We have created a new role to really drive and develop practice around domestic abuse in Durham children’s social care. The Domestic Abuse Practice Lead will contribute to transforming practice around domestic abuse across Children’s Social Care, to inspire change for the children and families we support. This is a non-case holding role which will include providing advice and guidance to managers, case-holding practitioners and policy makers, and supporting practitioners learning in line with our strengths based, relational practice model ‘How we practice in Durham’.
This post will be based within our Safeguarding and Professional Practice team, line managed by our principal social worker and will work closely with our Families First service.
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
You will increase awareness of best practice when working with domestic abuse by creating and coproducing safe spaces for learning and challenge, with our practitioners and leaders.
You will work collaboratively with, and support managers and practitioners to identify coercive and controlling behaviour and understand and identify the support needs of the child/young person so that care planning can be more effective.
You will inspire and support practitioners to develop their skills and confidence when working with perpetrators of domestic abuse, working both on a 1-1 basis and with groups of practitioners - for example:
* Support reflective group supervisions and mapping sessions.
* Support practitioners to use the practice tools available and to write in a kind and non-judgemental way.
* Work closely with the Reducing Parental Conflict Co-ordinator to ensure managers and practitioners understand the difference between parental conflict and domestic abuse and identify the right pathway for families.
* Take a lead role, representing the Service in key forums such as sub-groups created by the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Executive Group (DASVEG).
* Play a key role in the development and review of policies and procedures and service plans linked to domestic abuse.
* Play a key role in audit activity linked to domestic abuse, analysis of data and linked reporting so that we understand the impact of our practice and outcomes for children, young people and families.
* Produce well argued, focused, and jargon free notes and reports, and contribute to management information in line with the “How We Practice in Durham” guidance.
* Maintain an awareness of key legislation, guidance and best practice linked to domestic abuse, sharing key messages and recommendations around practice with Children’s Social Care Management Team and the wider service.
* Work closely with the Workforce Development Lead for Domestic Abuse. This may include the development and delivery of training and supporting managers and practitioners to participate in key development activity.
* Be accountable for and review your own practice using supervision and reflective practice. Seek advice from a range of sources, discuss, debate, reflect upon and test own hypotheses.
* Maintain continuous professional development to ensure that practice is supported by new research and developments.
HOW WILL I BE SUPPORTED?
We are passionate about practice in County Durham. We are committed to providing a culture where excellent practice can flourish. We ensure our practitioners are highly supported and encourage flexible working to achieve a good work-life balance.
You will benefit from a range of training opportunities and professional development through personalised induction, professional supervision, and mentoring.
WHAT WILL I NEED?
This is a Graduate position with a strong working knowledge of domestic abuse, coercion and control. A sound understanding of this complex, gender biased area of practice, along with a knowledge of our practice model rooted in signs of safety and an understanding of trauma and the support available in the community would be a real advantage so you can develop relationships and signpost for practice.
Please refer to the attached person specification for the full criteria.
If successful, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.
REWARDS AND BENEFITS
We offer generous rewards and benefits that are designed to help you perform at your best:
* Competitive salaries and 27 days holiday per year rising to 32 days after five years continuous local government service.
* Option to purchase up to 10 additional days annual leave per year.
* Excellent work/life balance through schemes including job sharing, compressed hours and flexi-time (allowing up to 13 flexi days per year).
* Hybrid working (home and office working).
* Excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Plus, top up options - Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC scheme and standard AVC scheme for members of the LGPS.
* Wellbeing Portal and access to an Employee Assist Scheme.
* Wide range of learning and development opportunities including professional qualifications, coaching and mentoring.
* Employee Benefits Portal and Lifestyle Savings Scheme (discounts across a host of major retailers).
* Discounted DCC gym membership.
* Staff networks run by staff for our staff, including Race Equality and Diversity, Disability, LGBT+, Armed Forces, Carers, Menopause.
* Trade Union membership.
* A range of other salary sacrifice schemes such as car leasing.
Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.
HYBRID WORKING
Durham County Council currently operates a hybrid working policy where a model of 2 days in the workplace and 3 days at home/remote will apply. This model is pro-rated for part time roles and arrangements are at managers discretion, alternatively you can work all of your contracted hours within the workplace if you prefer.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and recognise that a diverse, talented workforce brings new ideas and new perspectives, which will facilitate growth and improvements to services.
We are committed to ensuring that our employment policies and processes are fair and equitable to all. We welcome job applications from everyone, and successful candidates are considered only on their skills and ability to do the job.
As a Disability Confident Leader, we encourage applications from disabled people and provide support throughout the recruitment process.
INTERVIEWS
Interviews will be held on 12th March 2025 at Green lane offices in Spennymoor.
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
HOW TO APPLY
In line with the County Council's Recruitment and Selection Policy, please note that we are unable to accept CVs. Applications must be submitted on-line via the Northeast Jobs portal.
Please use the ‘Person Specification’ section of your application form to demonstrate that you have the essential and where possible, desirable experience, skills, and knowledge. Candidates who do not evidence that they meet the essential qualifications and experience listed on the person specification will not be short-listed.
If you have any support needs or require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27 (option 2), or the Recruitment Team via email at RecruitmentCYPS@durham.gov.uk.
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