Adviser (welfare benefits) jobs

BACKGROUND

For over thirty years, Asylum Aid has been providing legal representation to some of the most vulnerable people seeking asylum in the UK. Our welfare advice team provide generalist advice on welfare benefits, housing, asylum support and related issues to Westminster residents with refugee and migrant backgrounds who do not have English as a first language and who would otherwise be unable to access vital advice which enables them to avoid destitution, homelessness and food poverty. We deliver this advice as part of the Westminster Advice Services Partnership through a drop in and outreach at local community venues, and supported by local volunteers many of whom speak community languages.

The post of Appeals Support Advisor is a new post established with the benefit of a grant from Westminster City Council. The post holder will support clients with appeals and reconsideration requests in relation to welfare benefits and housing. This will allow us to provide a more comprehensive service for our clients, many of whom struggle to lodge appeals and reconsideration requests, and to gather evidence in support of their appeals without advice, due to language barriers.  The post holder will deliver advice in community languages, including with the assistance of interpreters, to local residents as part of our partnership work. Most of our clients are refugees, people seeking asylum and others with a refugee or migrant background. The Appeals Support Advisor will work with clients referred from Asylum Aid’s Information and Advice Service (including our weekly drop in) and from other partners in the local community. They will also provide training and supervision to the Generalist Advisor and our volunteers. External supervision will be arranged for the post holder.

The ideal candidate will be resident in or near to the City of Westminster and fluent in one or more community languages. In particular, fluency in one or more of the following is highly desirable: Arabic, Bengali, Farsi, Kurdish Sorani/ other Kurdish dialects, Somali, Amharic, Tigrinya.

As this is a new post delivering a specialist appeals and casework service from within our generalist advice team, it offers an exciting opportunity to set up and establish systems for the delivery of this service during the six month fixed term contract, including ensuring that case management processes are established which meet the requirements of our Lexcel quality mark and that clear referral procedures are established with the drop in service and our partners.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The post-holder will:

• Be part of a generalist advice service, with special emphasis on language support, as part of the Westminster Advice Services Partnership (WASP), a collaboration of advice agencies Asylum Aid, Westminster Citizens Advice, Age UK Westminster, and Deaf PLUS Westminster Advice Service.
• Provide specialist appeals casework and support to clients who do not speak English as a first language and need to challenge decisions, request  mandatory reconsiderations, internal housing reviews, lodge appeals in relation to welfare benefits and housing.
• Provide ongoing casework support up to the Tribunal stage, including helping clients to gather evidence in support of their mandatory reconsiderations and appeals and preparing for hearings (but not including representation at hearings)
• Where capacity allows, help to deliver generalist face to face and telephone advice and information, in a community language and English, to migrants and asylum seekers on issues related to welfare benefits, housing and asylum support in accordance with Asylum Aid’s contract within the WASP partnership, and taking responsibility for the quality of advice given.
• Provide training and supervision to the Generalist Advisor and to volunteers, supporting the development of their advice skills and ensuring the quality of advice delivered throughout the advice service.
• Maintain a high standard of electronic case records (using AdvicePro) for the purpose of continuity of casework, information retrieval, monitoring and evaluation of the service, and to help identify issues to be raised through policy advocacy.
• Ensure that all casework is conducted in accordance with the Lexcel quality standard, including by establishing case management procedures for the delivery of specialist advice which meet the Lexcel standard, and participate as required in annual Lexcel quality mark audits
• Attend external and in-house training organised by Asylum Aid and regular supervision sessions to develop and maintain the skills and knowledge required to help deliver a quality advice service, and to keep up to date with changes in welfare benefits, housing and asylum support law
• Cascade information, changes,  and developments in social welfare law, including learning from external training, to other staff and volunteers who assist with the delivery of the welfare advice service
• Work effectively with partners to provide a seamless service for clients, making and receiving referrals and maintain up to date information about other service providers for the purposes of referrals and signposting. 
• Be responsible for achieving relevant targets for quality and quantity set by the WASP coordinator
• Provide case studies and other information from the work of the advice service to support policy advocacy and strategic legal work in support of Asylum Aid’s vision of fair and dignified treatment of people seeking asylum, refugees and other vulnerable migrants 
• Carry out any other tasks within the scope of the post to ensure the effective delivery and development of the service.

The post holder will need to be able to travel to and within Westminster to deliver advice at outreach locations as well as at a drop-in in or around the Church Street Estate. Travel expenses will be paid to attend locations away from Asylum Aid’s office(s) and the main location of our drop-in service (currently the Church Street library).

Other duties:

• Respect for client confidentiality at all times in line with Asylum Aid’s confidentiality agreements and consent forms. 
• To attend staff meetings as required.
• To undertake other duties which are generally compatible with the functions of the post.
• To comply with the organisation’s policies and procedures, particularly those relating to safeguarding, health and safety, diversity, equity & inclusion, confidentiality and security, as set out in the Office Manual as well the policies of other relevant partner organisations.

Person Specification

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• At least 12 months’ experience of supporting benefits appeals through to Tribunal stage and Housing Reviews
• At least 5 years’ experience of working face to face with clients to deliver generalist advice in different areas of law including welfare benefits and housing
• Knowledge on a range of issues on which advice may be sought including health and social care, housing and welfare benefits, including a thorough and up to date understanding of social security and welfare benefits legislation and policy  
• Experience of managing a case load
• Knowledge or ability to understand and use relevant legislation
• Have completed Advice UK’s Learning to Advise training or hold the Citizens Advice Generalist Adviser certificate or an equivalent qualification
• Be fluent in written and spoken English as well as a second language spoken by a substantial proportion of the Westminster population, ideally Arabic, Bengali, Farsi, Kurdish Sorani/ other Kurdish dialects, Somali, Amharic, Tigrinya (to a standard that enables accurate advice to be given in the language)
• Experience of working with interpreters in the delivery of advice
• Able to meet deadlines, work under pressure, meet performance targets and take responsibility for their work, while working flexibly within a team environment
• Able to relate to a wide cross section of clients in a non-judgmental way.
• Able to use a range of IT systems and packages confidently and competently to be able to support and encourage others in using online systems and resources to enable them to self-help.
• Able and willing to learn and assimilate new knowledge in a working environment.
• Able to give and receive feedback objectively and sensitively.
• Able and willing to work both on own initiative and as part of a team.
• Understanding of and commitment to the aims and principles of Asylum Aid service and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Good understanding of the needs of migrants and asylum seekers and the issues and barriers that affect them in UK.

