Domestic Abuse Liaison Officer – Housing Services

About the role

Southwark Council is seeking a Domestic Abuse Liaison Officer to strengthen the housing response for residents affected by domestic abuse. Working within the Housing Needs and Support team, you will use specialist knowledge to influence practice, support colleagues and build partnerships that prevent homelessness and promote safer housing outcomes.

Key responsibilities

• Provide specialist housing advice and guidance to survivors, helping them access safe and appropriate accommodation.
• Support residents to remain in their homes where safe, using safety planning and risk‑management techniques.
• Collaborate with housing associations, private landlords and internal teams to negotiate solutions and challenge unsuitable housing decisions.
• Offer expert advice on complex, high‑risk cases, contributing to risk assessments, safeguarding responses and coordinated interventions.
• Identify early‑intervention opportunities to reduce the risk of homelessness linked to domestic abuse.
• Facilitate tenancy sustainment through security measures, tenancy changes, managed moves or alternative accommodation when necessary.
• Advise housing staff on appropriate responses to domestic abuse within tenancy management, enforcement and arrears processes.
• Develop and improve procedures, guidance and processes to build confidence across housing services.

Required profile

• Demonstrated experience working with domestic abuse survivors, preferably within a housing or local authority context.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, risk assessment and early‑intervention principles.
• Ability to influence practice, develop guidance and drive service improvement.
• Excellent collaboration skills with external partners such as housing associations and private landlords.
• Commitment to delivering a prevention‑focused approach that reduces homelessness.

Required skills