Domestic Abuse Worker

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 permanent, full-time role has a starting salary of £32,512 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 Dakota, Weybridge.

Rewards and Benefits

• 26 days’ holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years’ service
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Up to 5 days of carer’s leave per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
• 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources

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 sits within Family Safeguarding and 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.

Shortlisting Criteria

To be considered for shortlisting, your CV and personal statement should clearly evidence the following:

• 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

If you are passionate about making a difference and have the skills we are looking for, we would love to hear from you!

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. For an informal discussion please contact Anneatta Shearman by e-mail at Anneatta.Shearman@surreycc.gov.uk

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 12.08.2025 with interviews to follow.

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

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.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Surrey County Council is preparing for Local Government Reorganisation which will allow us to implement the Government led policy of devolution, which is all about giving more powers to local areas.

Currently, Surrey has a two-tier council system, with 11 district and borough councils and a county council, all responsible for different services. All these councils will be reorganised into a smaller number of new unitary councils which will come into effect in April 2027. At this point, this role will be transferred, with all existing terms and conditions intact into one of the new unitary councils.

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 Values

Our values are as important as our abilities and shape who we are as an organisation. Discover more about our values.

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description. Our Life at Surrey handbook also provides insights of the culture at Surrey and how as a valued employee, you can help shape our Council.

Our Commitment

Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applicants where:

• The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application
• The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form

Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role.

We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.