Desirable:

• Experience of specialist advice work, including appeals and mandatory reconsiderations
• Friendly, polite, and patient
• Experience of working under a relevant quality mark such as the Advice Quality Standard or Lexcel
• Understanding of the housing and other support available to people seeking asylum who do not have the right to work in the UK
• Experience of working with volunteers
• Experience of supervising other advisers, including volunteers  
• Demonstrable understanding of issues facing vulnerable clients whose English is not the first language and many with mental health problems.
• Lived or learned experience of the difficulties that migrants and refugee communities face when they have to deal with the UK welfare system
• Personal experience and/or Knowledge of the advice process and experience in the areas of either benefits, housing or debt.
• Experience of using interpersonal skills, including sensitive listening, and questioning skills to understand the needs of others,
• Ability to communicate with other organisations, housing, and welfare departments.

How to apply 

The first stage is to complete on our online application form on our website by 9am on 7th July 2025.

The website form will ask you to:

1. Upload a short covering letter. Please tell us why the position appeals to you, and how your

relevant skills and experience, including any voluntary experience and lived experience, matches the listed responsibilities and person specification. Please also state in your covering letter when you would be available to start the role.

2. Upload your current CV

3. Complete an online Equal Opportunities monitoring form – completion of this form will help us ensure that our recruitment procedures operate in such a way as to provide genuine equality of opportunity. The questions are entirely optional and this information will not be available to members of the selection panel.

Selection Process

We anticipate that we will invite candidates to an initial 15-minute online screening meeting week commencing 16 June 2025, followed by shortlisted candidates attending in-person interview week commencing 23 June 2025. We will also ask you to complete a short written task on the day.

We regret that we can only respond to applicants who make it to the interview stage.

Eligibility

Please note that the successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK (as a small charity we do not have the capacity to sponsor work visas).

Successful candidates will also be subject to a basic DBS check. If appointed, you will also be required to give your consent to the charity to receive regular updates on your criminal records status throughout your employment and to disclose any relevant convictions incurred during your time with us.

Adjustments

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. If you require a different format of the application form, such as large print or Word format, or if you would like to discuss any specific requirements, please get in touch with us.

Do you have experience of telephone advice work with a specific interest in housing law, welfare benefits and debt? Would you like to use those skills to help people struggling with bad housing or homelessness to find solutions? Then join Shelter Scotland as a Helpline Adviser and you could soon be providing vital advice to clients across Scotland.

About the role

Shelter Scotland provides a free telephone and online helpline providing housing advice to over 25,000 people across Scotland each year. You’ll be joining a team delivering a telephone, digital and email advice service to people experiencing a range of housing problems. This will involve carrying out initial fact-finding interviews to identify and agree clients’ needs and giving advice on all areas of housing cases, for which you will be given support and training should you need it. We’ll also rely on you to enter details onto our CRM system accurately and punctually.

Role specifics

We’re looking for people who are resilient enough to cope in a challenging environment but who can empathise with our clients and help them navigate their way through the system. You’ll have good listening skills that will enable you to get to the root of clients’ underlying needs, a proactive, results-driven approach and the ability to contribute new ideas and approaches. Proficiency using Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, email and the internet is also essential.

Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.

Benefits 

We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.

We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

About the team

Shelter Scotland provide a free telephone and online housing advice service which covers all of Scotland. There are services accessible to anyone with a housing problem and a growing number of contract-funded services that focus on specific client groups, other advice agencies and geographically based populations. We also provide a telephone helpline for other agencies and run a number of projects throughout the country. In Scotland, we helped over 25,000 people in our Telephone and Online Advice services in 2020/21.  As well as our Telephone and Online Advice services, we have several projects and four core Integrated City Hubs. Through a balanced mixture of activities at local level and participating in nationally coordinated initiatives the Advice Service aims to help people in housing need and tackle the root causes of homelessness and bad housing. 

About Shelter Scotland

Shelter Scotland is Scotland’s national housing and homelessness charity. Our vision is of a home for everyone in Scotland. For over 50 years, the way we drive change has remained the same. We advise and support people in housing need today and use the insight we gain to inform our campaigns to change tomorrow. We also raise professional standards for those working in Scotland’s housing and homelessness sector by offering a broad range of training courses.

Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet everyday thousands of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter Scotland. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.

Safeguarding statement

Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter Scotland is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies. 

Shelter Scotland does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Team Leader to join the Specialist Services team in Bedfordshire, working 37.5 hours a week.

Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change and improvement for those who need it?

Do you have resilience and adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care?

If yes, then we'd love to hear from you…

What we offer:

At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:

• Flexible working options including hybrid working
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
• An extra day off for your birthday & options to buy or sell annual leave
• Pension with 5% employer contribution
• Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
• High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment & leisure discounts
• Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
• Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
• Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes
• Cycle to work scheme & season ticket loans
• Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression

About this role:

This role supports the service across Bedfordshire. As a Team Leader for the Specialist Services team you will:

• Have line management responsibilities for the team from across all our local projects
• Attend and Chair local MARACs and other partnership meetings

You will need:

• A qualification as an IDVA
• Experience of developing and maintaining partnerships and pathways within a multi-agency and legislative framework
• Knowledge of legislation relating to equal opportunities and diversity, safeguarding and risk assessments
• Practical understanding of the requirement for confidentiality and safe working practice and maintenance of files in accordance with the Data Protection Act and other legal requirements
• Experience of working in a challenging and changing environment with an emphasis on customer focus and excellence in service delivery
• Demonstrable experience of providing crisis management, support and guidance in sometimes stressful and difficult situations to a team with a client service focus
• Have excellent communication, negotiation and advisory skills, both written and verbal when interacting with a range of agencies and individuals
• Work without direct supervision, prioritise work and deal with competing or conflicting demands/ needs and interests in an organised and methodical manner
• Gather, analyse and use information and evidence from different sources to solve problems and report on data quality and compliance
• Sound IT expertise with the ability to use a range of software including: Word, Excel and Case Management systems
• Self-aware and committed to own continuous development

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

About Us:

Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by our Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events. Working for VS gives you the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing high quality services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

Victim Support strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.

