Domestic Abuse Officer

Domestic Abuse Officer

“A role for people who want to help others feel safe, supported and believed”

People reach out to our Housing Options team when they’re facing some of the hardest moments in their lives. For those experiencing domestic abuse, taking that first step and asking for help can feel daunting, frightening, or overwhelming.

As our Domestic Abuse Officer, you’ll be a steady, calm and trusted point of contact.

Your role is to listen without judgement, understand what someone needs right now, and help them access the right support and safe accommodation.

You won’t be expected to fix everything alone. You will make sure people feel heard, understood and not alone at a time when safety matters most.

You will play an important part in keeping people safe by:

• having sensitive and supportive conversations with individuals experiencing domestic abuse
• giving clear advice about housing options and safety planning
• working closely with refuges, support agencies, health services, police and other partners
• helping people access safe accommodation quickly when it’s needed
• keeping accurate, confidential records and writing clear notes
• supporting the service to build consistent, trauma‑informed domestic abuse procedures
• helping colleagues feel confident managing domestic abuse cases through guidance and shared learning

This role isn’t about rushing. It’s about care, clarity, and professional steadiness when situations feel complex or emotionally charged.

We’re interested in your understanding of people and your ability to support them, not where you learned it.

Lived experience is recognised, valued and welcomed here.

You might be a good fit if you:

• can listen with compassion, patience and respect
• are able to stay calm and grounded when others are distressed or frightened
• communicate clearly, both in conversation and in writing
• are organised and able to follow safe, consistent processes
• can work with other agencies to get things done
• are comfortable using everyday IT systems (emails, forms, housing databases, spreadsheets)
• understand domestic abuse, whether through work, volunteering or personal experience
• can manage your time and prioritise when things feel busy

You don’t need a traditional housing background.

You don’t need formal qualifications beyond basic education.

You do need empathy, discretion, emotional steadiness and a willingness to learn.

If you have lived experience of domestic abuse, housing instability, caring responsibilities, or navigating public services, that experience is meaningful and respected.

We know this work can be demanding, so support isn’t an afterthought, its built in.

You’ll receive

• a structured induction and clear training
• ongoing support from experienced colleagues
• regular check‑ins with your manager
• clear expectations about your role and workload

You won’t be expected to handle everything on your own and asking questions is encouraged, not judged.

Alongside meaningful work that directly supports local residents, you’ll have access to:

• Benenden Health and an Employee Assistance Program
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Generous annual leave
• Staff discounts, including leisure facilities
• On‑site parking
• hybrid working

We’re committed to creating a workplace where people can do important work without burning out and where different backgrounds and ways of thinking are genuinely welcome.

Dover District Council is a Disability Confident employer, proud of its diverse workforce and its commitment to supporting local employment opportunities.

• Neurodivergent candidates
• People with disabilities
• People from working‑class or socially deprived backgrounds
• People returning to work or changing career
• People who haven’t previously seen local government as “for them”

We also recognise that traditional interviews aren’t for everyone, they can be stressful, especially if you feel anxious in formal settings.

If that sounds familiar, we can consider alternatives:

• A relaxed chat over coffee or a short walk
• A conversation in a space that feels comfortable to you

Our goal is simple, we want to get to know you, your skills and your…