Family independent sexual violence advisor jobs

This role requires regular in-person engagement in London. Applicants must be able to travel to and work in London easily. Please only apply if you meet the criteria of the Personal Specification. Qualified ISVA's only please. 

About us

SurvivorsUK exists for men, boys and non-binary people who have experienced any form of sexual violence. 

We support – by providing services such as a helpline, counselling, ISVA and groupwork.
We challenge – by raising public awareness of the issue, and dispelling myths
We build – by creating and facilitating networks for better access to help

Role

In this role, you will provide pro-active specialist, trauma-informed emotional, practical and advocacy support for male, trans and non-binary survivors aged 13–24 who have experienced sexual violence and are currently engaged with, or actively considering engaging with, the Criminal Justice System (CJS). This includes young people who present with additional or intersecting needs (e.g. mental health, neurodiversity, disability, immigration, homelessness, substance use, care-experienced backgrounds, or LGBTQIA+ identity). The role empowers young people to understand their rights, navigate the CJS, and make informed decisions about reporting, ongoing involvement, and special measures.

Our ISVAs work with clients currently residing in any London borough, or if the abuse was committed in any London borough. Travel across London will be expected.

We consider people from a wide range of educational backgrounds and work experience. What matters is that you are empathetic and will support the specific needs of our clients.

Please see attached Job Description and Personal Specification for more information.

Benefits of Working with Us

- We are a Disability Confident Employer
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to Clinical Supervision, if relevant for your role
- Acces to gym at our Hackney Wick offices
- Commitment to your professional development

How to apply

To express an interest in the role and to be considered, please review our JD and Personal Spec and submit the following:

• An up-to-date CV.
• A supporting statement that addresses each requirement within the person specification and outlines your motivations for applying.

Closing date: Sunday 4th January at 11:59pm 
Shortlisting for Interviews: Week beginning the 5th January. The interview will be held remotely via Teams or Zoom.

We especially encourage applications from individuals who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, including men, non-binary, Black and Asian, trans, disabled people, and those from other marginalised groups. We recognise and value the unique experiences that arise from the intersections of these identities, and we particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience or a strong understanding of the issues faced by our service users.

At SurvivorsUK, we are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive work environment where everyone is empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We also understand the importance of work-life balance and are open to discussing flexible working arrangements, including job share opportunities, to support candidates with caregiving responsibilities or other needs.

If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process or have any accessibility needs, please let us know. We are here to provide any support necessary to ensure the process is inclusive for you.

IDVA Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA)

Location: FCWA Offices, 77 Montague Street, Blackpool

Salary: £26,500 (unqualified) - £28,500 (qualified or after 2 years of service)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Monday–Friday: 9:00am–5:00 pm)

Closing Date: 24th December 2025

Main Purpose and Scope of the Job

FCWA is an innovative, exciting, and friendly organisation run by a staff team who are passionate about bringing an end to domestic and sexual violence. Our work is holistic and empowering, working alongside survivors to achieve independent lives free from abuse.

The IDVA Role and Key Responsibilities

• The IDVA will manage high profile / intensive case work
• To establish the risks to and the needs of survivors, identifying and prioritising those at the highest risk
• To support the empowerment of survivors, assisting them to recognise the dynamics of domestic abuse present in their own situation, and to help them regain control of their lives
• To ensure that SafeLives DASH Risk assessment, Individual Safety & Support Plans are completed and updated on a regular basis.
• To ensure that support planning is outcome focused and that clients inform the type and level of support that they receive.

Skills and Qualifications

• Knowledge of domestic violence its impact on victims and their children (physical, emotional, financial and sexual, with knowledge of ‘honour- based violence’ , forced marriage and Female Genital Mutilation)
• Knowledge of perpetrators abusive behaviours within relationships, including family relationships, male victims and same sex relationships.
• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding issues and ability to address them appropriately.
• At least one years’ experience of managing a caseload and of supporting service users.
• Experience of partnership working and of maintaining excellent working relationships with a range of stakeholders.
• Previous experience of using computer-based systems to accurately record work and client details.

Benefits

• Birthday day off
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Regular staff support sessions
• Contributory pension scheme
• Death in Service insurance
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Friendly, values-driven team environment

To Apply 

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for FCWA, please click apply to be redirected to their website to complete your application.

Please note that we reserve the right to withdraw or close this vacancy at any time.

This post will be subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure and clearance.

FearFree delivers services across the Southwest for victims, children and perpetrators of domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking with the aim to break the cycle of abuse and support all to live free from fear. We provide trauma responsive support, and this post will be fundamental to ensuring service users, stakeholders and partners experience this in our daily delivery.

Based within the Wiltshire Domestic Abuse Service, the IDVA team works within a multi-agency system to provide a trauma responsive, person centered independent service for victims of domestic abuse, empowering choice through informed decision making.  You will hold a case load of high-risk victims, working proactively to support them and their families.

FearFree is committed to flexible and hybrid working and this role will be a mix of home based and office based, alongside requiring travel for multi-agency meetings and other deliverables.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide a high-quality service to those at the highest risk.
• To provide practical and emotional support to service users, working jointly with them to carry out, implement and review needs assessments and support plans.
• To understand and work effectively within a multi-agency framework, consisting of the MARAC and local partnership responses to domestic abuse, in order to reduce the risk for service users and their families.
• Identify and assess the risks and needs of service users using an evidence-based risk identification checklist.
• Work with high-risk service users to help them access services, to keep them and their children safe.
• Advocate for high-risk service users with agencies who can help to address the domestic abuse.
• Understanding the role of all relevant statutory and non-statutory services available to service users and how your role fits into them.
• Providing information to service users in relation to legal options, housing, health and finance.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with all key agency partners to address the safety of high risk service users ensuring their needs are met and safety plans are coordinated particularly through the MARAC.
• Manage a case load ensuring each person receives the appropriate support, tailored to their needs.
• Support the empowerment of the service user - assisting people to recognise the features and dynamics of domestic abuse present in their situation, and help them regain control of their lives.
• Support service users to maintain existing accommodation and to advocate on their behalf, in order to access accommodation and additional support.
• To recognise, respect and address the needs of service users who face barriers when seeking help to access the service, including those from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ communities, disabled people, those with complex needs and other groups which services have found difficult to reach.
• Provide practical and emotional support in relation to criminal and civil remedies, housing, health, education, employment, welfare benefits, counselling, legal aid and children’s support.
• Accompany service users, when needed, to other relevant agencies and support them in their interactions with these agencies.
• Respect and value the diversity of the community in which the services work in, and recognise the needs and concerns of a diverse range of survivors ensuring the service is accessible to all.

General Responsibilities

• Live and embody the FearFree values.
• To promote the service to external agencies where applicable.
• Give information and support to service users regarding their other needs and refer them to other support services as required.
• Ensure our service is widely accessible – adapting practice as required to suit individuals.
• Work across a large geographical area to ensure locality is not a barrier to accessing services.
• Deliver training and information sessions to promote our service, and increase awareness and understanding of domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking for victims and those who harm.
• Have a responsibility around safeguarding of both adults and children, maintaining knowledge of appropriate policies and procedures and integrated working.
• Support other agencies in the identification and referral of domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking issues via promotion of service and institutional advocacy.
• Ensure all referrals are clearly logged on our database and all case records are kept fully updated, according to FearFree policies and procedures.
• Engage with case management supervision, reflective practice and clinical supervision as required, taking an active role in managing own wellbeing and supporting the wellbeing of your colleagues.
• Support colleagues in all services across FearFree as required.
• Support the sustainability of the organisation by participating in fundraising activities and sharing ideas and contacts for income generation.
• To engage in and contribute to effective team working with a flexible and pro-active approach, including cover for other team members’ holidays and sickness.
• Undertake all statutory and mandatory training, as required by the organisation.

Application

To apply, please download the full job description/person specification along with the application and equality monitoring forms. Please send the completed application form and optional equality monitoring form direct to FearFree. 

There is no specific closing date for this role and this vacancy will close once a suitable candidate is found, so early applications are encouraged. 

For information about the processing of your personal data at FearFree, please visit our website. 