As part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.

If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best.

How to apply:

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website, and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We looking forward to hearing from you.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date.

If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.

Are you looking to join an organisation who strives to deliver social change for women globally? Are you passionate about using data and research to drive impact in global sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR)? Do you have a strong background in research, data analysis, and collaborative research design and implementation? Then look no further!

MSI Reproductive Choices are hiring at an exciting time for an Evidence and Impact Advisor to drive meaningful and actionable insights related to client profiles, marketing approaches, service accessibility, client experience and quality of care.

As well as this, we’re looking for an exceptional individual to provide strategic research studies and evaluations to support the operationalisation of MSI’s 2030 Research and Learning Strategy.

MSI Reproductive Choices have and will continue to fight for women’s rights globally, and despite recent challenges, this is a pivotal and important time to join us!  

About MSI

MSI Reproductive Choices is one of the world’s leading providers of sexual and reproductive healthcare. We believe that everyone should have the right to choose. From contraception to safe abortion and life-saving post-abortion care, we are committed to delivering compassionate, affordable, high-quality services for all.

Today, our organisation has almost 9,000 team members working in 36 countries across the world. Our success lies in the fact that MSI teams are locally led, entrepreneurial and results-driven, and are passionate about delivering high quality, client-centred care in their own communities. As a social business, we focus on sustainable delivery, efficiency, and funding models that are built to last, so that the women and girls we serve today will have a choice in the future too. #

We know that access to reproductive choice is life changing. For some, it can mean the ability to complete an education or start a career. For others, it means being able to look after the family they already have. For everyone, it means the freedom to decide their own future, creating a fairer, more equal world.

About the Role

A strategic analytical professional responsible for managing client experience assessment through annual Client Exit Interview surveys; providing technical data-driven insights to support programming, fundraising, grant management, and advocacy efforts.

This is an exciting opportunity for an early-career public health analyst or researcher looking to apply their skills in survey management, data analysis, and research design and dissemination while making a tangible impact on global SRHR programs. As part of the E&I team, you will have the opportunity to work across all departments at MSI and will be collaborating with team members with a wide range of technical expertise and experience, keen to support your professional development. If you thrive in a dynamic, mission-driven environment and are eager to translate research into action, we would love to hear from you!

Please note that you may also be required to carry out reasonable additional ad-hoc duties.

About You

For us, it’s vital that every MSI team member believes in and is committed to our organisational mission, vision and values.

This means that we will only accept applications from candidates who are unequivocally pro-choice.

Our values act as guiding principles, providing us with a clear direction. They set the tone for how we approach our work, interact with others and align ourselves as ‘One MSI’. It’s important that our team members truly resonate with our values and demonstrate them consistently, in all that they do.

We recruit talented, dynamic individuals with diverse backgrounds who share our mission and are focused on delivering measurable results. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone can participate and contribute meaningfully. We value open-mindedness, curiosity, resilience, and a solutions-oriented mindset, alongside a commitment to promoting equality and safeguarding the welfare of both team members and clients.

We seek exceptional communicators who are self-motivated, solutions-driven, and aligned with MSI’s mission and entrepreneurial mindset. You should be dedicated to driving social change in an environment focused on sustainable impact, both locally and globally, and comfortable working with diverse teams in an ambiguous setting.

To perform this role, you’ll need the following skills and experience:

Quantitative Data Analysis: Strong analytical skills, including experience working with survey data and large complex datasets, performing statistical analysis, and using tools such as Stata, R, SPSS, Microsoft Excel, or Power BI.

Project Management: Ability to effectively manage multiple research projects, timelines, and stakeholders, ensuring deliverables are met efficiently.

Research Coordination & Management: Experience designing and managing large-scale applied heath research studies (both qualitative and quantitative), including ethical approvals, data collection, and quality control.

Communication & Dissemination: Excellent verbal and written communication skills with experience translating research findings into actionable insights through reports, presentations, and data visualizations, including with the ability to convey complex concepts in plain English to non-technical audiences.  Data Storytelling: Skill in translating complex data analyses into clear, compelling narratives for various audiences.

Stakeholder Engagement: Ability to collaborate with diverse teams, including country program staff, researchers, and external partners, to drive evidence-based decision-making. Experience with project management or cross-functional (matrix) team working is desirable.

Attention to Detail: Experience ensuring high standards in research design, data collection, and analysis, with a commitment to ethical research practices.

Drive for Results: Curious, proactive, and passionate about how data can be used to improve performance and outcomes; challenges the status quo to identify and implement innovative approaches.

Ability to Prioritise & Work Under Pressure: Highly comfortable working within tight deadlines, working across multiple projects simultaneously, shifting priorities, and balancing the needs of diverse stakeholders in a fast-paced environment

Formal education/qualification

• Master’s Degree, or higher, in public health research, statistics, economics, epidemiology, demographics, health sciences or related discipline - Essential
• Proficiency in French highly desirable - Please state level in application.
• Additional qualification or formal training in research design, biostatistics, epidemiology, impact evaluation, or data visualisation such as with PowerBI - Desirable

Please view the job framework on our website.

Location: London UK (hybrid working model, 2 days minimum per week in the office).

Full-time: 35 hours a week, Monday to Friday (For UK based team members).

Contract type: Permanent.

Salary: £34,200 - £42,750 per annum for UK based candidates. Discretionary bonus + benefits. 

Salary band: BG 7

Closing date: 8th July (midnight BST). Interviews may take place before this date for exceptional candidates.

For internal employees applying from an MSI country programme, the role will be positioned within the existing salary structure of the country. Local terms and conditions of the country will apply. 

