Independent domestic violence advisor jobs in east of england

Location: Tower Hamlets SASS/Hybrid Working 

Salary:Unqualified: £28,255 - £29,913 per annum

Qualified: £29,923 - £32,623 per annum

(Please note that applicants are usually appointed at the bottom of the relevant band)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week 

Contract: Fixed Term Contract (Until 31st March 2026)

Closing Date: Tuesday 9th December 2025

Closing Time: 00:00am

Are you looking for a rewarding role working for an intersectional feminist organisation? If so, we have an incredible opportunity for you to join our team as an DWP Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) at Solace Women's Aid.  

You will be joining a team of committed and inspiring individuals whose dedication has saved the lives of thousands of women, men and children in the capital. We are looking for friendly and diligent individuals to join our services and help us make a difference.

Our core values reflect our history and were developed in consultation with staff and service users. Feminism and intersectionality are key to our work and we are committed to the principles of being survivor-led, trauma-informed, empowering, diverse, anti-racist and anti-discriminatory.

About the Service 

Tower Hamlets Solace Advocacy and Support Service (SASS) provides advocacy and support to survivors of DVA with the aim to reduce risk and harm.  Our work is holistic and empowering, working alongside survivors to achieve independent lives free from abuse. 

About the Role 

We are looking for an experienced IDVA to join our dynamic team in Tower Hamlets, working with people who have experienced domestic violence and abuse. You will be working as part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with external agencies in particular DWP. 

As the DWP IDVA you are responsible for carrying out risk and needs assessments, safety planning and providing support and intervention to victim/survivors of domestic violence identified at Poplar jobcentre. In addition to this you will build relationships with, and provide advice, guidance and training to DWP staff.

About You 

You will need a passion for working with victim/survivors and a thorough understanding of domestic abuse and its impact on women and their children, as well as experience of providing emotional and practical support and strong casework management skills. 

You will have the skills to provide effective crisis intervention, carry out risk assessments, safety planning, assessment of needs and individual support planning. You should have demonstrable experience of working in an IDVA or similar position with this or a similar client group. 

What we can offer you

We provide a comprehensive benefits package to all our employees, including:

• Flexible working
• Focus on learning and development (internal career progression and training)
• Generous holiday entitlement
• Employer pension contribution
• Family-friendly leave and enhanced maternity pay
• Access to Inclusion Networks
• Daily clinical debriefing
• Employee Assistance Programme providing free 24/7 support and advice
• Employee Benefits Platform offering staff discounts, benefits and savings
• Flow & Restore yoga classes
• Meditation sessions
• Cycle to Work Scheme

How to apply

When applying for this role, kindly highlight in your Supporting Statement how your values, knowledge, transferrable skills, and experience align with each point within the following sections of the Job Profile Document:

• Values, Behaviours & Competencies
• Knowledge, Experience and Skills

Solace Women's Aid values diversity, promotes equity, and challenges discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, abilities, perspectives, and lived experiences. 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. Our Inclusion Networks support staff with protected characteristics and offer inclusive spaces to connect.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We anticipate and provide reasonable adjustments as needed and support employees who acquire a disability or long-term health condition, enabling them to stay in work.

This service is run by women for women and is therefore restricted to female applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, and Part 1. Section 7(2) e of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 apply. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

As part of safer recruitment practices, we carry out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and right to work in the UK checks.

No agencies.

Location: Milton Keynes Centre
Hours: 37.5 per week
Salary: £25,233 (unqualified) / £26,247 (qualified) per annum (pro rata)
Contract: Fixed term until 31 March 2025
Closing Date: 4.11.2025

About Us

MK Act is a long-established domestic abuse charity with over 50 years’ experience supporting individuals and families across Milton Keynes. We provide safety, refuge, advocacy and long-term support, helping survivors rebuild their lives with dignity and security.

