Domestic Abuse Practitioner - Community Services

Domestic Abuse Practitioner – Community Services

Location: Bury

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 

We are a specialist team working within the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) sector, committed to delivering trauma-informed, survivor-led support. Our services are shaped by the Women’s Aid Federation of England (WAFE) National Quality Standards and guided by the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, which recognises the impact of abuse on both adults and children. We work collaboratively to provide safe, inclusive, and empowering support that reflects the diverse experiences of survivors and promotes long-term recovery and independence.

Working in a busy sector you will be part of a frontline refuge team working in a fast paced environment supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse. 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 tasks/environments, who are service focused, resilient, exercise good judgement to make the right decisions and take into consideration everyone’s individual needs to create a genuine team spirit.

We recognise and respond to the intersecting experiences of survivors, acknowledging how race, gender, disability, sexuality, and socio-economic status impact recovery and safety. We are committed to anti-racist practice and actively uphold the principles outlined in our organisation’s Anti-Racist Charter.

About the role

As a Domestic Abuse Practitioner, you’ll play a vital role in helping individuals and families affected by domestic abuse take their first steps toward safety, recovery, and independence. You’ll be the first point of contact for those in crisis - offering compassionate, practical, and emotional support that makes a real difference. 

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:

• Although no formal qualifications are necessary a good level of spoken and written English is essential for this role.
• Proven experience providing emotional, practical, and welfare support to individuals affected by domestic abuse, including women, men, and children.
• Proven experience with adult and child safeguarding procedures and multi-agency risk assessment processes.
• Ability to support individuals in crisis with compassion and understanding.
• Non-judgmental attitude and active listening skills.

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 19/07/2026

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.