We are looking to recruit HOPELINE247 Advisers to provide individually tailored suicide prevention advice and guidance to young people and those who are concerned for them via our national multi-channel helpline HOPELINE247 and deliver suicide prevention training online and in community settings across the UK.

What you will do:

· Work as part of a team providing suicide prevention support to a range of clients via multichannel communication platforms.

· Work on a 7-day shift system

· Use professional judgement to assess the needs of the service users who present with risk to life and manage and report any matters related to safeguarding. 

· Maintain accurate records and input data monitoring into the data base system.

· Participate in clinical supervision and reflective practise. 

· Provide training, mentoring and coaching to new recruits.

To be successful in this role you will have:

· a degree or professional qualification in Health or Social Care, Community Work or a related discipline

· previous experience of working in an advisory capacity in suicide prevention or mental health

· a proven record of working directly with vulnerable young people

· experience of providing advice and guidance via multiple communication channels

· the ability to empathise, support and build rapport with suicidal people and those who care about them, remaining non-judgemental and adhering to the remit of the service

Salary: £31,454 per annum (Scale point 24) progressing by increments to £34,776 per annum (Scale point 28) As a night shift worker, you will receive an additional allowance of £173.00 per month based on working 4 nights per week.

Hours:  33 hours per week

Working arrangements:  This role will work shifts starting at 10:25pm and finishing at 7:40am. Shifts will be on a rota bases across a 7-day working week.  33 hours will be based upon working 4 nights shifts per week.

Location: Edgbaston, Birmingham  
Contract: Permanent

Benefits: You will receive 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time workers),  an attractive pension scheme, Simply Health membership and enhanced sick pay. Please visit our website for more details.

Closing date: 21st July 2025

We reserve the right to close the vacancy earlier if we receive sufficient applications so, please submit your application as soon as possible.

PAPYRUS is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment and its recruitment policies are designed to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender re-assignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

PAPYRUS is committed to safeguarding all children, young people and adults at risk that interact with the organisation. The organisation recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of these vulnerable groups by a commitment to procedures to protect them. The charity expects all staff and volunteers to fully support and promote these commitments.

We are recruiting for a IDVA to join our team in Hertfordshire; the scope on this job involves….

Job Title: IDVA

Location: Hertfordshire
Salary: £28,857.12 per annum
Contract type: Full-time, Permanent

Hours: 37.5

We want kind and empathic people to work at Refuge, who believe in equality, diversity, and inclusion, are experts in their area of knowledge, want to make a positive difference and improve the lives of the women and children we support. 

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as Independent Domestic Violence Advocate to supporting women and children who are impacted by domestic violence. You will work closely with victims of domestic abuse from the point of crisis, to provide high quality independent advocacy and support to survivors of domestic abuse at the highest risk and their children. 

This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies. 

Closing date: 9.00am on 21 July 2025

Interview date: 29 July 2025

Benefits

Refuge offers a variety of exciting opportunities to learn, develop and grow in your career. We recognise the value everyone brings to the organisation to achieve our aims and are dedicated to developing and rewarding our staff. More details of our benefits can be found in Job Information Pack.

Are you looking for a dynamic and rewarding role working for an organisation with the feminist agenda at the core of its ethos? Then Advance Charity could be the career choice for you!

We are looking for a Social Care IDVA - RBKC

Salary: £26,000 - £32,000

Location: Across three locations within RBKC and Hammersmith Head Office

Contract: Permanent

Hours p/w        35 hours per week (some working from home up to 2 days)

 

This post is open to female applicants only as being female is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.  

Please note: Any offer of employment will be made subject to references, confirmation of the right to work in the UK, and satisfactory enhanced DBS check. This role is also subject to Police Vetting.

 

About us

Advance is an award-winning and innovative women-only organisation, established in 1998, providing emotional and practical support to women and girls survivors of domestic abuse and supporting women with short-term sentences to reduce offending.  We believe in empowering women and girls to lead safe, non-violent, equal lives so that they can flourish and contribute to the community. 

We are a community-based organisation who lead in best practice approaches to supporting women in their local community. We achieve this by being available to meet and support women in local settings and at our women’s centres, and by working in close partnership with other agencies.

Our values are to listen and support, to empower and respect, collaboration, innovation, and accountability. 

About the role:

The Social Care IDVA will work within a dynamic, fast paced, crisis intervention, advocacy, and support service to ensure the voice of survivors informs every stage of the process, specialising in working with women whose families are involved with Family Children Services and risk to children is a factor.  You will work to make proactive contact and provide high quality advocacy and support based upon a client led needs and risk assessment to women, focusing on working with those aged 18 and over who access the domestic abuse service. This role is part advocacy, part training/education and project work to improve response to victim/survivors experiencing domestic abuse. You will be embedded in the local authority Family Children Services team, working with Social Care professionals to ensure they adopt a trauma informed approach, can recognise the dynamics of domestic abuse and are providing more holistic support. You will be the domestic abuse subject matter expert on site, upskilling fellow professionals and acting as a point of contact for any clients experiencing domestic abuse and support requirements from Family Children Services.

The Social Care project was established in 2021 and has been working in partnership with Hammersmith and Fulham Family Children Services, so the IDVAs will inherit strong working relationships and a commitment from all parties to offering more trauma-informed services.  The borough has a focus on prioritising and developing good DA work in social care and this is an opportunity to be a major player in institutional change, ensuring that women accessing Family Children services for their children have an improved experience and that the local authorities are leading the way for all survivors engaging with their services.

Advance delivers nationally accredited, quality marked services in Hammersmith & Fulham, Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea, Brent, Ealing, and across parts of East London. We work within a coordinated partnership response to domestic violence to provide independent domestic violence advocacy and support for women, children and young people and women’s community services for women who are involved in the criminal justice system, in anti-social behaviour or are at risk of breaking the law.

