Domestic violence specialist jobs

Job Title: Duty IDVA

Hours: Part time, 28 hours per week

Salary: £26,000 - £28,000 pro-rata

Location: Hammersmith with some home working

Contract Type: Part-time-4 days per week on a fixed term contract until the end of March 2026

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

Advance is committed to equality and diversity and strongly encourages applications from women with diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities, BAME and LBT communities.

Job Summary

The 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.

They will advise women on criminal justice and civil remedies and related matters, support women to attend court where necessary, and coordinate the provision of multi-agency support.

The post holder will hold a reduced caseload of survivors and will also be required to work as part of Advance’s duty team based in Hammersmith which will involve completing intake assessments and providing crisis intervention support.

The post holder will have an excellent understanding of domestic abuse and its effects on women and children, and of best practice within the domestic abuse sector. As an experienced domestic abuse 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 abuse 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.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Ensure effective access to the service for women and girls and encourage their engagement with services through multi-agency working and service flexibility.
• To work within the team to conduct comprehensive assessments of needs and risk for women experiencing domestic abuse referred to our services.
• To carry out short- and longer-term risk management, safety planning and support; and identify and refer to services appropriate to their needs, including attendance at specialist/dedicated courts and MARAC as required.
• Develop and deliver safety and support plans that include delivery of high-quality face-to-face or telephone crisis intervention, information, advocacy, and support, in respect to criminal and civil remedies, housing, health, welfare rights, children’s legislation and other appropriate interventions.
• Advise women of their rights and options for seeking help and support from other agencies, making referrals and co-ordinating the provision of multi-agency support where necessary, and proactively advocate ensuring barriers to accessing support and protection are minimised.
• Proactively assess the needs and safety of any children that women using the service may have, ensure that any risks/needs identified are addressed directly with the woman, and take appropriate action to safeguard them.
• If a client is involved in the criminal justice system as a witness, provide them with information, advocacy, and support as cases progress through the criminal justice system, supporting them to apply for special measures and to give impact statements, to maximise their safety to help them give best evidence and accompanying women to court where necessary.
• Work with the management team and Data Insights Analyst to ensure all monitoring and evaluation for the project is accurate and fully maintained, keeping managers informed of any issues and successes.
• Ensure that agreed case recording and monitoring systems are kept up to date and secure, and write internal and external reports where required, including for safeguarding conferences, team meetings, managers and others as required.
• Use appropriate institutional advocacy to maximise positive outcomes and use the appropriate reporting mechanisms to highlight persistent or recurring issues that arise.
• Be responsible for your own personal learning development and keep up to date on research, relevant legislation, policy and practice, and other literature relevant to the role.
• Participate in supervision, training and meetings as required and assist in the development of services in line with agreed development plans.

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.

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 the Talent Acquisition Team via the Advance website and 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

We're recruiting a Team Manager to lead specialist domestic abuse services that centre survivors and disrupt harm across Liverpool 

This is a rare opportunity to join a values-led, justice-driven charity making deep and lasting impact. 

At Merseyside Domestic Violence Service (MDVS), we believe in holding systems and those causing harm accountable, not survivors. For 25 years, we have built a reputation for trauma-responsive, intersectional services that work across the whole family, from early intervention to high-risk. 

We are looking for a team manager to lead the delivery of our frontline interventions and support services across stalking, child-to-parent violence and abuse, and our flagship ANCHOR project. The successful candidate will also lead on a new Friends & Family initiative, CALL (Creating A Life Line). 

You will supervise and support a team woring across complex risk and trauma, ensuring survivors are heard, believed, and empowered to make decisions on their terms. 

This is a role for someone who thrives in complexity, understands the importance of systems change, and has the emotional intelligence to support a growing, mission-driven team. 

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to; 

• Line manage and support a team delivering trauma-responsive support to survivors, children and perpetrators. 
• Oversee case management and supervision, holding risk safely while empowering team members. 
• Build partnerships across statutory and voluntary services and represent MDVS in multi-agency reflective practice and accountability. 
• Contribute to our strategic development and culture of innovation, learning, and survivor co-production. 

About You: 

• You have strong domestic abuse experience and an understanding of coercive control, stalking and perpetrator behaviour. 
• You are confident in supervision, case management, and managing safeguarding risk. 
• You lead with compassion, clarity, and integrity and can support others to do the same. 
• You are committed to equity, survivor leadership, and dismantling the barriers facing those most marginalised. 