We are seeking a highly motivated and resilient Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to join our team within the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH). You will identify domestic abuse concerns at the earliest point, complete risk assessments, and ensure survivors receive timely, trauma-informed, coordinated safeguarding support. This role suits someone calm under pressure, confident managing complex risk and committed to effective multi-agency working.

Why Join Us?

• Make a direct impact on the safety and wellbeing of survivors
• Collaborative, specialist multi-agency environment
• Accredited training and professional development opportunities
• 25 days’ annual leave (pro rata) + bank holidays
• Additional paid birthday leave
• Free annual eye test
• Opportunity to contribute to an expanding charity

Key Responsibilities

Service Delivery

• Provide specialist advice, information and follow-up support to survivors.
• Complete risk assessments and develop tailored safety and support plans.
• Deliver crisis intervention, safety planning and risk management.
• Support access to refuge accommodation as required.
• Explain housing, civil and criminal justice options to support informed decisions.
• Maintain accurate, confidential case records.
• Strengthen survivors’ support networks and ensure coordinated multi-agency responses.
• Attend and contribute to MARAC and child protection meetings, producing reports where required.
• Manage a small caseload alongside wider MASH duties.

Partnership Working

• Provide expert domestic abuse guidance to MASH and Children’s Services professionals.
• Promote awareness of domestic abuse and MK Act services.
• Attend partnership and inter-agency meetings.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with partner agencies.
• Contribute to monitoring, data collection and service evaluation.

Safeguarding & Compliance

• Work in line with MK Together, MK Act and local safeguarding procedures.
• Follow GDPR, confidentiality and data protection requirements.
• Attend supervision, training and team meetings.
• Support the organisation in maintaining national accreditation standards.

About You

You will thrive in this role if you are confident working with complex safeguarding situations, able to prioritise under pressure and committed to ensuring survivors receive effective, timely protection.

Essential

• Strong understanding of domestic abuse and its impact on survivors and children.
• Experience providing direct support to vulnerable individuals.
• Experience completing risk assessments and developing safety plans.
• Confidence working within multi-agency safeguarding frameworks.
• Excellent communication, advocacy and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Desirable

• Experience as an IDVA, caseworker or in a safeguarding role.
• Knowledge of criminal justice processes.
• Experience delivering training or briefings to professionals.
• Understanding of accredited or quality-assured service standards.

Location: Milton Keynes Centre
Hours: 37.5 per week
Salary: £25,233 (unqualified) / £26,247 (qualified)
Contract: Permanent
Work Pattern: Monday–Friday, 9:00–17:00 (some flexibility)
Closing Date: 4.11.2025

About Us

MK Act is a long-established domestic abuse charity with over 50 years’ experience supporting individuals and families across Milton Keynes. We provide refuge, advocacy, and long-term support, helping survivors rebuild their lives with dignity and safety.

We are seeking a committed and resilient IDVA to join our Crisis Intervention Service. You will provide intensive, one-to-one support to survivors at high risk of serious harm, ensuring risks are reduced, safety plans are robust, and multi-agency protection is co-ordinated. This role suits someone calm under pressure, confident working with complex risk, and passionate about safeguarding and advocacy.

Why Join Us?

• Make a life-changing impact for high-risk survivors
• Supportive, specialist team
• Opportunities for professional development
• 25 days’ annual leave (pro rata) + bank holidays
• Additional paid birthday leave
• Free annual eye test
• Opportunity to grow as the charity expands, including plans for a new refuge

Key Responsibilities

• Provide an emergency response and intensive support to high-risk survivors.
• Complete risk and needs assessments and develop personalised safety plans.
• Explain housing, civil, and criminal justice options and support clients through legal processes.
• Maintain accurate, confidential case records and escalate risk appropriately.
• Deliver support via helpline, walk-ins, appointments, and access to refuge space.
• Signpost to relevant services and participate in MARAC.
• Advocate for clients and build strong multi-agency relationships.
• Support delivery of group programmes such as Freedom and Recovery Toolkit.
• Work within safeguarding policies, make timely referrals, and follow data protection requirements.
• Maintain professional standards, attend training, supervision, and reviews.

