Location
St Thomas site, Westminster Bridge Road, London

Hours
Full Time (hours to be confirmed)

Salary
£34,186 per annum

About the Role
As a Domestic Abuse Officer at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, you will act as an expert resource for multi-professional teams, specialities, directorates, clinical groups, and the Trust. You will use a systemic trauma-informed approach to improve safety, resilience, wellbeing, and family functioning. Your role includes identifying escalation of risk and following appropriate safeguarding procedures where concerns arise. You will support the empowerment of victims by helping them recognise the dynamics of domestic abuse in their own situations and assist them in gaining control of their lives. Providing advocacy, emotional and practical support, and information to both male and female victims regarding safety, legal options, housing, immigration, and financial matters will be key responsibilities. You will support victims in seeking immediate temporary housing or refuge if required. Recognising, respecting, and addressing the needs of clients who face particular barriers when seeking help, including those from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, LGBT communities, disabled people, and other hard-to-reach groups, is essential. You will work collaboratively with specialist and safeguarding teams to ensure joint care plans and risk management. Creating an environment that fosters good communication between patients and healthcare professionals to meet individual needs is vital. Effective communication, both written and verbal, is required. Where appropriate and in consultation with patients and other professionals, you will refer patients to a wide range of services including domestic and sexual abuse specialists.

Experience
Experience working within safeguarding, domestic abuse, or related support services is highly desirable. Proven ability to work with vulnerable individuals and multi-disciplinary teams is essential.

About you
You are compassionate, resilient, and able to work sensitively with victims of domestic abuse. You have excellent communication skills and the ability to engage with diverse communities, including ethnic minorities, LGBT groups, disabled people, and other hard-to-reach populations. You are confident in managing risk and safeguarding concerns and work well within multi-professional teams.

Qualifications
Relevant qualifications in social work, health, or related fields are preferred but not mandatory. A commitment to ongoing professional development and training in trauma-informed approaches and safeguarding is expected.