Salary & Benefits 

• £33,500 per year, rising to £35,300 in year 3. 
• 30 days annual leave + bank holidays 
• Pension contribution of 3%
• Clinical supervision, reflective practice, and development opportunities 
• Hybrid working options 
• A collaborative team 

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your reason for applying and how your past work experiences make you suitability for the role 

Deadline: Monday 21st July

Please note we reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time if we receive a high volume of applications or if a suitable candidate is found, therefore we suggest submitting your application as soon as you can.

 This post is:

• subject to Enhanced DBS Disclosure
• subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. It will be necessary for a disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and barring Service for details of any previous criminal convictions.
• Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK
• Open to women* only (*exempt under the Equality Act 2010 Schedule 9, Part 1

The Angelou Centre is aware that women and people of the global majority are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification and requirement. So, if you are excited by the role, but your past experience doesn’t quite match every requirement we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the person we are looking for.

Role Overview

Contract: Full-time fixed term for 12 months,

with possibility of extension subject to funding

Salary: £23,387 to £27,445.60 (per hour £12.85 to £15.08)

Depending on experience and qualifications

Hours & Days 35 hours a week

Monday to Fridays 9am to 5pm                            

Additional benefits 25 days paid holiday,

employer’s pension contribution of 6%,

enhanced maternity leave

 Location: Newcastle upon Tyne

As an ISVA within The Angelou Centre you will be part of our front-line team providing emotional and trauma informed support to women and children experiencing gender based domestic abuse.  The primary responsibility of all advocates within The Angelou is to provide women and children with continuous one-to-one support, practical advice and advocacy, such as writing referrals for women to access the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). Much of this work takes the form of casework, and report writing, as well as ensuring that the women receive comprehensive support that addresses their health, social care, housing, immigration and benefit-related needs. All advocates are required to spent at least 30% of your time will be spent on outreach work to engage with communities that may not have heard of The Angelou Centre.

Specific to the ISVA role, is to provide tailored support, advice and advocacy to women who are or have been victims of sexual abuse and exploitation. Alongside this you will support The Angelou Centre in raising awareness of sexual education through outreach activities, ensuring services are accessible to women of the Black and racialised community. 

Our ideal candidate is someone who;

• Is confident and pro-active in advocating on behalf of our survivors and able to represent their needs when working with partner agencies
• Is compassionate, non-judgmental and committed to supporting survivors of domestic abuse
• Has excellent written skills with some experience of casework within legal, healthcare or an educational setting.
• Has experience of conducting risk and needs assessments within legal, healthcare or an educational setting.

Key Responsibilities

Advice and Advocacy Support

• Provide tailored, one-to-one continuous support, advice, and advocacy to black and minoritised victims and survivors of sexual violence and exploitation
• Provide weekly drop-in opportunities for black and racially minoritized women in the local area
• Support improved mental wellbeing and resilience, measured using Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well Being Scale and the Chaos Index for those with complex needs.
• To be aware of external service processes to safeguard individuals who are exposed to sexual exploitation.

Outreach Support

• To attend external team meetings and presentations in relevant forums and partnerships
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with key organisations and their staff to support women to gain access to the services they require.

Casework

• Complete regular risk assessment tools for each case supported and risk management plans, including DASH RIC assessments.
• Complete reports, to assist Line Manager in providing detailed reports to funders
• Maintain in depth and up-to-date knowledge of all practice, procedures and policies.
• To deal with complaints, feedback and suggestions and identifying practical solutions to any barriers.

 ISVA Specific

• To set up and maintain services to women in custody who are experiencing and/or are at risk of Sexual exploitation.
• To develop specialist knowledge in the area of sex work and sexual exploitation, and how this impacts women from Black and racialized minorities differently, through attendance at relevant training, learning events and conferences
• Raise awareness on sexual education through outreach activities, ensuring services are accessible to those with protected characteristics and/or facing multiple disadvantages.
• Help improve local services understanding of the dynamics of sexual exploitation and the long-term impact.
• Support police when undertaking visits to brothels to assist with safeguarding women who are experiencing Sexual exploitation.

In order to deliver services effectively, a degree of flexibility is required and the post holder may be required to perform work not specifically referred to above. Such duties however, will fall within the scope of the job at the appropriate grade. This job description will be subjected to review with the post holder, to ensure that it accurately reflects the duties and range of the post. The aim is to improve the quality of service for black and racialized women and all matters relating to their wellbeing.

