Domestic Abuse Caseworker - Eastern HHIU

Vacancy Information

Division / Department - East Surrey Division

Grade - Grade F

Status - Full Time

Contract Type - Permanent

Salary Grade Range - £31,345 - £35,020

Working Hours - 36.0 Hours per Week

Shift Allowance - No

Politically Restricted - No

Location - Eastern Division

The starting salary for this role will usually be at the bottom of the salary range and will be pro-rata if the working hours are less than full time.

Chief Constables' Message

We really welcome your interest in joining our Police Force. It is a privilege to lead the teams in Surrey Police and Sussex Police who continuously work selflessly and tirelessly in order to keep people in our counties safe.

We are looking for talented and inspirational people who put the needs of the public at the heart of everything that they do and who want to make a difference. If you feel you are that person then we want to hear from you.

We wish you all the very best with your application.

Chief Constable Tim De Meyer & Chief Constable Jo Shiner

The Role & Key Responsibilities

To provide dedicated advice and support to repeat victims of domestic abuse (DA), particularly where there is an escalation in offending or risk, with a view to reducing repeat victimisation and improving victim safety.

To coordinate and ensure appropriate victim support is provided in respect of any Surrey police or multi-agency interventions to address DA perpetrator behaviour, and that the victim remains at the centre of our response.

To increase the number of repeat victims who will support prosecutions by sensitively and delicately working with victims and their families, in conjunction with outreach services and the Victim and Witness Care Unit (VWCU), thereby reducing the number of victims that are unable to support a prosecution.

To assist in delivering training to improve officer understanding of risk in DA cases, other CPD in respect of DA, and to improve our response to domestic abuse victims.

To review all overnight reported DA To ensure suitable repeat DA cases are signposted to either SNT, HHPU or SIU as appropriate.

To provide domestic abuse expert advice to OICs and investigation teams.

To actively seek intelligence from victims and/or witnesses and process as appropriate.

To promote the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS)

To respond to all retraction requests from victims DVPOs - To engage with all victims where a DVPO has been authorised.

To attend key monthly domestic abuse related meetings.

To act as Divisional DA SPOCs/Champions.

To manage divisional TecSOS services Training – working with the DA Force Advisor, assist with the delivery of DA CPD training Ensure DA victims have appropriate support at Court.

Skills & Experience

Essential:

• Pass at GCSE in English and Maths

• Possession of at least one A level or previous relevant operational experience

• Ability and willingness to obtain PIP1 level accreditation.

• Ability and willingness to undertake witness interviewing accreditation up to and including Tier 3.

• Ability and willingness to undertake DA training.

• Previous experience as a professional practitioner of working directly with victims of violence, abuse or trauma.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to deliver sensitive messages clearly and tactfully whilst building trust and rapport through the use of empathy.

• Ability to work without direct supervision whilst under pressure, prioritising work and dealing with competing or conflicting demands and interests in an organised and methodical manner

• Awareness of investigating offences of domestic abuse and the challenges that these type of investigations face within the criminal justice system.

• The ability to analyse problems, making sound operational decisions and having a high level of persistence and self-motivation to support a victim through an investigation to its conclusion

• An understanding of the impact and profile of domestic abuse

• Ability to maintain personal and professional boundaries whilst maintaining good working relationships with colleagues

• Must be capable of absolute discretion in handling matters of a personal, sensitive and confidential nature

• Ability to interpret information quickly and effectively in order to select the right course of action • Demonstrates confidence, credibility and resilience

• Ability to independently exercise own judgement in a consistent manner, within confines of legislation and agreed procedures

• The ability to operate multiple computer database systems and be willing to undertake training in order to become proficient in all relevant Surrey Police systems

• The ability to maintain personal resilience through challenging and emotional work. Being self-aware and able to demonstrate mechanisms to maintain own wellbeing

• Strong crisis management skills with the ability to handle situations of heightened stress and/or emotional turmoil

• A full and valid manual driving licence for motor cars or the ability to travel in the course of duty.

Desirable:

• PIP1 level accreditation or equivalent experience in conducting investigations.

• Witness interviewing accreditation

• Undertaken DA training

• Knowledge and understanding of Police interactions with partner agencies

• Knowledge and understanding of professional support services for survivors of domestic abuse.

• Previous experience of criminal investigations

• Experience of working with a range of stakeholders or agencies to achieve common goals

• An awareness of equality and diversity issues in the working environment.

• An understanding of Data Protection issues in order to ensure that information is handled and filed correctly.

• Knowledge of the Victims Code

Why Work With Us?

Policing is an exciting 24/7 business and we all have commitments outside work. We’re invested in supporting people to balance their life with work and we encourage flexible working. We are open to conversations about job shares and part time working. We encourage agile working, giving you the opportunity to manage your own diary and work wherever you give the best service to the public. This may include flexi-time and home working.

We take pride in looking after our people and offer a variety of benefits;

• career progression

• contributory pension scheme (LGPS)

• generous annual leave allowance

• discounts for everyday spend

• on-site gyms and a range of sports clubs

• generous and supportive parental leave

• financial and mental wellbeing guidance and support

• discounted contributory healthcare scheme

Please use the following links for more information on the benefits of working with Surrey Police or Sussex Police

Further Information