Sarah Mackintosh

Within this role I specialise in supporting woman who have previously or are currently experiencing domestic abuse and substance misuse. Below are just some of my responsibilities in this role.

• Provided practical and emotional support to women facing domestic abuse through one-to-one sessions, phone support and home visits.
• Conduct thorough needs and risk assessments to create tailored support and safety plans.
• Liaise with agencies such as police, social services and ASSIST to coordinate client advocacy.
• Facilitated access to safe housing, legal advice, benefits, and healthcare resources.
• Educated women on dynamics of domestic abuse and their legal rights.
• Maintain accurate, confidential records aligned with data protection policies and adult safeguarding.
• Participate in regular supervision, team meetings, and ongoing training for professional development.

Working within the Justice system as a specialist that supports women whose partners or ex-partners are participating in the Caledonian System—Scotland’s integrated approach to addressing domestic abuse perpetrated by men. Below are some of my responsibilities in this role.

• Engage with women impacted by Caledonian Men’s Programme to establish trusting relationships offering support for the duration or the perpetrators program.
• Conduct initial and ongoing risk assessments and safety planning for individual circumstances.
• Provided emotional support, information, and practical assistance regarding housing, benefits, legal options, and children.
• Maintained regular communication with women during Men’s Programme, ensuring continuous updates and support through regular CLM's (client liaison meetings).
• Participated in multi-agency meetings to coordinate comprehensive support efforts (MARAC)
• Ensured accurate and confidential case records in compliance with data protection protocols.

Managed placement of 14 students, ensuring acquisition of necessary qualifying hours for registration.

Maintained precise and confidential case notes in compliance with safeguarding and regulatory policies.

Oversaw daily operations of student counselling service, including appointment scheduling and referrals.

Conducted risk assessments and crisis interventions as required.

Supervised a team of counsellors, coordinating service delivery while maintaining a small caseload.

Ensured counselling services adhered to professional and ethical standards set by BACP or UKCP.

Allocated students to suitable clients based on risk assessment and therapeutic modalities.

Collaborated with educational institutions to support at-risk students, promoting early intervention.