Independent domestic and sexual violence advocate jobs

Job Title:  Domestic Abuse Practitioner

Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week, flexibility required.

Salary: £27,921

Annual leave: 25 days plus back holidays and birthday leave

Benefits: - Monthly car user allowance

- Pension following 3-month probationary period of 5%

Contract: Permanent

Responsible to: Team Manager

Location: Hexham base, outreach working across Northumberland.

Relevant Background in working with adult victim/survivors and experience: children and young people.

Qualifications: Level 4 NVQ or CAADA IDVA training desirable.  Successful applicant will be required to undertake additional training.

Northumberland Domestic Abuse Service

NDAS provides support to all victims who have been the subject of domestic abuse/violence, supports them through the criminal justice system and offers relevant advice and assistance, both practical and emotional. 

NDAS empowers victims to make decisions, increase their options, their confidence and safety.  Prevention and awareness raising activities are also delivered across Northumberland and counselling to the children of our service users.

Established in 2003, NDAS has a track record of providing excellent services and is a key member of domestic abuse provision in Northumberland.  We have a secure financial foundation and are looking forward to developing our team to continue to provide essential services in tackling domestic abuse.

This is a key role within NDAS managing our operational delivery team working across the county.  We are looking for a motivated professional who is passionate about delivering the best possible prevention and support services.

OUR VALUES

Welcoming: We welcome you, whoever you are

Believing and accepting: We believe you, accept you and will not judge you. We do not discriminate

Understanding: We understand what you are experiencing. Our staff are here to listen

Protecting: We make sure you stay safe and will help you to make plans to ensure your safety

Empowering: We help you to find your voice and gain confidence and independence

United: Working with you, and with other local partner organisations, to find the right support

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB

To provide practical and emotional support to victims of domestic abuse/violence; including supporting them through the criminal justice system and providing guidance and assistance.  The role also involves empowering victims to make decisions, increase their options, their confidence and safety.

DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Managing service delivery and performance

Provide an efficient, effective outreach service to all victims of domestic abuse/violence across Northumberland.

Establish the risks and the needs of the individual and deliver a service appropriate to that level of risk.

Develop and deliver individual support and risk management plans to address the risk of harm to victims.

Work with multi-agency partnerships with local agencies whose services victims may require, ensuring a coordinated community response.

Work in partnership with other agencies and to advocate for victims to ensure their needs are met.

Explain the intricacies of the criminal justice and family court systems to victims and give advice on how to proceed at different stages of the process.

Ensure that victims are aware of their rights to legal protection and to arrange for the provision of legal advice as required and accompany victims to appointments if appropriate.

Ensure the safety of the victim is paramount.

Attend MARAC meetings when needed, Case Conference, Core Groups and CAF meetings when required.

Liaise with other agencies as appropriate. Deliver training to colleagues and other professionals.

Work within Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services management system following all policies and procedures.

Provide statistical monitoring or reports as required to the planning officer.

Note and feedback to other agencies any consistent difficulties clients are having accessing their service.

Provide a service, which is sensitive to all cultural and other differences and needs.

Ensure that the views and experiences of the victims and agencies are sought actively and inform the development of the service.

Report any problems/difficulties/complaints to the Team Manager or CEO and participate in follow up investigations as required.

Managing Security

Maintain the security and well-being of victims of domestic abuse and to communicate immediately with the Team Manager/CEO any concerns regarding security.

Maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries and security, when working with service users, staff and external bodies.

General Duties

Contribute to the overall development of Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services, by attending team meetings and participate in training and development working groups as agreed by the post-holder and CEO. This will include training specific to working with victims of domestic abuse.

Contribute to the overall development of Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services, by the implementation of Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services. Develop effective and supporting working relationships with all Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services staff.

Contribute to the overall development of Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services, by adhering to Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services policies and procedures including equal opportunities and health and safety when meeting the needs of service users. Assist in and maintain effective communication, which promotes free flow of non-confidential information and issues within Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services, other agencies and members of the public.

Ensure that security of sensitive information is maintained and complies with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998.

Whilst this job description attempts to cover the main duties of the post, it is not exhaustive. The Post-holder is, therefore, expected to undertake any other reasonable duties within their capabilities and the scope of the post as specified by the Service manager.

The Green House is the only specialist service in Bristol, Bath & Northeast Somerset and South Gloucestershire supporting children, young people, and families who have experienced sexual abuse. Our distinct approach is:

1. Evidence-based, guided by research and best practices.

2. Led by the voices of young people and their families.

3. Centred on community and connection. 

4. Focused on the transformational power of the creative arts.

In 2022, we transitioned from a single therapy option to a whole family, community-based model which provides a more accessible and comprehensive approach to support, whilst reducing wait times by 63%. Though we deliver a local service, our work is influencing the national response to child sexual abuse. We provide national training on pre-trial therapy and survivor-led leadership programmes.

It is an exciting time to join us as we establish our new service model, deliver a new strategy and look to increase both our local and national visibility. You will be joining an ambitious team who work tirelessly to improve the lives of children, young people and families who have experienced sexual abuse.

Purpose of the job

The Green House’s VOICE change-making project aims to support young survivors and their family members to lead social change through creativity. Together, we aim to break the silence and create systemic change around child sexual abuse. Our approach recognises the inherent strengths and possibility of all young people. We develop creative spaces where young people can connect with their community, grow beyond traumatic experiences and learn to lead services like ours, alongside national social change. We see creative change-making and connecting those with lived experience together as imperative to healing. It is the hope for change that helps young people and their families to learn to live a whole life alongside traumatic experiences and step into their potential.

The VOICE Project has two workstreams: Young People’s VOICE and Parent/Carer VOICE. We work with young people to deliver a creative arts leadership programme (6 weekly group), alongside creative drop-in spaces, individual projects and paid-for mentorship opportunities. We work with our Parent/Carer VOICE group to deliver monthly group sessions, parent-led drop-in spaces and individual projects. The VOICE Project also leads our national child sexual abuse (CSA) practitioner network.

This is an exciting time to join the Green House VOICE Project, we have just secured national funding for the first time and are looking for a VOICE Practitioner to work alongside our new Senior VOICE Practitioner to deliver development and expansion of the programme. Duties and responsibilities 1. Work with the Senior VOICE Practitioner to deliver the Young People’s VOICE Groups (6 weekly), working with to support young people to develop group/individual projects and campaigns within each group cycle. 2. Work with the Senior VOICE Practitioner to support development of the Parent/Carer VOICE group, co-producing with Parents/Carers and the Senior Leadership Team a new approach to the (currently) monthly programme. 3. Collaborate with the Family Support Team and Therapy Team to deliver regular drop-in spaces for Parents/Carers (“Turn-Up Tuesdays”) and Nature-Based Therapy drop-in spaces (“NBT Drop In”). 4. Work with the Senior VOICE Practitioner to support delivery and expansion of CSA Practitioner network for wider professionals, creating opportunities to connect young people’s groups together nationally. 5. Work with the Senior VOICE Practitioner, Head of Fundraising and Trustee Board to develop and deliver a quarterly co-production group of young people and parents who can support operational delivery/development of the Green House. 6. Contribute to the development of a theory of change for the VOICE Project, working with the Senior VOICE Practitioner, young people, parents/carers and Senior Leadership Team. 7. Work with the Research Manager and Senior VOICE Practitioner to deliver our approach to outcome monitoring and evaluation of the VOICE Project. 8. Ensure that delivery is timely and in-line with the project plan for the VOICE Project, including attendance at weekly team meetings, and contributing to the annual revision of associated documentation e.g., manuals, session plans led by the Senior VOICE Practitioner. 9. Conduct Initial Meetings for young people and parent/carer’s looking to join the VOICE Project – supporting the wider TGH team with recruitment reminders/approaches e.g., attending Family Support/Therapy Team meetings (where appropriate). 10. Work with the Senior VOICE Practitioner to develop relationships with our local and national partners to enable effective change-making for young people and parents/carers. 11. Assess risk and report safeguarding concerns in line with the Green House Policies, main up-to-date safeguarding training, and stay informed on relevant legislation about child sexual abuse and procedures. 12. Maintain accurate, confidential records of all sessions and family contacts, ensuring timely documentation using internal systems e.g., Oasis. 13. Support wider Green House service development, participate in supervision, clinical supervision and training, adhere to Green House policies, and contribute to team communication and operational improvements. 

Job Title: Duty Independent Gender Violence Advocate (Duty IGVA)

Location: Lambeth, London
Salary: £23,085.69 per annum, inclusive of London weighting allowance 
Contract type: Part Time, Permanent 

Hours: 30 hours per week (Tuesday-Friday). Please note that the the operating hours of the service are 8AM- 6PM Monday- Friday with the expectation to work on some days 8- 4pm or 10- 6pm to cover. 

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Duty Independent Domestic Violence Advocate to be the first point of contact for women who are impacted by domestic violence. You will work closely with victims of domestic abuse from the point of crisis and other gender-based abuse to provide high quality independent support to survivors all risk levels and their children..

In this role you will be part of a busy team. You will be the first point of contact for survivors who have been referred to the Gaia Centre. The duty IGVA will be responding to daily enquiries (specify from whom- public, agencies, individuals? over the phone and email as well as contacting survivors, assessing their risks and needs.

The duty IGVA will be responsible for carrying out and implementing safety plans and needs and will ensure an effective handover to the over to the relevant GAIA team for ongoing support. The post holder will also empower survivors by providing them with emotional, practical and personal welfare support. You will ensure that survivors are provided with a safe, supportive and welcoming environment, enabling them to access their rights, make decisions and increase their life options. The job involves working within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC and local partnership protocols and procedures that prioritise the safety of survivors.

As part of this role, you will be required to participate in an out-of-hours on call rota.

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

Closing Date: 09:00am 7 July 2025

Interview Date: 16 and 17 July 2025

Refuge is the UK’s largest provider of specialist services, and we are proud to be a leader in our field and an employer of choice, with leading edge systems for supervision, quality management and development. 

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

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

We are looking for a Domestic Abuse Advisor & Trainer

Salary: £26,000 - £32,000 pro rata

Location: Across Brent Community Hubs and Advance Headoffice

Hours: 14 Hours per week

Contract: Fixed Term - 12 months

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

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

About us

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

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

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

About the role:

The postholder will support the delivery of a specialist domestic abuse (DA) project in partnership with Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust (CLCH) in the London borough of Brent. The role aims to raise awareness and promote best practice in responding to domestic abuse across CLCH staff, improving support for patients impacted by domestic abuse. This will involve delivering training, workshops, and guidance to health professionals, providing consultancy on embedding DA response pathways, and helping CLCH navigate referrals to local domestic abuse support agencies. The role combines professional training, advocacy, and systems change to strengthen the health sector’s response to domestic abuse. The postholder will work across the Brent borough, attending community hubs and co-locating to deliver services when needed.

The postholder may be approached by staff seeking advice or consultation regarding male victims of domestic abuse. While the role’s primary focus remains on supporting women, the postholder will be open to supporting male victims through appropriate signposting and referral guidance. They will also be willing to undertake relevant training (e.g. Respect toolkit) to ensure inclusive and informed responses. Training will be provided.

A car may be desirable for this role, though not essential.

About You:

To be successful as the Domestic Abuse Advisor & Trainer you will need the below experience and skills:

• A thorough understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence (physical, emotional and sexual violence, so-called ‘honour-based violence’, forced marriage, stalking and harassment) and its impact on women, children, families and communities.
• Experience in designing, delivering, and promoting engaging training and learning sessions on domestic abuse, tailored to professionals and stakeholders across a variety of settings.
• Experience of partnership working and of maintaining excellent working relationships with a range of stakeholders as well as experience of working within in multi-agency environment.
• Ability to provide consultancy and guidance to multidisciplinary teams on domestic abuse-related issues, offering informed advice and support.
• Excellent communication skills (listening, verbal, and written), with the ability to effectively collaborate with diverse professionals and stakeholders.

How to apply:

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

Interviews will take place on a rolling basis.

What we can offer you:

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

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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.

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Young People’s Advocate. Suitable candidates must be experienced in advocating in a multi-agency setting to secure positive life outcomes for your clients and to making the service a success.  A Safe Lives qualification is desirable.

You will be self-sufficient, assertive and possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills combined with empathy and sensitivity to build and develop supportive relationships with young people. You will maintain professional boundaries and adhere fully to Refuge’s safeguarding policies and procedures.

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

Closing Date: 09:00am 2 July 2025

Interview Date: 10 and 11 July 2025

Job Title: Health Independent Gender Vioelnce Advocate (Health IGVA)

Location: The Gaia Centre, Lambeth (London)
Salary: £28,857.12 per annum, including London weighting if applicable
Contract type: Full Time, Fixed Term Contract (2 June 2026) 

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Health IGVA supporting women and children who are impacted by different strands of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). You will work closely with victims of VAWG from the point of crisis, to provide high quality independent advocacy and support to survivors of VAWG at the highest risk and their children.

The Health IGVA will train and provide ongoing support to GP practices and other health professionals and providers to enable primary and secondary care staff to be able to effectively talk to their patients about gender based abuse and different strands of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG): including Domestic abuse and violence (physical, sexual, emotional,  psychological, economic or tech abuse)​​, Sexual Violence (Rape and sexual assault​)​, Stalking and harassment ​, Sexual exploitation ​​(including women working in sex industry and Child Sexual Exploitation)​​, Female genital mutilation (FGM)​/cutting , Forced marriage​​, So-called ‘honour’-based abuse, provide early identification and offer appropriate care pathways for survivors of all genders, aged 16 years and over and their children, living, working or/and studying in Lambeth.

The post holder will work in partnership with the local Integrated Care Board (ICB) and the Gaia Service Manager to proactively develop and maintain links with health providers in the local area and build links with health professionals and support agencies. 

The job involves working within a multi-agency framework consisting of the Multiagency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) and local partnership protocols and procedures that prioritise the safety of survivors. The post holder will empower survivors by providing them with emotional, practical and personal welfare support.

The job involves informing survivors of the full range of civil, criminal, and practical options that might increase their safety. 

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

Closing Date: 09:00am 1 July 2025

Interview Date: 7 and 8 July 2025