About You

You will thrive in this role if you are calm, resilient, and committed to ensuring survivors receive effective and timely protection.

Essential

• Strong understanding of domestic abuse and its impact on survivors and children.
• Ability to manage crisis situations with clarity and professionalism.
• Excellent communication and advocacy skills.
• Experience supporting people from diverse backgrounds.
• Confidence working within multi-agency frameworks.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and handle sensitive information.

Desirable

• Experience as an IDVA, caseworker, or in a safeguarding role.
• Knowledge of criminal justice processes.
• Experience delivering group work.
• Experience working within accredited or quality-assured services.

Job Purpose: To provide high-quality and comprehensive advice, information, practical and advocacy support relating to domestic and other forms of gender-based violence perpetrated against Black and minoritised women and children. To assist with educational, developmental, policy and campaigning work arising from advice and casework. To promote the aims and objectives of SBS as a specialist organisation for Black and minoritised women and children.

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

We reserve the right to close these adverts early if we have sufficient interest, so early applications are encouraged.

Are you driven by a commitment to social justice and equality? Do you want to utilise your expertise to support vulnerable women and children in their fight against inequality and discrimination? Southall Black Sisters has the perfect opportunity for you. We are seeking a dedicated Immigration Solicitor to provide specialised, personalised advice to our clients, empowering them to make informed decisions about their future.

The postholder will support and contribute to Southall Black Sisters’ (SBS) research, policy and campaigning work by developing and delivering high-quality, intersectional research that:

• Strengthens the evidence base on violence against women and girls (VAWG), particularly as it affects Black, minoritised and migrant (BMM) women and girls.
• Centres the lived experiences of victim-survivors, using participatory and coproduced research methods.
• Informs SBS’s advocacy, public education and service delivery strategies through accessible, impactful research outputs.

Working closely with senior staff, frontline colleagues and external partners, the postholder will design and contribute to research projects, gather and analyse qualitative and quantitative data, and produce clear, well-structured outputs including reports, policy briefings and presentations. They will be supported to develop their research skills and will be encouraged to bring creativity and rigour to exploring the structural inequalities that shape the lives of the women SBS supports.

By joining our team, you will be at the forefront of the fight for equality and justice, making a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Why work with Southall Black Sisters?

Southall Black Sisters is committed to providing a supportive working environment, where team members feel valued, empowered and safe. To that end, we provide an excellent package of employee benefits including:

• Generous annual leave entitlement 
• Hybrid working 
• Enhanced pension contribution
• Enhanced sick pay
• Subsidised public transport season ticket
• A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, including access to confidential support from MBACP therapists 
• Clinical supervision with an MBACP therapist to explore issues arising from casework
• A focus on continued learning and development through accredited training delivered by experts in their field
• Organisation-wide away days
• Career development pathways and support
• The opportunity to learn and grow within an organisation renowned for inspiring political activism and campaigning successes
• Employer eye care scheme

To Apply

Submit a completed application form along with the optional equal opportunities monitoring form by the application deadline. Please do not send us your CV as this will not be considered.

Please note, incomplete applications will not be considered.

Deadline: Wednesday 10th December 2025 (5.00pm).
Interview dates: Thursday 18th December 2025 (Please note that the interview date is fixed. Applicants who cannot attend must state this in their application)

Job Title: Peripatetic IDVA

Service/Division: Domestic Abuse Services

Reporting to: Mobilisation and Implementation Manager

Direct reports: None

Salary: £27,000 - £32,000 per annum

Hours: 35 hours (1-2 days per week working from home depending on placement)

Location: Various locations across London; including some time spent in Hammersmith

Contract Type: Permanent

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

Advance delivers nationally accredited, high quality domestic abuse services across London. Advance's domestic abuse services are community based and include local authority commissioned advocacy services, co-located projects in a range of settings such as housing and children’s social care, and specialist projects for victim/survivors with different intersecting needs including children and young people.