Person Specification

Experience & Abilities

• Experience of supporting women who have experienced or are at risk of sexual abuse and violence
• Experience of risk and needs assessment, safety and support planning, particularly with clients with complex/multiple needs
• Experience of partnership working and of maintaining excellent working relationships with a range of stakeholders; particularly social care.
• Experience of managing a high caseload
• Strong IT skills with experience around data collection and monitoring
• Excellent written abilities, with some experience within preparing reports for courts, case conference and information for MARAC
• Experience around setting clear professional boundaries with clients and partners
• Ability to work cooperatively within a team and with statutory organisations

Knowledge & Qualifications

• An excellent understanding of sexual violence
• An excellent understanding of UK policies and legislation around sexual abuse
• Good working knowledge of UK adult safeguarding practice, procedures and legislation.
• Safeguarding Adults and Children Level 1
• A good understanding of confidentiality and anti-discriminatory practice; safe practice and health and safety procedures

Values & Approach

• Commitment to anti-racist, trauma-informed, and feminist practice.
• Empathy, kindness, and cultural competence, with a commitment to supporting Black and racially minoritised women
• Has a ‘can do’ positive approach with a curious open to learning approach
• Able to work flexibly and respond to crisis situations with a trauma-informed approach
• Able to priorities workload and work independently using your own initiative
• Has a commitment to shared responsibility in a team context approach
• Willingness to undertake training and show a commitment to continuous personal development, reflecting on own practice with a willingness to make changes if needed

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in crisis management
• IDVA and/or ISVA qualification
• An excellent understanding of sexual violence and of UK policies and legislation around sexual abuse
• Good working knowledge of UK adult safeguarding practice, procedures and legislation.

About the Angelou Centre

With over 30 years in service of Black and racialised women and children

The Angelou Centre is a Black-led organisation based in Newcastle. We specialise in supporting Black and racialised women and children at risk of experiencing domestic abuse and other forms of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).

We help women, children and young people recover after experiencing violence, abuse or unfair treatment.

We listen, we understand, and we never judge.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your reason for applying and how your past work experiences make you suitability for the role. You can find the full job description on our website - Careers - The Angelou Centre

Deadline: Monday 21st, July

Please note we reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time if we receive a high volume of applications or if a suitable candidate is found, therefore we suggest submitting your application as soon as you can.

This post is:

• subject to Enhanced DBS Disclosure
• subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. It will be necessary for a disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and barring Service for details of any previous criminal convictions.
• Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK
• Open to women* only (*exempt under the Equality Act 2010 Schedule 9, Part 1

The Angelou Centre is aware that women and people of the global majority are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification and requirement. So, if you are excited by the role, but your past experience doesn’t quite match every requirement we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the person we are looking for.

Role Overview

Contract: Full-time fixed term for 2 years

with possibility of extension subject to funding  

Salary: £23,387 to £27,445.60 (per hour £12.85 to £15.08)

Depending on experience and qualifications

Hours & Days 35 hours a week

Monday to Fridays 9am to 5pm                                        

Additional benefits 25 days paid holiday,

employer’s pension contribution of 6%,

enhanced maternity leave

 Location: Newcastle upon Tyne

As an Advocate within The Angelou Centre you will be part of our front-line team providing emotional and trauma informed support to women and children.  As an Advocate working within Haven team your primary focus is on supporting the women and children living within our refuges.  Refuge Advocates are responsible for providing women and children with continuous one-to-one support, practical advice and advocacy, such as writing referrals for women to access immigration support. Much of this work takes the form of casework, and report writing, as well as ensuring that the women receive comprehensive support that addresses their health, social care, housing, immigration and benefit-related needs.

Refuge Advocate are required to attend police meeting, court hearings, immigration meetings. You will support women with housing benefits as well as ensuring they are attending training classes ran by The Angelou Centre. Working as a Refuge Advocate can be emotional demanding but is a highly rewording role.

Please be aware that this role will require you to sometimes work unsociable hours when rota-ed to be on-call.

Our ideal candidate is someone who;

• Is confident and pro-active in advocating on behalf of our survivors and able to represent their needs when working with partner agencies
• Is compassionate, non-judgmental and committed to supporting survivors of domestic abuse
• Has excellent written skills with some experience of casework within legal, healthcare or an educational setting.
• Has experience of conducting risk and needs assessments within legal, healthcare or an educational setting.