About You:

You will have an excellent understanding of domestic violence and its effects on women and children and of best practice within the domestic abuse in various areas of need, with particular knowledge on children safeguarding/legislation. As an experienced domestic violence advocate who has worked with complex and multiple needs, the post holder will be skilled in risk management and safety planning, remaining calm in a crisis and in handling sensitive information on a daily basis. Experience of direct work with female survivors of domestic violence, of supporting women with child safeguarding, needs, and of working within safeguarding procedures is essential for this post, as is the need to adopt and promote a strong partnership approach to service provision.

To be successful as the Social Care IDVA you will need the below experience and skills:

• You will establish positive, proactive, and innovative working relationships with housing services and partner agencies.Provide high-quality crisis intervention, information, advocacy, and proactive support to women referred to the service, in respect to risk management and safety planning, criminal and civil remedies, housing, health, welfare rights, and children’s legislation.
• Your abilities extend to assessing the needs and risks of survivors, carry out short and longer-term risk management, safety planning and support and identify and refer to services appropriate to their needs.Advising women of their rights and options for seeking help and support from other agencies and proactively advocate to ensure barriers to accessing support and protection are reduced. You will work as an advocate and educator to raise awareness and upskill professionals within Children Social Care plus work with colleagues to successfully develop and deliver training.

 

How to apply:

Please submit your up-to-date CV with a supporting statement. Please note that only applications made via the job advert on the Advance careers page, and those that include a cover letter will be considered. 

Interviews are taking place on rolling basis

*Advance reserves the right to close the advert early, or on the appointment of a candidate

What we can offer you - Employee Benefits: 

• A 35-hour working week
• An exceptional 30 days of paid holiday per year (pro rata for part time), PLUS public holidays on top (that's nearly 40 days paid holiday per year!) 
• Additional days off to celebrate International Women’s Day, and for religious observance and moving home
• Perkbox - an employee discount platform where you can receive free rewards as well as take advantage of savings on clothes, groceries, travel, leisure and more
• Pension scheme
• Enhanced maternity/adoption provision
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee eye-care scheme
• Clinical supervision for front line staff and first line management roles
• Refer a Friend Scheme - £250 for each referral who passes probation
• Organisation wide away days
• Thorough induction and training
• Career development pathways 

**************************************************************

Under the Equality Act 2010, we are required to make any reasonable adjustments. If you have a disability as defined under this act and/or have special needs, please email contact the Talent team via our website and the Talent Acquisition Team will aim to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.

 

 

Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities

We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and actively seek to recruit people from groups underrepresented in our current team. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay and benefits.

Safeguarding

Advance is committed to safeguarding and creating a culture of zero-tolerance of harm and expects all staff, including volunteers to share this commitment. We believe all individuals have the right to live their life free from violence and abuse and the right to feel and be safe.  We have a suite of safeguarding policies, procedures and practice guidance, accessible to all staff, which promotes safeguarding and safer working practices across all our services and activities. When we recruit staff, we follow rigorous safer recruitment practices, this involves carrying out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and identity checks.  We ensure all staff undertake mandatory safeguarding training relevant to their role and responsibilities, to empower them to be competent and feel confident in recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding issues and promote wellbeing.

Please note: This post is restricted to women under schedule 9, Part 1, Equalities Act 2010

OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE

The Hospital IDVA (HIDVA) will be part of our dynamic, responsive and highly regarded HIDVA team, providing crisis intervention, advocacy and support to survivors in hospitals, both patients and staff.

Survivors are often in the immediate aftermath of a crisis, such as physical assault, drug/alcohol medical need, attempted suicide or self-harm and the HIDVA will work with hospital staff to provide high quality support focussing on a strengths based, needs led approach. The HIDVA will offer initial advice and crisis safety planning to the survivor, carry out assessments of needs and risks. They will also advise on criminal justice, civil remedies, housing and any other relevant matters.

We provide a visible and proactive presence in the hospitals and work in partnership with hospital staff to identify, contact and support survivors. The HIDVA team attend safeguarding meetings, ward/nurse handover meetings, deliver training and provide advice and support to staff around domestic abuse.

We offer an out of hours service (Friday evenings and weekend days) at William Harvey Hospital and Darent Valley Hospital on an alternating basis. The post holder will be expected to participate in an out of hours rota, working on average one weekend in four.

The Hospital IDVA will be based part-time in the William Harvey Hospital and part-time in Darent Valley hospital. There is also flexibility to work from the Rising Sun main office from time to time to attend team meetings, supervision and training.

We are looking for someone with an excellent understanding of domestic abuse and its effects on women and children, who has supported survivors with varying experiences and needs. You will be supported by our Head of Adult Services and HIDVA Manager and receive training and an induction into both the hospital work and Rising Sun’s wider services. If unqualified, we will support you to complete a formal domestic abuse qualification on passing your probation.

Equal Opportunities

Rising Sun is an equal opportunities employer. We recognise intersecting identities, and value what having a diverse team brings, both in terms of effectively responding to client needs, and engaging with each other at work. We encourage applicants from all sections of the community; especially from minority groups, as we are on a journey to increase diversity in our team. Flexible working is available in most roles, and we strive to accommodate the needs of all applicants and team members.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Support to Survivors

• Be present in the hospitals daily to respond to referrals or requests for domestic abuse advice and to meet with survivors. 
• Ensure that survivors are aware of their rights and options and explain the effectiveness of criminal and civil sanctions available to them.
• Produce safety plans with the client, enabling them to assess and manage their own safety.
• Carry out needs assessments, including DASH (Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Honour Based Violence) risk assessment, to effectively deliver holistic, survivor centred support.
• Work in partnership with hospital staff, safeguarding departments and other services e.g. the police, housing, social services, mental health (amongst others) to advocate for survivors and complete referrals to ongoing support services where appropriate.
• Attend Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) meetings and refer service users to MARAC when appropriate.
• Assist clients in gaining access to solicitors, benefits agencies, housing departments, education, medical treatment, counselling, support networks, community groups, employment support etc.
• Recognise, respect and address the needs of survivors who face particular barriers when seeking access to services, including those from minority groups or with protected characteristics
• Safeguard the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk; working within safeguarding policies, Child Protection Procedures and local procedures for safeguarding adults at risk.
• Maintain accurate client records, outcome and monitoring data. Prepare information or reports for the monitoring and evaluation of the service.
• Complete daily ward rounds to raise awareness and identify any potential DA support needs for staff or patients.
• Participate in an out of hours rota, providing an on-call phone support service to hospital staff on Friday evenings and weekend days as timetabled.

Partnership Working and Training

• Promote the HIDVA service in the hospitals and build positive relationships with hospital staff, in particular safeguarding teams and clinicians.
• Attend safeguarding, mental health and frequent attenders meetings to screen patients for potential domestic abuse and provide advice to staff.  Together with any other helpful meetings that may arise.
• Deliver training to staff in various health settings across Kent to raise awareness of domestic abuse, safe enquiry and appropriate responding.

General

• Uphold the values and good name of Rising Sun at all times, represent the organisation in a way that is consistent with its philosophy and ethos and in line with all Rising Sun’s policies.
• Actively participate in clinical supervision, training and development opportunities.
• Develop your understanding of trauma informed work and embed in your day-to-day practice.
• Maintain an up to date working knowledge to be able to advise women of their rights and options for seeking help and support from other agencies, such as housing options, legislation and welfare.
• Comply with organisational policies and procedures, including Safeguarding and Health and Safety.
• Undertake other duties and responsibilities in keeping with the nature of this post, as may be required from time to time.

This job description sets out the duties of the post at the time it was drawn up and will be reviewed from time to time. Duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibility entailed. Such variations are a common occurrence and cannot of themselves justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post.

PERSON SPECIFICATION 

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following experience, knowledge, skills and attitudes.

Qualifications

• Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) qualification (desirable)
• Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA) qualification (desirable)
• Health qualification (desirable)
   

Knowledge and Experience

• At least 3 years’ experience of working with survivors of domestic abuse, including high risk clients, and assessing client risks and needs
• Experience of co-producing short- and longer-term risk management, safety and support plans with survivors and their children
• Experience of delivering training (desirable)
• Experience working with the police, social services and MARAC
• Experience of lone working and able to work on own initiative
• Experience working with people with mental health needs, substance misuse, other complex needs
• Experience of working in a hospital / health setting (desirable)
• Knowledge of criminal and civil legal remedies and housing law relating to domestic abuse
• Knowledge of domestic abuse risk assessment tools including DASH and extensive understanding of the MARAC process
• A thorough understanding of safeguarding relating to adults with care and support needs and children
• Up to date knowledge of the welfare benefits system and the ability to ensure service users maximise their benefit entitlement (desirable)
• Knowledge of local services and DA Specialists across Kent & Medway (desirable)

Skills and attributes

• Ability to netork face to face and virtually, to develop new contacts and partnerships
• Ability to train professionals on recognising domestic abuse and responding appropriately (desirable)
• Ability to motivate yourself and work independently on your own initiative
• Solution focused and creative in approaching new challenges
• Competent using Microsoft office programmes, in particular MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Passionate about the aim and principles of Rising Sun
• Committed to equal opportunities, safeguarding and maintaining confidentiality
• Able to drive and have access to a reliable car (post holder will be required to attend meetings and across our areas of work)
• Able to work some evenings and weekends
• Eligible to live and work in the UK

Safeguarding Statement

Rising Sun is committed to safeguarding those we provide a service to. The successful candidate will be required to undergo a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, a ‘right to work check’ in accordance with UK government Home Office guidelines, and to provide two references.

Benefits

We offer a number of benefits to team members including:

• 25 days annual leave per year
• A bonus day of leave for your birthday
• 3% matched pension contribution
• Access to Rising Sun’s counselling service
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Health care cash plan for you and your children for a number of health treatments (e.g. dental, optical, physiotherapy etc.) and also discounts in shops and attractions
• Up to four weeks sick pay in any 12 month period (eligible after probation period)

How to apply

For further information about both Rising Sun and this role, please visit our website. Please fill out an application form if you feel this role would be a good fit for your skills and experience, demonstrating how you meet the requirements of the person specification in your personal statement.

We request no contact from agencies or media sales please.

The Thalidomide Trust is a charity which was established in 1973 to provide assistance and support to people born in the UK with disabilities caused by their mother taking the drug Thalidomide. We have secure long-term funding that allows the team to focus exclusively on building long term relationships to provide the best possible support and make a real difference to our beneficiaries.

We are looking for a Health & Wellbeing Coordinator (Independence & Care) to join our busy Health & Wellbeing Team to meet the increasingly complex needs of our 423 beneficiaries, now aged between 60 and 66 years, whose disabilities include: absence or shortening of limbs; damaged ears, hearing and eyesight; brain and sensory impairment and extensive damage to the internal organs and skeletal structure. 

As our beneficiaries age their health is deteriorating rapidly and they face particular challenges maintaining their quality of life and independence. This post provides an opportunity to work as part of a professional multi-disciplinary team, empowering them to manage their health and wellbeing and access the services and support that they are entitled to.

We have secure long-term funding that allows the team to focus exclusively on building long term relationships to provide the best possible support and make a real difference to our beneficiaries

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced, Social Care professional to join our Health & Wellbeing team on a 12 month Fixed Term contract.

Your role will be to understand the unique and often complex growing needs of our beneficiaries and to provide advice, advocacy and support to empower them to access the health and social care services they need. You will lead on hospital discharge planning and rehabilitation and support to access social care, so must be proficient in these key areas with recent experience. You will also lead on supporting Personal Independence Payments (PIP) applications and while we welcome experience in this area, full training will be given. You will contribute to the development and delivery of the Trust’s health and wellbeing services, and you will be an important part of the successful delivery of the annual programme of Holistic Needs Assessments (HNAs), carried out in beneficiaries’ homes.

Skills & Abilities

To succeed in this busy but highly rewarding role, you will:

• Be a good listener with excellent interpersonal skills and a flexible approach 
• Possess excellent knowledge of current social care referral, assessment and funding processes and the interface between health and social care – particularly in respect of hospital discharge planning and support
• Already have a good practical knowledge of the UK benefits system, particularly PIP
• Have experience of undertaking needs assessments (including in people’s own homes)
• Have a track record of working effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team
• Be comfortable working without clearly defined protocols and have creative problem-solving skills and a solutions-focussed approach
• Be sensitive, empathetic and non- judgemental and
• Have excellent organisational skills and an ability to work autonomously and prioritise a busy workload.