FearFree is committed to encouraging equality and diversity in the workplace.  We strive to be a diverse and inclusive place to work where we can all be ourselves and individual differences are recognised and valued. 

Job title:        Employment Advisor

Reports to:    Client Services Manager

Line reports: None

Location:London

Salary:           £29,000 - £32,000 (London)

Hours:           Full-time (37.5 hours per week), with occasional evening or weekend work (TOIL provided). Open to flexible working.

Contract:       Permanent

Overall purpose

The Employment Advisor (EA) plays a key role in supporting refugees and people from refugee backgrounds to progress towards and secure sustainable employment. The EA provides tailored employment advice and guidance, helping clients build the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to navigate the UK job market. This role will work with clients at various stages of their employment journey, with a particular focus on those in the earlier stages of understanding career options, developing employability skills, and exploring education, training, and volunteering opportunities.

The EA will deliver one-to-one and group-based employability support, collaborate with employers and volunteers to source opportunities for clients, and maintain strong relationships with referral and support partners to ensure a holistic approach to employment support.

Key Responsibilities

We are a fast-paced charity that prides itself on its flexibility and responsiveness so your responsibilities may change, develop and grow according to the needs and development of our programmes. 

1) Client Support

• Provide tailored one-to-one support to clients, helping them understand the UK labour market, define career goals, and develop employability skills. This could be in-person or online depending on client needs.
• Support clients with CV and cover letter writing, job applications, interview preparation, and job searching.
• Guide clients in identifying appropriate employment, education, training, and volunteering opportunities that align with their career aspirations.
• Deliver group sessions to help clients build knowledge and skills in a supportive peer-learning environment.
• Manage a caseload of clients with varying needs, adjusting frequency and intensity of support based on individual requirements.

2) Employer, Volunteer and Referral Partner Engagement

• Engage with employers to build networks and identify job, training, and work experience opportunities for clients.
• Attend job fairs and community events to connect clients with employers and recruitment opportunities.
• Support outreach initiatives by building and maintaining relationships with local referral partners, including Jobcentres, community organisations, and other support services.
• Liaise with volunteers to source additional expertise and mentoring opportunities for clients.
• Establish and maintain relationships with referral partners and support agencies to signpost clients to additional services, including welfare, housing, and mental health support.

3) Service Delivery and Administration

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of client interactions, progress, and outcomes in the CRM system.
• Implement and adhere to monitoring and evaluation processes to track client outcomes and inform service improvements.
• Identify and escalate safeguarding concerns, making appropriate referrals and ensuring clients receive the support they need.
• Support managers with additional projects, such as research, resource development, and service improvements.

To view the full job description and person specification, as well as details on our accessible recruitment process, please view the attached recruitment pack when you click 'Apply'.

Other considerations 

• As part of our safeguarding commitment to our clients, we carry out pre-employment checks to ensure that successful applicants are suitable to work with adults at risk. These include basic DBS checks, obtaining references and verifying a candidate’s identity and right to work in the UK.   
• We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion or belief.

 Breaking Barriers is committed to protecting an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect and for their views, wishes and beliefs to be fully considered when deciding action.  

How to apply 

If you are looking for a role where you can make a real difference, we want to hear from you. To apply, please submit a statement of interest (up to approximately 500 words/1 A4 page) outlining:

• Why you are interested in the role
• What skills you would bring to be successful in this role
• Any experience you would like to highlight
• Any reasonable adjustments you require for the interview process
• Disclosure of disabilities if you wish to do so (as a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role).

Closing date for applications is Tuesday 30 December at 11:30pm.

We belong to the Experts by Experience Employment Network, which advocates and supports organisations to employ more people from a refugee background. With this in mind, we particularly welcome applicants with experience of seeking asylum and /or are from a refugee background. Please feel free to use information and resources found here, which may help in preparing your job application.  

If you are an expert by experience (a refugee or migrant with direct, first-hand experience of issues and challenges of the UK asylum or immigration system), you can ask for independent and confidential support with your job application from the Experts by Experience Employment Network. Please reach out to HR Manager, Andleeb Khan for further details. You can find contact details on the final page of this recruitment pack.

We are open to flexible working arrangements and alternative working patterns.