Key Responsibilities

 Advice and Advocacy Support

• Provide tailored, one-to-one continuous support, advice, and advocacy to black and minoritised victims and survivors of domestic abuse and exploitation
• Provide weekly drop-in opportunities for black and racially minoritized women in the local area
• Advocate for women with external agencies and promote social justice.
• Establish and maintain good working relationships with Local Authorities, Children's Social Care and any other relevant voluntary and statutory agencies.
• Ensure that the health, wellbeing and rights of women and children are promoted throughout service delivery.
• To develop specialist knowledge in the area of domestic abuse, immigration abuse and gender-based violence, and how this impacts women from Black and racialized minorities differently, through attendance at relevant training, learning events and conferences

Casework

• Complete regular risk assessment tools for each case supported and risk management plans, including DASH RIC assessments.
• Complete reports, to assist Line Manager in providing detailed reports to funders
• Maintain in depth and up-to-date knowledge of all practice, procedures and policies.
• To deal with complaints, feedback and suggestions and identifying practical solutions to any barriers.
• Provide practical support to women taking all necessary steps to ensure the general safety, protection and wellbeing of women and children.
• Write quality assessment reports and support letters, collect evidence and statements, as well as undertake appropriate representation where necessary.
• Write quality risk assessments for referral to the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARACs) and Child Protection Conferences and to be in attendance when required.
• Assist women with their additional immigration needs, with the ability to work closely and effectively with legal representatives.

General Responsibilities

• Contribute to the smooth running of The Angelou Centre and our activities
• Assist in maintaining high standards; including conduct with colleagues, external agencies and service users and complying The Angelou Centre’s confidentiality, equal opportunitiesand other policies and procedures 

In order to deliver services effectively, a degree of flexibility is required and the post holder may be required to perform work not specifically referred to above. Such duties however, will fall within the scope of the job at the appropriate grade. This job description will be subjected to review with the post holder, to ensure that it accurately reflects the duties and range of the post. The aim is to improve the quality of service for black and racialized women and all matters relating to their wellbeing.

Person Specification

Experience & Abilities

• Experience of supporting women who have experienced or are at risk of domestic abuse
• Experience of risk and needs assessment, safety and support planning, particularly with clients with complex/multiple needs
• Experience of partnership working and of maintaining excellent working relationships with a range of stakeholders; particularly social care.
• Experience of managing a high caseload
• Strong IT skills with experience around data collection and monitoring
• Excellent written abilities, with some experience within preparing reports for courts, case conference and information for MARAC
• Experience around setting clear professional boundaries with clients and partners
• Ability to work cooperatively within a team and with statutory organisations

Knowledge & Qualifications

• An excellent understanding of sexual violence
• An excellent understanding of UK policies and legislation around domestic abuse
• Good knowledge of UK adult safeguarding practice, procedures and legislation.
• Safeguarding Adults and Children Level 1
• A good understanding of confidentiality and anti-discriminatory practice; safe practice and health and safety procedures

Values & Approach

• Commitment to anti-racist, trauma-informed, and feminist practice.
• Empathy, kindness, and cultural competence, with a commitment to supporting Black and racially minoritised women
• Has a ‘can do’ positive approach with a curious open to learning approach
• Able to work flexibly and respond to crisis situations with a trauma-informed approach
• Able to priorities workload and work independently using your own initiative
• Has a commitment to shared responsibility in a team context approach
• Willingness to undertake training and show a commitment to continuous personal development, reflecting on own practice with a willingness to make changes if needed

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in crisis management
• IDVA and/or ISVA qualification
• An excellent understanding of domestic abuse and of UK policies and legislation around domestic abuse
• Good working knowledge of UK adult safeguarding practice, procedures and legislation.

The Role:

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Specialist Trainer: Domestic Abuse, Gender-Based Violence, and Trauma Informed Working to deliver training to a variety of different audiences. You will be delivering training on an ad-hoc basis, in a range of settings including corporate clients, public sector workers, and other charities.

We are seeking trainers with both frontline and training experience, who can deliver this type of content in compassionate, articulate and accessible ways both in person and online. Rise for Change is dedicated to creating learning spaces that are safe for all folks, in content and delivery style. 

Rise for Change is the training arm of Hope After Harm and currently provides domestic abuse, sexual harassment, and trauma-informed working training programmes for non-specialist professionals, however, we are aiming to expand our training offer to cover other areas of gender-based violence. Uniquely created by our subject matter experts, our training directly addresses the need for intersectional, and trauma informed training on gender-based violence for professionals in all sectors. We actively promote self-reflection, critical thinking and survivor voice to affect sustainable, inclusive change for survivors. Our aim is to empower participants, no matter their professional role, to be able to respond safely and appropriately to survivors both within the workplace and in the wider scope of their lives.

Hope After Harm

Hope After Harm is an established, registered charity aimed at empowering adults and young people recover from harm and trauma. We want to see a society where everyone feels safe and can thrive, regardless of who they are and where they come from. Through support, advocacy and education we enable people to rebuild their lives and reclaim their future. And we inspire others to do the same, creating safer, more inclusive communities.  We have a proven track record of service delivery across Thames Valley and beyond, with our digital and training programmes supporting professionals and survivors globally.

This is what a Specialist Trainer will do:

• Deliver specialist training about domestic abuse, gender-based violence and trauma informed working to a range of clients, primarily online with some face-to-face sessions.
• Ensure that the way they work is aligned with the values of our team.
• Respect and value the diversity of the community in which the training will be delivered and recognise the needs and concerns of a diverse range of clients, ensuring the service is accessible to all.
• Respect and uphold the value and necessity of intersectionality within domestic abuse and sexual violence prevention and safeguarding, across all areas of work.
• Treat all participants with respect and care, positively representing Rise for Change and Hope After Harm in every interaction.
• Encourage feedback from participants for each session delivered to support with the continued development of Rise for Change training programmes.
• Undertake any training and continued professional development required for the role.
• Uphold GDPR and confidentiality of any data and content whilst in this role.
• Complete any necessary admin, as required as part of the session delivery.

This is what you will bring as a Specialist Trainer:

• A strong knowledge of domestic abuse and other forms of gender-based violence, it’s impacts and working from a trauma-informed perspective.
• Experience as a highly skilled trainer, with the ability to engage people through both in person and remote delivery.
• Preferably, frontline experience of supporting survivors of gender-based violence.
• Understanding of supporting survivors in various settings (e.g. the workforce, as a manager, as a professional with a safeguarding role).
• An empathetic, caring approach to training- to you, learning is not just about providing information but ensuring a holistic approach to the learning environment.
• Skilled user of technology with high literacy of key presenting programmes, video platforms and databases.
• Have a good understanding of the nuances of culture, race, sexual orientation and gender identity within domestic abuse and sexual violence, and be committed to intersectional ways of working.
• Knowledge of adult learning techniques and safeguarding procedures.
• Have excellent communication, negotiation and advisory skills, both written and verbal when interacting with a range of agencies and individuals.
• Places the survivor at the centre of all that you do.

For this role you will need:

• To be free from any criminal conviction which would conflict with the responsibilities of the post; you may be required to have a DBS Enhanced disclosure.
• To be able to deal with all information on a confidential basis and understand data protection requirements.
• To have Citizenship of the UK or have entitlement to work in the UK
• Sign a declaration that you are self-employed and responsible for all your tax and other liabilities. 

You will be provided with training in delivery of Rise for Change’s existing and future programmes.

Hope After Harm is committed to equality and diversity. While not a requirement for application, we do strongly encourage those of black and ethnic minority background, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQIA+ community to apply for this role.

Hope After Harm is an equal opportunities employer; the aim of our policy is to ensure no job applicant, employee or worker is discriminated against either directly or indirectly on the grounds of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, religious belief, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, age or disability.  We do not disbar applicants with criminal convictions and are mindful of the requirements of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, 1974.

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.

Senior IDVA:

Youth Realities is a youth and survivor-led charity based in Barnet, addressing teenage relationship abuse through creative education and specialist, survivor-centred support.

Youth Realities aims to: 

• Reduce abuse within teenage relationships 

• Increase awareness of teenage relationship abuse through education

• Empower young people’s personal development & growth

• Provide advocacy and trusted support for young survivors

Our vision is a world where young people live free from relationship abuse and violence. Our mission is to end relationships abuse by working with young people to provide specialist spaces for prevention, intervention and healing.

We have an exciting opportunity for an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to join the team in either Westmoreland & Furness or West Cumberland area, working 37.5 hours a week.

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:

This role is based in Westmoreland & Furness or West Cumberland and will require travel around the County in line with Business need.

As an IDVA you will:

• Provide a high quality, pro-active service to victims of domestic and/or sexual violence and abuse.
• You will work within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC and the Bridgeway, SARC and other local partnership responses to domestic abuse and sexual violence.
• You will work with survivors and other agencies to monitor the care pathway. This involves risk assessment, helping clients access their rights, along with any other services they require.
• You will be required to attend relevant meetings and will provide regular reports to your line manager.
• You will also undertake talks and presentations to local groups and agencies on the work of Victim Support, developing networks and partnerships and increasing the role of the service in the community.

You will need:

• Experience of working with victims of domestic and sexual violence and other service providers and agencies in a statutory, voluntary, social or community setting.
• Experience of planning and delivering caseloads, with strong crisis management skills and an understanding of the needs of victims experiencing domestic abuse and sexual violence.
• An approved and accredited IDVA and/or ISVA qualification or willingness to work towards this.
• Good IT skills, knowledge of criminal justice issues and an understanding of the effects a court appearance can have on victims and witnesses of crime.

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.

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.

Job Title: VAWG/IDVA Complex Needs and Multiple Disadvantage Advocate

ABOUT US

Hopscotch works hard to support women and families facing racial and gender inequity in London. We are proudly anti-racist and anti-misogynist. We take our trauma informed practice seriously, both with service users and within the organisation. We also run a successful Homecare service, with Care Workers supporting vulnerable people in south Camden who draw on care.

WHY HOPSCOTCH?

o Great, supportive culture and values, with low turnover and high levels of contentment

o You will want to work in an environment which is inclusive and non-judgemental. It’s a chance to challenge the status quo and not settle for what isn’t working

o You’ll love being a part of a diverse and vibrant team which has positivity, creativity and problem-solving values and where all voices are heard

o Your dedication will have a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need

o Be with an employer who is a signatory of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant (EDAC) – a pledge by businesses to support employees who are survivors of violence

o 25 days annual leave for full time employees, increasing after 5 years employment, with additional paid office closure between Christmas and New Year. Hopscotch believes we all deserve quality time to focus on our friends and family and most importantly, ourselves at this time

o Occupational sick leave

o Regular internal and clinical supervision with qualified therapists

The Role 

· Assertive outreach casework with very vulnerable women

· Responsible for supporting three women in the Borough of Camden

· Intensive support for complex needs with service users with a history of non-engagement with services

Accountabilities:

Casework

· Solution-focused casework interventions with women who have experienced VAWG and severe and multiple disadvantage

· Provide emotional support using a trauma informed approach

· Build and maintain supportive relationships with ethnically Minoritised women

· Ensure ongoing assessment and management of risks associated with service users within an attitude of ‘positive risk taking’

· Provide support with life skills, including practical assistance where skills are not yet developed

· Maintain accurate case notes and up to date records

· Contribute to the completion of outcomes reports and funding returns

· Complete all documents when support work commences and keep up to date with any changing risks to or from the woman.

· Risk assess situations in the moment, act calmly, professionally and be ready to remove self from/ call 999 in situations that appear too high risk to remain in

Advocacy and support service

· Empower women to access benefits and services they need

· Involve service users in the design, development and delivery of the service

Multi-agency

· Engage with a wide range of professionals (some of whom may have very different approaches to problem solving) through a multi-agency approach, and advocate to agencies on behalf of the Project and its service users

· Promote coordinated, joined-up service delivery for service users between violence against women services and drug and alcohol agencies, mental health, housing, health and legal agencies.

· Contribute to a service-wide communications plan and ensure that information about the service is widely available locally to other agencies and is also readily accessible to potential service users

· Educate a wide range of agencies and stakeholders about the challenges faced by women experiencing multiple disadvantage

· Proactively develop links with local statutory and voluntary organisations to provide a range of engagement opportunities for service users in the community

· Attend and contribute to the Domestic Violence MARAC as appropriate

· Contribute to monitoring and evaluation of the Project

· Be self-motivated to research processes and services in order to fully support and advocate for the women. 

· Fully engage with the partner teams and all support and team spaces offered, supporting colleagues with the difficulties they face and celebrating positive outcomes.