The role is full time (5 days a week – Monday to Friday).  However, 4 days a week will be considered (Friday must be a working day).   There is the opportunity to work either from the Trust’s office in St Neots, Cambridgeshire or home (within 45 miles/1 hour from St Neots) but there will be the requirement to attend regular team meetings in St Neots and regular travel to visit beneficiaries across the UK, with the possibility of overseas travel.

About Citizens Advice Camden

We are a well-respected local charity with more than 85 years’ experience of delivering free, independent and impartial information, advice and casework services which meet the changing needs of local residents. Our aims are to provide the independent, impartial, confidential and free advice people need for the problems they face and to improve the policies and practices that affect people’s lives.

 We target our services at the most vulnerable in our community. Our client profile closely matches local indices of deprivation with most of our clients coming from the most deprived wards in the borough. We identify trends to ensure our services remain agile and able to respond to changing and emerging advice needs.

​​About Our Community Advice Team

​Our Community Advice service is at the heart of our work—delivering generalist advice through face-to-face, telephone, video, and digital channels. The team ensures that people in Camden can access support across a wide range of issues including benefits, housing, employment, and more. We are proud of our strong volunteer base and the collaborative environment that supports both clients and advisers.​

​About the Role

As Advice Supervisor you will be a key member of our Community Advice team, supervising and contributing to the delivery of our core service. You will help ensure we provide a quality advice service to Camden residents across face-to-face, telephone, video channels and other digital developments and ensure the targets, outputs and outcomes of all the generalist advice contracts and/or grant agreements are met.

​​Ideally, you will already be an experienced Advice Supervisor; however, we will consider offering this role as a development opportunity if you are an experienced Generalist Adviser wanting to progress your career. You will need to have experience in delivering high quality generalist advice and casework and be able to demonstrate the potential to support others with varying levels of experience to do the same.

Closing date for applications: 9.00am Wednesday 23 July

​Interview date: week commencing 28 July​​

​Interviews will be held on Zoom.

​Citizens Advice Camden is an equal opportunities employer. We encourage applications from all sections of the community.

​The successful candidate will be required to provide documentary evidence of their right to work in the UK.

Job Description: Peer Support Coordinator (Lotus Blossom Project) 

No recruitment agency applications - Individuals only please.

Are you passionate about recovery, empowerment, and the power of peer support?

Lotus is seeking a skilled and compassionate Peer Support Coordinator to lead our thriving Lotus Blossom Project, which provides online peer support groups for women recovering from domestic abuse. These groups are co-facilitated by trained Peer Support Mentors – all of whom are ex-clients.

This role is at the heart of what we do: championing trauma-informed practice, investing in our volunteers, and supporting women to rebuild independence, purpose and fulfilment after abuse.

Please note:

We are only accepting applications from candidates who complete an application form, the form can be found on our website.

Job Title: Peer Support Coordinator 

This post is open to women only under the Equality Act 2010 Schedule 9, Part 1, Section 7 as a genuine occupational requirement.

Project: Lotus Blossom
Reporting to: Lotus Families Service Manager
Hours: 15 hours per week
Salary: NJC Scale Points 18-22: £30,559-£32,654 FTE (£12,389-£13,238 pro rata for 15 hours/week). Starting salary: £30,559 FTE (£12,389 pro rata) for an unqualified IDVA (Point 18); £31,067 FTE (£12,595 pro rata) for a qualified IDVA (Point 19) pay award pending.

Location: Primarily home based with occasional in-person meetings or training in Newhaven or East Sussex
Contract: Permanent although as with all posts, reliant on ongoing funding

Job Purpose:

To lead the co-ordination, delivery and ongoing development of a safe, inclusive and empowering peer support group for women recovering from domestic abuse through the Lotus Blossom Project. This role ensures that support is:

• Trauma-informed and grounded in the six principles of trauma-informed practice: safety; trustworthiness and transparency; peer support; collaboration and mutuality; empowerment, voice and choice; and cultural, historical and gender awareness.
• Informed by the Investing in Volunteers quality standards.
• Delivered through a team of trained volunteer Peer Support Mentors, all of whom are ex-clients.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the Lotus Blossom Project, ensuring it’s trauma-informed, inclusive and responsive to client and volunteer needs.
• Recruit, train, support and supervise a team of Peer Support Mentors with lived experience.
• Co-produce themed peer sessions and use your IDVA expertise to guide safe, engaging group facilitation.
• Monitor, evaluate and evolve the project using client and volunteer feedback, and report on its impact.
• Act as an ambassador for Lotus and support wider organisational goals.

You’ll bring:

• IDVA qualification (or willingness to obtain one with support)
• Experience supporting victim-survivors of domestic abuse
• Understanding of trauma-informed approaches and barriers faced by marginalised groups
• Skills in leadership, reflective practice, safeguarding, and data/confidentiality management
• A deep commitment to inclusion, empowerment and collaborative working

Desirable:

• Lived experience of domestic abuse
• Experience in peer support coordination or volunteering roles
• Facilitation of group or online support spaces
• IDVA qualification (completed)

This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check. The job description is not exhaustive and may be subject to change in line with service needs and strategic development.

Benefits

• Primarily home-based role, reducing the need for travel and supporting work-life balance (Safety; Trust).
• Flexible working: As a family-centred charity, we understand the importance of family life – whether it’s attending a school assembly or caring for a loved one. As long as service delivery is not impacted, we support flexibility (Empowerment; Collaboration).
• Regular quality supervision in line with SafeLives Leading Lights quality standards.
• Two-monthly clinical supervision, supporting emotional resilience and reflective practice (Peer Support; Safety).
• Access to a 24/7 employee counselling helpline for confidential emotional support (Trust; Safety).
• Salary aligned to NJC scale points 18–22.
• Pension scheme with employer contributions matched up to 6% (Trustworthiness; Empowerment).
• 25 days holiday per year (or pro rata for part-time roles), plus bank holidays (Empowerment).
• Travel to and from any work-related meetings, training, or in-person activities is fully reimbursed (Trust; Mutuality).

