11 months contract with a Local Authority

Job Summary:

Candidate must be Qualified Probation Officer status, or PQiP (Professional Qualification in Probation) completed or recognised by HMPPS.
Swindon Borough Council is seeking an experienced Senior Domestic Abuse Officer to join its Family Safeguarding Service on a temporary basis while permanent recruitment is underway.
The role sits within a multi-disciplinary Family Safeguarding team, working with children and families affected by domestic abuse, neglect, mental health and substance misuse.
The postholder will lead and manage domestic abuse operational staff, oversee high-risk cases, and work closely with Children’s Social Care and partner agencies to safeguard children and families.
The role requires strong leadership, risk management expertise, and regular home visits to families as part of a whole-family safeguarding approach.

Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):

Lead, manage and develop a team of Domestic Abuse Officers/Practitioners within Family Safeguarding.
Manage and oversee high-risk domestic abuse and safeguarding cases, ensuring appropriate risk assessment and escalation.
Undertake and support home visits to families where required, including high-risk situations.
Work closely with Social Workers, Team Managers and partner agencies to deliver integrated safeguarding interventions.
Identify, manage and escalate risk through MARAC, MAPPA and Children’s Safeguarding processes.
Ensure services meet performance targets, statutory requirements and local safeguarding priorities.
Contribute to service planning, performance improvement and the development of policies and procedures.
Build and maintain effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
Supervise, support, appraise and manage the performance of staff, including induction and development.
Chair and contribute to multi-agency meetings and case discussions.
Ensure accurate, confidential and timely recording of information in line with GDPR and organisational policies.
Promote equality, diversity and anti-discriminatory practice across all service delivery.

Skills/Experience:

Proven experience working with domestic abuse, safeguarding and child protection.
Strong experience assessing and managing high-risk cases involving domestic violence and vulnerable families.
Experience of working within or alongside Children’s Services / Family Safeguarding teams.
Demonstrable leadership and people management experience.
Ability to undertake and manage home visits, including in complex and high-risk situations.
Sound knowledge of safeguarding legislation, risk management frameworks and best practice.
Experience working within multi-agency environments and partnership settings.
Confident in chairing meetings and representing services professionally.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work under pressure, prioritise workload and meet deadlines.
Strong understanding of equality, diversity and ethical practice.
Competent IT skills and ability to maintain secure, accurate records.

Additional Information: