establish effective relationships with colleagues, partners, children and families, working respectfully in a way which encourages them to recognise what help they require and empowering them to develop strategies to support their needs. You will be operating in sometimes challenging and emotionally charged situations, therefore you must have the ability to communicate clearly, remain calm under pressure and deal with each request confidentially, applying a discreet and sensitive approach to all that you do. Your Application In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours : A good understanding of domestic abuse and an awareness of relevant legislation Previous experience of working with children and families High level verbal, written and listening communication skills Experience of successful collaboration with partners to effectively deliver work Ability to plan your work using your own initiative Good IT skills The role holder will need to have the willingness and ability to travel around the county to meet the demands of the role. An enhanced DBS ‘Disclosure and Barring Service’ check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children’s and Adults’ Barred List checks will be required for this role. To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 4 questions: What interests you about the role of Domestic Abuse Worker with Surrey’s Family Safeguarding team, and what strengths or qualities would you bring to the team? Please tell us about your experience of working with children and families, or in a role where you supported people with complex needs. What approaches did you use to build trust and achieve positive outcomes? Examples from paid, voluntary, or other relevant experience are welcome. Describe a time when you worked with other professionals or organisations to support someone. How did you ensure good communication and a joined-up approach? What do you understand about the impact of domestic abuse on adults and children, and what do you think is important when supporting someone who is experiencing it? If you are passionate about making a difference, and have the skills we are looking for, we would love to hear from you! The job advert closes at 23:59 on 16th August 2026 with interviews to follow. Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description and Our Life at Surrey Handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey. Contact Us Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment. Please contact Anneatta Shearman by e-mail at Anneatta.Shearman@surreycc.gov.uk We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit. Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities. Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council. Our Commitment We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum shortlisting criteria as displayed on the advert, we guarantee you an interview. Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we’re committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.