How to Apply

• Deadline 9am 14 July via Application Form
• Interview will be via Teams on 17 July

We are looking to recruit a HOPELINE247 Manager to enable the delivery of an outstanding suicide prevention helpline, through the effective management of HOPELINE247 advisers, alongside promotion and development of the service. 

What you will do:

• Provide leadership, guidance, and effective line management to a team of suicide prevention advisers.

• Ensure a consistent and high-quality service is delivered through effective quality assurance processes.

• Managing staffing and resources effectively to ensure the efficient running of the helpline service.

• Risk assess and provide advice and guidance to the team, in relation to safeguarding matters, in line with policy and procedures.

• Provide ad hoc rota cover to support a range of clients via multi-channel communications adhering to HOPELINE247 remit at all times.

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A proven track record of building and managing an effective team, supporting their development and managing their performance.

• Previous experience of building, developing and managing effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders in the community, voluntary, statutory and political settings 

• Previous successful experience of working in suicide prevention or mental health

• Awareness of the issues around safeguarding and how these can affect young people and adults at risk.

• Degree level or professional qualification in Health, Nursing, Social Work, Community Work or related discipline

Salary:  £35,407 per annum (Scale point 29) progressing by increments to £38,051 per annum (Scale point 32). As a night shift worker, you will receive an additional allowance of £173.00 per month based on working 4 nights per week.

Hours:  33 hours per week

Working arrangements:  This role will work shifts starting at 10:25pm and finishing at 7:40am. Shifts will be on a rota bases across a 7-day working week.  33 hours will be based upon working 4 nights shifts per week.     

Location: Edgbaston, Birmingham

Contract: Permanent 

Benefits: You will receive 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time workers), an attractive pension scheme, Simply Health membership and enhanced sick pay. Please visit our website for more details.

Closing date: Midnight on the 7th July 2025

We reserve the right to close the vacancy earlier if we receive sufficient applications so, please submit your application as soon as possible.

PAPYRUS is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment and its recruitment policies are designed to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender re-assignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

PAPYRUS is committed to safeguarding all children, young people and adults at risk that interact with the organisation. The organisation recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of these vulnerable groups by a commitment to procedures to protect them. The charity expects all staff and volunteers to fully support and promote these commitments.

We currently have an opportunity for an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to join the team in Luton. This role is for 30 hours per week to cover maternity leave with the option of hybrid working from our Luton office and home.

Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it?

Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care?

If yes, then we'd love to hear from you…..

What we offer:

At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:

• Flexible working options including hybrid working
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
• An extra day off for your birthday & options to buy or sell annual leave
• Pension with 5% employer contribution
• Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
• High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment & leisure discounts
• Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
• Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
• Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes
• Cycle to work scheme & season ticket loans
• Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression

About the role:

As in Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) you will support victims of domestic abuse who primarily live in Luton. This role will be part of our other wider specialist services covering Bedfordshire.

As an IDVA you will be:

• Providing a high quality support and advocacy service to victims of domestic abuse.
• Managing a caseload; identifying and assessing risks and needs, providing a tailored crisis intervention service trough individual safety planning, advocacy, emotional and practical support.
• Working with other agencies and advocating on behalf of service users in order to help them access services to keep them safe.
• Working within a multi-agency framework consisting of partners as well as MARAC and other local partnerships to offer a coordinated response to domestic abuse.
• Promoting the service and raise awareness of domestic abuse through the delivery of training
• Supporting the Daily Domestic Abuse meeting in the IFD (Integrated Front Door), which discusses all

You will need:

• Experience of working in support and advocacy with victims of domestic abuse
• To be able to prioritise work and deal with competing or conflicting demands/needs and interests and promote organisation interests and values.
• To ideally hold a SafeLives IDVA accreditation, relevant degree, vocational qualification or relevant experience of delivering a service and working with domestic abuse victim's/service users in a statutory, voluntary or community work setting.

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

About Us:

Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by our Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events. Working for VS gives you the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing high quality services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

Victim Support strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.

As part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.

If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best.

How to apply:

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We look forward to hearing from you.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date.

If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.

Location: Home-based with regular travel to the Guildford office
Job Type: Full time, 37.5 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £33,256 - £36,952 per annum
Benefits: 27 days holiday bank holidays (pro rata for part time roles), healthcare cash plan, life assurance, paid compassionate leave, enhanced sick pay, membership plus many more staff benefits.
 
There’s never been a better time to join their team! They have launched an ambitious new strategy – and they want you to be part of it. There are loads of reasons to love cycling, even if you’re not someone who cycles. From cutting pollution, to making them healthier and happier, cycling can help them all thrive.
 
They're looking for a People Business Partner (HR), to work collaboratively throughout the organisation across the full spectrum of HR disciplines; employee relations, recruitment, retention, people development with a specific emphasis placed upon supporting the delivery of the people and engagement strategy. 
 
Explore the attached job description for full details on this exciting opportunity. Complete the application form expressing why you are the right candidate for this opening. Focus on gearing your supporting statement to exemplify how your skills and experience match the requirements of the role, directly referring to the person specification. This enables the selection panel to assess your relative strengths against the specified criteria.
 
They are an inclusive organisation and would particularly welcome applications from candidates from a broad range of backgrounds. They strongly believe that diversity strengthens their work. If you are already passionate about cycling, that’s great, many of them are too! But if you are simply really excellent at what you do, no matter what your background, that is what matters most to them.
 
The role is home based in the UK, with regular travel to the Guildford and London office. 
 
Applications close at 9:00am on the closing date shown.
 
You may also have experience in the following roles: HR Business Partner, People Partner, Human Resources Business Partner, Senior HR Advisor, HR Manager, People and Culture Business Partner, Employee Relations Specialist, HR Generalist, Talent and Development Partner, Organizational Development Specialist, etc.
 
REF-222 388