Intervention Officer – Domestic Abuse Intervention Service – AR

Job Description

Job Title

Intervention Officer – Domestic Abuse Intervention Service

Directorate

Children & Families Services

Service Area

Domestic Abuse Intervention Service

Grade

PO2

Reports To

Service Manager

Job Purpose

The Intervention Officer is responsible for delivering specialist domestic abuse interventions that support the safety of victims, reduce risk, and contribute to preventing further harm caused by perpetrators of abuse.

The post plays a key role in delivering the Council’s Domestic Abuse Intervention Service model, aligned with the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy. The role requires an innovative, pragmatic, holistic and evidence-based approach when working with victims, survivors, perpetrators and partner agencies.

The postholder will manage complex domestic abuse cases, undertake risk assessments, develop safety plans, coordinate multi-agency responses, provide specialist advice and contribute to improving outcomes for victims, perpetrators and families.

Key Responsibilities

1. Case Management and Intervention

• Manage a caseload of domestic abuse cases involving complex risks, vulnerabilities and safeguarding concerns.
• Undertake comprehensive assessments of domestic abuse, including patterns of behaviour, coercive control, gender-based violence, power dynamics and risk factors.
• Develop and implement effective intervention plans based on assessed risk, need and best practice guidance.
• Provide proactive casework to reduce risk and improve safety outcomes for victims.
• Undertake outreach work, including community and home visits where required, to engage victims who may face barriers to accessing support.
• Build trusting, respectful and professional relationships with victims, their families and perpetrators where appropriate.
• Support victims through safety planning, risk reduction interventions, advocacy and access to relevant services.
• Work with perpetrators where appropriate to assess risk, promote accountability and reduce harm.
• Complete high-quality written assessments, reports, case summaries and intervention plans.
• Review and reassess risk as circumstances change and ensure safety plans reflect current information.
• Maintain accurate, timely and confidential case records.
• Ensure all safeguarding concerns relating to children and vulnerable adults are identified, recorded and responded to appropriately.

2. Risk Assessment and Safeguarding

• Assess and analyse risk using professional judgement, legislation, policy frameworks and recognised domestic abuse practice models.
• Identify risk indicators including escalation, coercive control, stalking, threats, violence and vulnerability factors.
• Balance risk and protective factors when making decisions and recommendations.
• Participate in safeguarding processes and contribute to risk management plans.
• Advocate for victims’ rights and ensure their views and experiences inform intervention planning.
• Support effective information sharing in line with safeguarding responsibilities and data protection requirements.

3. Partnership and Multi-Agency Working

• Work collaboratively with key partner agencies including:
• Police
• Children’s Services
• Adult Social Care
• Probation
• Housing services
• Health professionals
• Courts
• Specialist voluntary sector organisations

Attend and contribute to multi-agency meetings, case reviews and risk management forums.

Share relevant information appropriately to reduce harm, safeguard individuals and prevent further abuse.

Develop effective working relationships with professionals across statutory and voluntary services.

Respond promptly and professionally to requests from partner agencies.

Contribute to service development projects and initiatives that improve domestic abuse responses.

Deliver training, awareness sessions and specialist advice to colleagues and professionals regarding domestic abuse and gender-based violence.

4. Professional Practice and Service Development

• Provide specialist domestic abuse guidance and consultation to professionals within and outside the Council.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of:
• Domestic abuse legislation
• Safeguarding frameworks
• Statutory guidance
• Evidence-based intervention approaches
• Equality and diversity practice

Participate in supervision, appraisal, reflective practice and professional development activities.

Contribute to the monitoring, evaluation and improvement of domestic abuse services.

Work flexibly in response to service demands, including occasional work outside standard office hours where required.

Support colleagues and contribute positively to team working.

Use electronic case management systems effectively to maintain accurate records.

Promote the values and professional standards of the Domestic Abuse Intervention Service.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

• Demonstrate commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of practice.
• Challenge discrimination, inequality and oppressive behaviours.
• Understand how factors such as gender inequality, culture, discrimination, poverty and disadvantage may affect victims, perpetrators and families.
• Promote accessible and inclusive services for all communities.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential Qualifications

• Recognised qualification as one of the following:
• Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA)
• Domestic Abuse Prevention Advocate (DAPA)
• Social Work England registered social worker
• Equivalent recognised professional qualification

Enhanced DBS clearance required.

GCSE Grade A–C (or equivalent) in English and Maths.

Essential Experience

• Experience working with victims and/or perpetrators of domestic abuse or gender-based violence.
• Experience completing risk assessments and managing complex cases.
• Experience working with safeguarding concerns involving children and vulnerable adults.
• Experience supporting individuals with multiple and complex needs, including:
• Mental health difficulties
• Substance misuse
• Homelessness
• Additional vulnerabilities

Experience working collaboratively with partner agencies to achieve safe outcomes.

Experience engaging individuals who may be resistant, reluctant or difficult to reach.

Skills and Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong understanding of domestic abuse, coercive control, power dynamics and gender-based violence.
• Ability to assess and manage risk effectively.
• Ability to build positive relationships with victims and challenge perpetrators appropriately.
• Ability to communicate with empathy, professionalism and confidence.
• Ability to work with complex and sensitive information.
• Strong report-writing and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
• Ability to work effectively within a multi-agency environment.
• Good IT skills and ability to maintain accurate electronic records.
• Commitment to safeguarding, equality and victim-centred practice.

Role Summary

The Intervention Officer is a specialist practitioner responsible for reducing the impact of domestic abuse through effective assessment, intervention, partnership working and risk management. The role requires professional judgement, compassion, resilience and the ability to work confidently with victims, perpetrators and professionals to improve safety and outcomes.

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