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.
Registered Charity 
501 - 1000
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Main purpose of job:To work in the Navigator team supporting individuals who have or are experiencing sexual violence and or sexual abuse. As a first contact worker, you will act as a gateway to both specialist counselling and advocacy services and additional specialist support services in Essex. You will use your considerable experience to provide a high-quality telephone information and support service.
The support you deliver will help individuals on their pathway to wellbeing, recovery, and social inclusion through building trusting and collaborative relationships. You will guide users to make informed decisions about their own wellbeing, maximising their independence and engaging in appropriate community or clinical resources/interventions.
You will work within a team of first contact navigators under the supervision of a service lead. You will be highly motivated and dedicated, have strong communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills with the ability to work under minimal supervision.
Start date: As soon as possible (subject to Enhanced DBS Check and satisfactory references).
Salary:£26,496 - £28,845 (NJC Scales 12-17) per annum, pro-rata.
Contract: This will be a permanent contract.
Hours: 35 hours per week.
Place of work: CARA premises in Colchester and some remote home working if a suitable environment is available. Some travel to other locations in Essex may be required, particularly during the induction period.
Holiday: 25 days per year, pro-rata, plus additional closure days between Christmas and New Year.
To apply: Please complete the application form, which can be downloaded from our website, explaining how your skills and experience relate to the person specification.
Applications must specifically address each essential and desirable criteria, giving evidence from previous experience or qualifications.
Application deadline: 10am Friday 24th July 2026
Interviews: Week beginning 3rd August 2026
Start date: Immediate, subject to receipt of satisfactory references and enhanced DBS check.
Mandatory Training Dates: To be confirmed.
This post is restricted to women applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1
Job Description
The First Contact Navigator posts will play a central role in the CARA team, ensuring that our service users and other agencies receive a high-quality service from the moment of first contact. You will work as part of a wider team of First Contact Navigators across Essex, based at our Synergy Essex Partner centres. The post liaises with clients, the CARA team and external agencies, providing advice, support and information.
The First Contact Navigator will engage with individuals who are experiencing, or who have experienced, sexual violence and or sexual abuse who require information, signposting and short-term support. You will be the first contact and conduct first meetings, managing your own caseload and co-ordinating personalised support for individuals on their pathway to wellbeing. You will have strong communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills with the ability to work under minimal supervision. You will support people who use CARA services to make informed decisions about their wellbeing, maximising their independence and engaging in appropriate community or clinical resources. You will work collaboratively with service users, the CARA team and other professional agencies to navigate and coordinate services.
At the outset, the main responsibilities of the post will be:
- To act as a first point of contact for new referrals and enquiries, providing information, emotional support, advice and signposting.
- To complete first contact calls and assessments with clients over the telephone, assessing client needs and suitabilty for services.
- To ensure information about new referrals/enquiries is accurately recorded on CARA’s database in real time.
- To work collaboratively and build trust with service users, agencies, personal and professional support networks to collate relevant information to effect individualised support requirements.
- To assess and engage service users not currently engaged in appropriate specialist sexual violence services.
- To seek and respond to referrals from a variety of internal and external sources.
- To assist survivors and relatives/supporters of survivors in understanding the range of resources and services available to them.
- To support service users to engage effectively with appropriate services to meet their individual needs and aspirations.
- To identify and respond to any safeguarding concerns
- To work as a link between clients, CARA staff and external agencies, ensuring appropriate information is passed on.
- To work closely with the Essex-wide team of First Contact Navigators and Information and Referral Coordinators to ensure effective referral processes across Essex.
- To act as a point of contact for external agencies making referrals to CARA, answering queries about our referral process.
- To cover the enquiry line and the office phone and deal with enquiries as required.
- To pro-actively promote CARA’s services to external agencies, ensuring they are aware of our referral procedures.
- To contribute to development of promotional information, to ensure information about the referral process is clear and accessible.
- To attend regular team meetings and to work with colleagues to further the objectives of CARA.
- To adhere in full to all CARA’s organisational policies and procedures, including safeguarding procedures.
- To report to the Service Engagement Manager, Head of Operations, CEO and Trustees as required, including the production of regular written reports.
- To be administratively self-servicing.
- To undertake any other related activities as required by the Head of Operations, CEO or the Chair of the Board of Trustees.
About CARA
CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse) works with victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs.
CARA is a registered charity working with adults of all genders, young people and children from across mid and north Essex. We have a head office in Colchester and outreach premises in Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton-on-Sea, Great Dunmow and Harwich. We also provide remote services.
CARA seeks to be an inclusive organisation that actively encourages, supports and values diversity amongst both our service-users and our workers. We wish to create a culture in which discrimination, in all its forms, is recognised and addressed.
You can read more about CARA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion here. We encourage and welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds.
About Synergy Essex
CARA is part of Synergy Essex – the Essex Rape and Sexual Abuse Partnership. We work closely with SERICC Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis) to deliver the contract for the Office for the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex for services for victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse across Essex.
