Domestic Abuse Practitioner
Location: Preston
Salary: £27,500 FTE
Contract Type: Permanent
Please note, this is an on-site role only. Due to the nature of our Refuges and Outreach services, it is essential that our teams are present and accessible, enabling us to provide safe, responsive and high-quality support to those who need us most.
This post is open to women only as permitted under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010.
About Safenet
We provide domestic abuse services across the Northwest of England, including refuges for women and children, safe houses for men, community support, and extra support for those facing addiction, mental health, or other issues.
We understand the serious impact domestic abuse can have, especially on health and wellbeing, and provide support and guidance to help survivors live safely and securely.
Safenet is part of the Calico Group. Here’s what makes The Calico Group unique: each of our specialist companies collaborates and innovates together to have a greater impact than they could alone.
Our shared vision, flexible group structure, and expanding range of services help us adapt to the fast-changing environment and times in which we work.
“A future where everyone can live safe, happy and healthy lives free from abuse, violence and exploitation in their homes, streets and communities.”
About the service
Working inside a busy refuge you will be part of a frontline team working in a fast-paced environment. The team are passionate about creating safe welcoming environments that supports all residents, children and colleagues. A team who continually adapt to the variations of work environments, who are service focussed, resilient, exercise good judgement to make the right decision and take into consideration everyone’s individual needs to create a genuine team spirit. We firmly believe that our difference lies with the people who work here.
About the role
We are looking for a high calibre, passionate, caring individuals who are excellent team players and are committed to providing high quality, trauma informed services for victims and survivors of domestic abuse.
As a Domestic Abuse Practicioner within Safenet Preston Refuge team, your role will provide proactive practical and emotional support to victims and surviviors of domestic abuse. You will be on a six-week rota which will include day, evening and weekend shifts.
The role will provide a high quality and pro-active front line service to victims of domestic abuse helping to keep them safe. The role involves assessing risk, completing safety and support planning, and ensuring the service offer is accessible and inclusive to all.
For further information about the role, please visit the Role Profile.
What we are looking for
We welcome applicants from a range of relevant backgrounds; direct refuge experience is not essential, but you do need to bring credibility, confidence and compassion from related fields.
You might come from:
- Substance misuse or addiction recovery services
- Trauma‑informed women’s services
- Mental health or psychologically informed environments (PIE)
- Housing or supported accommodation with complex needs
You will bring
We believe in recruiting for potential as well as experience. Our ideal candidate will have:
- A clear understanding of domestic abuse and violence and its impacts.
- Experience of key working, creating support plans, delivering support, conducting risk assessments and safety planning in a person-centred and trauma informed approach.
- Proven experience of providing direct emotional, practical and welfare support to women, men and children.
- Ability to build effective relationships, liaising with agencies and being an advocate.
- To have excellent time management and organisational skills working on own initiative and within a multi-disciplinary team environment.
Essential Core Skills
Health & Safety Awareness
All our employees are required to work in a safe way, wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and keep themselves, other colleagues and customers safe. You will be expected to update your knowledge and skills on Health & Safety if successful in your application.
Safeguarding
We work with adults and children who may be ‘at risk’ and expect colleagues to work in a way which protects the people we support from harm. Our colleagues are expected to identify people ‘at risk’ and confidently report any Safeguarding concerns as appropriate within the service.
Digital
Across our services, we use a range of technology and systems and expect colleagues to use them effectively and safely following cybersecurity and data protection principles (UK GDPR). Full training on specific systems is provided but a willingness to learn and develop is essential.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)
The Calico Group welcomes diversity and champions the rights of those in society who may be marginalised. Our employees are expected to be inclusive, embracing those from different backgrounds to develop a fairer society.
If you share our values and are ready to grow through continuous learning, development, and the support of a dedicated team, we want to hear from you!
What’s in It for You?
At The Calico Group, we value our people and offer a supportive, inclusive culture alongside fantastic benefits:
- Bravo Benefits – Exclusive discounts at popular high street brands including many retailers and restaurants.
- Westfield Health – Our company funded cash plan, with access to a Doctor 24/7 – for you and your dependents.
- Mental Health Support – Access emotional and mental well-being services through Spectrum.
- Cycle to Work Scheme – Save on commuting costs while staying active.
- Pension Options – with employer pension contributions.
- Life Assurance – Peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
- Financial Advice – Expert guidance to help manage your finances.
- Recognition Awards – Celebrate your achievements with our recognition programs.
- Meaningful learning and development programmes with regular focus on your individual growth.
- Gym Membership Discounts – Stay fit with local gym access.
- One Calico Events – Connect and unwind at our employee social gatherings.
- Paid Professional Fees – We’ll cover the cost of professional subscriptions so you can continue growing your career.
And much more! We also offer enhanced holidays, sickness, maternity, and paternity options, ensuring you feel supported when you need it most.
How to Apply
Click Apply Now to complete your application online. Applications close on 18/07/2026
We can’t wait to welcome you to our team!
This post is open to women only as permitted under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010.
SafeNet is working towards Equal Opportunities for all and actively encourages applications from disabled, ethnic minority and LBGTQI+ women who are under-represented. SafeNet is a Registered Charity No. 1091544 and a Company Limited by Guarantee No. 3860803.
Inclusive Hiring at Calico
We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and can thrive. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process or would like to discuss accessibility, please let us know.
Our Commitment to Safeguarding
The Calico Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our customers employees, and volunteers. Successful candidates will be subject to a DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service) and appropriate pre-employment checks in line with our safeguarding policies.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We have an exciting opportunity for a Deputy Manager to join our team in Exeter.
The Deputy Manager will work as part of a team that provide holistic recovery-focused support to clients with mental health across Exeter & East Devon Mental Health Services.
They will work closely with and deputise for the Service Manager to ensure the effective delivery of quality housing and support services within Exeter & East Devon Mental Health Services and will be responsible for the day-to-day operational delivery. They will provide effective line management for delegated front-line staff of the services, to include recruitment, induction, supervision, appraisal and performance management.
What you will be doing:
- Implementing, evaluating and contributing towards the development of local / service specific procedures and good practice in all areas of service management.
- Undertaking regular audits of various aspects of the service including, but not limited to, CDPSoft records, Universal Housing (UH) records, client files, Medication paperwork and Health & Safety records and to undertake any necessary action and report any issues or concerns to the Service Manager.
- Planning, coordinating and leading on the induction of all line managed staff and ensuring that all ongoing training needs are identified, reviewed and implemented and to assist in the induction of any other staff team member, as required.
- Allocating client caseloads to the Mental Health Support Workers fairly and consistently and, in the absence of a Mental Health Support Worker, to ensure client caseloads are appropriately reallocated and covered.
- Being responsible for the day-to-day operations of the services whilst ensuring that effective administration and communication systems are maintained and adhered to
On-call is on a rolling rota with you being on-call once every 10-14 days.Weekday on-calls are from 2000-0800 and weekend and public holiday on-calls are 0800-0800.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