As a Peripatetic Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA), you will provide front line support across Advance’s domestic abuse services, covering vacancies across teams to ensure service delivery remains effective and consistent. You will cover a range of roles all involving advocacy and support of people experiencing domestic abuse; some roles may also involve co-locating with partner agencies, delivering training or undertaking triage and assessment work. Your office location and pattern of work will change depending on your placement however all roles offer the opportunity for some hybrid working.

This role is an excellent opportunity to develop skills, knowledge and experience in a range of settings and would suit someone who is passionate about advocating for victim/survivors of domestic abuse. You will thrive in fast-paced environments and enjoy the diversity of working across a range of roles within different teams. An excellent understanding of domestic violence and its effects on women and children is essential, alongside some past experience working directly with victim/survivors of domestic abuse.

About You

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

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

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. 

• Closing Date for Applications: Sunday 7th December 2025*
• Interviews are taking place w/c 15th December 2025

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

What we can offer you - Employee Benefits: 

• 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.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Harmful Practice IDVA to play a pivotal role in our Domestic Abuse Service in Newham.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?     

This role, open to female applicants only under Section 7(2) (b & e) of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, involves delivering advocacy and intensive support services to all genders and non-binary survivors of domestic abuse, particularly those experiencing harmful practices . The postholder will work across hospital, healthcare, and community settings, acting as a single point of access for survivors at all risk levels. Key responsibilities include conducting DASH risk assessments, developing individual safety and support plans, providing crisis intervention, and ensuring high-risk survivors are represented through the MARAC process. The role also requires close collaboration with healthcare professionals, supporting them in managing disclosures, and ensuring survivors are connected to legal, housing, and welfare support as needed.

The advocate will play a vital role in improving outcomes for survivors, aiming to increase their safety, confidence, and quality of life. They will develop and review person-centred support plans, make safeguarding referrals, and attend relevant forums and committees. Accurate case recording, participation in supervision and training, and engagement in service co-production with survivors are essential components of the role. As a representative of Hestia, the postholder will maintain strong multi-agency partnerships, uphold service standards and confidentiality, and embody Hestia's values in all aspects of their work.                                                                                           

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

Here's what the team will be looking for:

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience supporting survivors of domestic abuse and gender-based violence, with specific expertise in addressing harmful practices. This includes experience in risk assessment, developing safety and support plans, working within multi-agency settings, and delivering specialist domestic abuse training to professionals, particularly in healthcare environments. The candidate should also have a strong background in service user involvement and co-production, demonstrate the ability to remain calm and resilient under pressure, and be proficient in using computer-based systems for accurate case recording. 

In terms of skills and knowledge, the candidate must possess a deep understanding of the impact of domestic abuse and harmful practices on survivors and their children, as well as the legal, housing, and welfare systems relevant to their needs. They should be capable of working non-judgmentally and in an empowering way, have a strong grasp of safeguarding protocols, and experience in the MARAC process. Additionally, they must demonstrate excellent communication, interpersonal, and time management skills, and the ability to evaluate training impact and apply learning to improve service delivery.

When will I be working?

This is a part time role, you will be required to work 4 days per week between the hours of 10am - 4.20pm

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: There will be an Assessment / Recruitment day held for this role on 30th June iat our Head Office in Aldgate

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

Salary: £30,784 per annum

Permanent contract

40 Hours per week, shift work including weekends and bank holidays

Location: North Kensington (W10)

We have presently a fantastic opportunity to join one of our 16+ Homes, located in North Kensington , and make a difference to our Young People’s lives.

About Us

Our vision is for every child and young person to be safe, loved and happy, to achieve their potential and have a bright future.

