Prospective staff must be held to a higher standard of behaviour and accountability than members of the public, and that therefore their right to privacy can be fettered in certain circumstances. This is to ensure that members of the police are fully aware and accountable for the unique powers entrusted to them and the standards of professional behaviour they swear to uphold.
Role Purpose
The Domestic Abuse Safeguarding Officer is to support the Safeguarding team in identifying and safeguarding high risk victims of Domestic/Honour Based Abuse and Forced Marriage, using appropriate tactics. The role includes conducting dynamic risk assessments to determine effective safeguarding interventions, and working with partner agencies to deliver safety plans.
They also support the Safeguarding function in coordinating and administering various work streams including professionals’ meetings, preventative orders and the domestic violence disclosure scheme.
The Domestic Abuse Safeguarding Officer also works closely with the MARAC team to offer long term safeguarding and support options to victims of Domestic Abuse within the West Midlands Area.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and implement strategies and safety plans to safeguard High risk (crime and non-crime) and Medium risk (crime with outstanding suspect and non-crime) victims of domestic abuse (DA), including rape and serious sexual offences (RASSO), attempted murder, most serious violence offences (MSV), Honour Based Abuse (HBA), and Forced Marriage.
Refer into and work with partner agencies to provide intervention at the earliest opportunity to protect victims of domestic abuse, children and vulnerable adults to promote a coordinated approach to supporting and protecting victims and their families.
Develop and implement a safety plan to reduce repeat victims of Domestic Abuse supported by other agencies.
Maintain a thorough knowledge of force policy and procedure, legislation, and guidance concerning Domestic Abuse, Honour Based Abuse, and Forced Marriage and ensure all appropriate protocols are followed in line with policy.
Conduct comprehensive intelligence checks using all relevant systems for both locally and nationally held intelligence and information, to support safeguarding strategies.
Prepare for, attend and actively contribute to relevant meetings, case conferences, strategy discussions, Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC), and Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) meetings and as necessary note, record and complete actions.
Review and complete referrals received in accordance with the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (Clare’s law). Review urgent referrals and escalate to a supervisor for action.
Prepare documents and files, attend court and lay information to support the application of civil orders (Eg. DVPO, FMPO).
Any other duties commensurate with the role and band / grade, and as directed by Supervision.
Essential Knowledge and Experience
Experience of working in an environment dealing with the public
Working knowledge of confidentiality and data protection issues
Working in an environment where that have developed and implemented strategies and safety plans
Experience of working with partner agencies/multi agency environment
Desirable Knowledge and Experience
Previous experience of working in a Domestic Abuse environment or with partner agencies
Understanding of WMP IT systems – training will be provided
Experience of dealing with conflict/risk management
Essential Skills
Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, and demonstrates discretion and integrity when handling sensitive information.
Strong risk assessment and critical thinking skills, applying professional curiosity to all cases.
Time Management and Prioritisation being capable of prioritising cases based on risk and urgency, ensuring appropriate referrals are made in a timely manner.
Evidence of competent IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook).
On occasions be expected to work without direct supervision and will be required to make decisions using own initiative.
Be able to demonstrate effective presentation skills (ie - MARAC and Case Conferences) and participate effectively in meetings, making valuable contributions
Hold a full UK driving licence
Desirable Skills
Skilled in liaising professionally with partners across health, education, and social care to clarify referrals and agree outcomes.
Proficient in the use of police IT systems such as Connect, Insight, PNC and PND.
Hours: Mon - Friday 0800-1600 / 0900 - 1700
Location: Oldbury Custody Suite
Vetting: Successful applicants will be required to pass Management Vetting and Counter Terrorism Clearance prior to commencing their role, this will include a full background & financial disclosure as part of the vetting process.
Medical: Successful applicants will be subject to a medical assessment which may include a drug or hearing test.
Interviews: Interview dates to be confirmed.
West Midlands Police is a Disability Confident Leader - the highest level an organisation can achieve under the scheme run by the Department of Work and Pensions. As part of our commitment we operate a ‘Disability Confident Interview Scheme’ - all candidates who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview.
It is important to note that there may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people who meet the essential criteria for the job. For example: in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. In these circumstances, the employer could select the candidates who best meet the essential criteria for the job, as they would do for non-disabled applicants.
“Diversity and Inclusion Vision: Maximise the potential of people from all backgrounds through a culture of fairness and inclusion to deliver the best service for our communities”