Corporate Responsibilities

· Ensure that all Hopscotch and Solace’s policies and procedures are adhered to

· Ensure effective implementation of Hopscotch and Solace’s Equality and Diversity policies and ensure awareness and integration of an equalities and human rights agenda in all your work

· Ensure that the service user is at the heart of all service delivery and development

· Attend all meetings and training relevant to your role

· Act as an ambassador for Hopscotch and Solace

Values, Behaviours & Competencies

· Committed to the purpose of Hopscotch and Solace Women’s Aid, ensuring that the service user is at the heart of service delivery and development

· Feminist in understanding ‘Violence against Women and Girls’

· Committed to fostering innovation and continuous improvement in working practice

· Flexible and open to new challenges, ideas and experiences, and able to be self-reflective

· Committed to understanding diversity and ensuring anti-discriminatory practice is applied in all forms of our work

· Non-judgemental with a commitment to self-care within the team

· Collaborative, building relationships with internal and external partners.

Knowledge, Experience and Skills

· Experience of working within the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Sector, including experience of risk & needs assessment, casework and safety planning with victim-survivors

· Experience of working with people affected by severe and multiple disadvantage: homelessness, substance use, mental health issues, insecure immigration status, prostitution and offending behaviour

· Experience working with minoritized Global Majority women and a diverse staff team applying anti-discriminatory practice

· Experience of building and maintaining partnerships with other agencies

· An excellent understanding of the issues faced by survivors of VAWG, including a knowledge of options for and rights of women experiencing all forms of VAWG

· Awareness of the intersection between severe and multiple disadvantage and VAWG, and a strong understanding of how the intersection of these issues can make it difficult for people to engage with support

· Knowledge of the particular needs of women from diverse communities and the barriers to accessing support faced by women from Global Majority communities

· An understanding of the impact of trauma on women

· A resilient and assertive approach to reaching out to and building trust and positive relationships with women who are experiencing multiple disadvantage and who may present as reluctant to engage and/or may be presenting in crisis

· Ability to provide solution focused advocacy and support

· Ability to advocate successfully within a multi-agency framework

· Ability to critically reflect on own practice and performance and make use of clinical supervision

· Excellent organisational and IT skills including the ability to be self-servicing, use relevant IT packages and maintain an efficient case recording and data reporting system

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Qualifications

· Degree level education and/or IDVA or DAPA qualification (or equivalent experience)

We would love to hear from you

Please send your CV and cover letter – or any questions to to us

Thanks and good luck!

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior IDVA to join the Specialist Services team in Bedfordshire. This is a fixed term contract until 31st March 2026, which maybe extended subject to funding. This role will be hybrid and be located within Bedford Borough Council.

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 Bedford Borough. As a Team Leader for the Specialist Services team you will:

• Offer a consistent representative for the twice weekly MARAC
• Be a SPOC for the Front Door - giving advice and support around queries/ concerns about DA
• Carry a reduced caseload
• Support the Safe & Together model
• have line manage responsibilities including Bedford Borough IDVA

You will need:

• IDVA or ISAC qualification
• Experience in multi-agency partnerships and legislative frameworks
• Knowledge of equal opportunities, diversity, safeguarding, and risk assessments
• Understanding of confidentiality, safe working practices, and legal file maintenance
• Experience in customer-focused service delivery in challenging environments
• Crisis management and support experience
• Strong communication, negotiation, and advisory skills
• Ability to work independently, prioritise tasks, and manage competing demands
• Analytical skills for problem-solving and data reporting
• Proficiency in IT and software (Word, Excel, Case Management systems)
• Commitment to continuous self-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.

We have an exciting opportunity for an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate- Children & Young People (CYP IDVA) to join the Children & Young People team in Warwickshire, working 37.5 hours a week. This role is home-based with regular travel required throughout the region.

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:

This role involves regular travel and due to the location, a driving license and access to a vehicle is considered an essential requirement. If you are unable to drive because of a disability please indicate this in your application in your personal statement so we can explore the feasibility of alternative arrangements.

About the role:

As a Children & Young People Domestic Violence Advocate you will:

• Provide one to one support to children and young people put in, and on occasions you may need to support with group work to children and young people.
• Proactively promote the service, raise awareness of services & work collaboratively with professionals to improve the access to and quality of services for children & young people.
• Play a vital role in ensuring we provide high quality, end-to-end support to children & young people to help them to recover from abuse.
• Undertake risk and needs assessments to address the specific needs of the client in line with VS operating procedures. To follow relevant safeguarding policies and procedures, working with safeguarding leads and other agencies to ensure an integrated approach to address any safeguarding concerns.

You will need:

• Experience of working with children and young people.
• Excellent communication skills
• A good understanding of the impact of Domestic Abuse
• Knowledge of risk assessment, safety planning and risk management for victims of domestic abuse

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.

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.