9 Independent domestic violence advisor jobs in East of England

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 Core IDVA for a fixed term contract to cover a maternity leave.

Location: Brent Civic Centre and Hammersmith Head Office

Hours: 35 Hours per week, 9AM-5PM. This will also require some late duty on a rota basis 1 or 2 Thursdays per month (1PM-9PM)

Contract: Fixed term contract until 31st May 2027 with the potential to extend

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.

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:

You will work within a dynamic, fast paced, crisis intervention, advocacy, and support service to ensure the voice of survivors informs every stage of the process specialising in working with clients at high risk. You will make proactive contact and provide high quality advocacy and support based upon a client led needs and risk assessment to women from aged 13, focusing on working with those aged 18 and over who access the domestic abuse service. You 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.

About you:

We are looking for a compassionate and proactive IDVA who has experience supporting people affected by domestic abuse, including those experiencing high levels of risk, You are committed to helping survivors make informed choices, improve their safety and access the support and protection they need.

You will have experience of managing a caseload, undertaking risk assessments, developing safety and support plans, and maintaining accurate and confidential case records. You will be confident responding to crisis situations, providing practical and emotional support, and advocating effectively on behalf of clients. You will also understand the importance of working collaboratively with partner agencies to improve outcomes for survivors and their families.

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• Case management and recording: Experience managing a caseload, maintaining accurate and timely case records, completing assessments (including DASH RIC) and documenting interventions and outcomes. Experience using InForm or a similar case management system would be an advantage.

• Risk assessment and safety planning: Experience assessing and responding to domestic abuse risk, developing and reviewing individualised safety plans, and identifying appropriate risk management strategies.

• Support planning: The ability to develop person-centred support plans that reflect individual needs, strengths, wishes and circumstances, helping clients access appropriate services and achieve their goals.

• Safeguarding and multi-agency working: Experience identifying and responding to safeguarding concerns involving children and adults at risk, making appropriate referrals and working with partner agencies. Knowledge of MARAC processes and experience contributing to multi-agency risk management or safeguarding meetings would be beneficial.

• Knowledge of legal remedies: An understanding of the civil and criminal justice options available to survivors of domestic abuse, including protective orders, and the ability to provide information and support to help clients understand their options.

• Advocacy and partnership working: Strong advocacy, communication and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to challenge barriers, represent clients’ interests and work effectively with agencies including the police, local authorities, housing, health and social care services.

• Trauma-informed practice: An understanding of, and commitment to, strengths-based, person-centred and trauma-informed approaches that recognise the impact of domestic abuse, promote choice and empower survivors.

• Professional judgement and teamwork: The ability to work proactively and sensitively, manage competing priorities, respond to urgent situations, maintain professional boundaries and work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

You will hold a recognised IDVA or Domestic Abuse Prevention Advocate (DAPA) qualification, or an equivalent relevant qualification, and be committed to ongoing learning and professional development.

How to apply:

Please apply with an up to date copy of your CV and your cover letter via our website.

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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 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.