St Christopher's is a leading charity for children and young people and we are proud of our history for providing fostering, children's homes and a range of innovative leaving care services across the UK & Isle of Man.  We have a passionate commitment to our young people, placing them at the centre of everything we do.  We provide positive life experiences for young people who are unable to sustain a placement in their parental or foster home.

We are an equal-opportunity employer keen to develop an inclusive workforce where people feel they belong.  We hope to attract applications from under- represented groups, including people from different cultures, nationalities, socioeconomic backgrounds, ages, disabilities, religions, faith, sex, orientation, childcare responsibilities, and gender-diverse identities.

St Christopher’s Academy

At St Christopher's we can offer you a career where you can develop your skills and knowledge while making a difference to young people’s lives.

When you join St Christopher’s, we will set you up in your career with a tailored development plan. Whether you want to move across to a different service, become a Manager or just explore further your current role, we will support you to map out your career trajectory and help you achieve your professional ambitions. If you want to learn more about St Christopher’s Academy, please visit our website to watch our short video to gain an insight into our working life here at St Christopher’s .

We are proud that 84% of all our Team Leaders, Deputies and Managers are internal promotions. 

About the Role

As Team Leader, you will assist the Manager in the running of a 16+ semi-independent supported accommodation service, supporting the delivery of high quality transition services for young people that promote their independence and increase their life skills.

We have an enthusiastic team including Support Workers, Waking Night Staff and Management who all have different interests which they bring to the service. If you’re ready for a challenge and think you have the skills to drive St Christopher’s forward we would love to hear from you!

Applicants should have

• At least two year’s relevant experience providing housing and/or support services to vulnerable individuals
• A good understanding of the regulatory framework relevant to the provision of housing services for young people
• Knowledge of the welfare benefits system in relation to young people.
• Ability to lead, motivate, supervise and support staff and be a positive role model.
• Ability to prioritise own workload and to work flexibly to meet deadlines or service requirements.
• Ability to use own initiative as well as be an active team member.
• Flexibility to occasionally work evening and weekend shifts and participating in the On-Call system.

In return we offer:

• Salary of £30,784 per annum.
• Competitive pay and reward structure offering salary progression based on performance.
• A friendly working environment, a fun, open and honest culture.
• 25 days holiday rising to 27 days after 3 years’ service, plus Bank Holidays, pro-rata.
• Industry leading training programme including access to level 3 qualifications, children’s right and participation, CSE, empowerment, mental health and social pedagogy.
• Contributory pension scheme, enhanced maternity and company sick scheme.
• UK Life Assurance (Death in service) to the value of 3 times your annual salary.
• BUPA employee assistance programme, offering counselling, financial advice and legal support.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Bluelight card; discount shopping scheme at hundreds of retailers across the UK.
• Discretionary funded training programs.
• Employee awards based on performance and length of service.
• Fantastic opportunities to develop your career within our range of services.

Recruitment Process

At St Christopher’s we are committed to the safeguarding of all children and young people in our care. During the recruitment process you will be expected to complete an online application form to ensure we capture essential information to meet legislation, best practice and vetting requirements.

Applicants will ideally already be on the DBS Update Service; if this is not the case St Christopher's will carry out a DBS (police) check prior to starting.

 Your online application must include a supporting statement addressing the criteria stated in the Person Specification. For the full Job Description and Person Specification please visit our website. CV’s will not be accepted.

For more information or assistance during the application process, please contact us via our website.

 We advise to apply as soon as possible as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Please note that it is against the law to apply for work with Children/Young People if you are barred from working in Regulated Activity and if your name is added to a Children Barred List.

All shortlisted candidates invited to interview will be asked to submit a Self-Declaration and Disclosure form which will need to be returned prior to an interview being booked.

Please note this post has a minimum age restriction  of 21 for roles working directly with children and young people in our residential and semi-independent Homes in line with the Equality Act ‘occupational requirement’.