Independent domestic violence advocate and jobs

We are looking for a Senior Independent Domestic Violence Advocate who is passionate about supporting male victim/survivors of abuse to join our unique specialist housing support project (Ashraya Project) for Male victims of domestic abuse. The role is a hybrid working role based at our London office close to Old Street tube station with travel throughout London as required.

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.
• Generous Annual Leave: 28 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 33 days plus Bank Holidays, with options to buy or sell annual leave.
• Birthday Leave: An extra day off for your birthday.
• Pension Plan: 5% employer contribution.
• Enhanced Allowances: Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity payments.
• Exclusive Discounts: High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment, and leisure discounts.
• Financial Wellbeing: Access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary-deducted finance.
• Wellbeing Support: Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
• Inclusive Networks: Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes.
• Sustainable Travel: Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans.
• Career Development: Ongoing training and support with opportunities for career progression.
• Practice Support: Clinical supervision and group reflective practice

You will:

Effectively manage and provide a pro-active, high quality frontline service to male victims of domestic abuse. You will work within a multi-agency framework consisting of MARAC and multi-agency partners when required. This role requires a specialist understanding of the barriers faced by male victims of domestic abuse and harmful practices. We particularly welcome applicants who are male, as they are under-represented in the provision of support to domestic abuse victim survivors.

Key Responsibilities:

• Effectively manage and develop a high quality, innovative and pro-active domestic abuse service for victims and their children, including those at highest risk
• Ensure that the service prioritises the safety, security and dignity of service users and their children
• Be the lead in crisis situations and provide advice and guidance on safeguarding issues and information sharing concerns.
• The role will work collaboratively with the Management team, in order to achieve the implementation of the business plan and the development of the service to maximise positive outcomes for clients.
• Manage a small team, conducting supervision and case reviews to ensure safe practice.
• Carry a caseload, supporting male domestic abuse victim/survivors to increase their safety.
• Develop relationships with partner agencies in this area.

About You:

Ideally, you will have knowledge of migration and asylum routes and the procedures for applying for refugee/asylum status in the UK, legal remedies for domestic abuse victims and have experience of working with housing, homelessness, drug, alcohol, mental health issues and have an understanding of the benefit system.

You will need:

• Experience of supporting people in vulnerable situations, having worked with victims of domestic violence & abuse.
• Knowledge of safeguarding issues, legal responsibilities and GDPR & data protection regulations.
• Have strong crisis management skills to support staff dealing with stressful and difficult situations
• Experience of managing a team delivering front line support to victims or domestic abuse or vulnerable people to a high standard
• A passion for working with male victim/survivors
• Experience of working with housing agencies or in a housing setting is advantageous

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details

About Us:

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.

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.

At Victim Support, we're proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We're committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.

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 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 Advisor covering the Stoke Area to join the New Era team working 37.5 hours per week. The role will focus on the identifying risk and meeting the needs of those affected by domestic abuse. The role will be covering the Tamworth area but travel across Staffordshire will be required.

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 will work across Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent, but will be based in our Stafford office. Hybrid working is considered following our mandatory six month probationary period. Travel across the whole of Staffordshire will be required.

As an IDVA you will be asked to:

• Provide a pro-active, high quality, frontline service to victims of domestic abuse through on-going risk assessment, individual safety planning, advocacy, emotional and practical support.
• Work within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC and local partnership responses to domestic abuse to keep safety central to all services for victims of domestic abuse
• Promoting the service and raising awareness of issues arising, minimising barriers and improving access to support

You will need:

• Experience of providing support those affected by domestic abuse
• Experience of undertaking need and risk assessments and creating safety plans
• Experience of the MARAC and other partnership processes
• Experience of multi agency working

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

About Us:

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.

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.

At Victim Support, we're proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We're committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.

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 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.

About the role

This role builds on work that we have been doing for decades to support and empower LGBT people who have experienced abuse or violence. Your work will enable TNBI people to feel supported, heard and empowered in the face of abuse and violence, and pave the way to a safer future for our community.

You will be joining our advocacy and support team, supporting TNBI survivors across the UK. You will work directly with TNBI victims/survivors, offering them a space to talk and think through options, helping them plan what they want to do, and offering assistance in getting what they need from services. Your work will focus on needs specifically related to experiences of abuse or violence, including issues such as wellbeing, support with the criminal and civil justice process, safety and access to other services to enable survivors to cope and recover. You will be empathetic and thoughtful in your approach to understanding your clients’ needs, while remaining boundaried and mindful of self-care.

You will work with mainstream services to ensure the voices and experiences of TNBI survivors are represented in order to make change for our community at a local and national level. You will also work closely with key partner organisations by attending meetings and have the opportunity to take part in external work to ensure a joined-up approach among services working with LGBT people facing abuse and violence.

Location: Galop’s offices are located in London. This role will be hybrid working, with both home working and working from the office.
Hours: Full Time (35 hours per week)
Contract: Until 31 March 2027 (extension subject to funding)
Reports to: Senior TNBI Independent Victim Advocate
Salary: You will start on scale point F1, £31,986.91 per year (including London Weighting of £4,212.01).

Closing Date

Applications should be submitted by 10am on 11th February 2026.
Interviews will be held on 19th and 20th February 2026.

REF-226 154

We are recruiting for a IDVA to join our team in Hertfordshire; the scope on this job involves….

Job Title: IDVA

Location: Hertfordshire
Salary: £28,857.12 per annum
Contract type: Full-time, Permanent

Hours: 37.5

We want kind and empathic people to work at Refuge, who believe in equality, diversity, and inclusion, are experts in their area of knowledge, want to make a positive difference and improve the lives of the women and children we support.

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate to supporting women and children who are impacted by domestic violence. You will work closely with victims of domestic abuse from the point of crisis, to provide high quality independent advocacy and support to survivors of domestic abuse at the highest risk and their children.

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

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: 9.00am on 9 February 2026

Interview date: 16 February 2026

Benefits

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.

We are recruiting for a IDVA to join our team in Wandsworth; the scope on this job involves….

Job Title: IDVA

Location: Wandsworth
Salary: £28,857.12 per annum
Contract type: Full-time, Permanent

Hours: 37.5

Refuge is recruiting an Independent Domestic Abuse Advocate (IDVA) to join our Enhanced Support Outreach Team, focusing on supporting clients living in Wandsworth.

The IDVA will provide high quality, trauma informed independent advocacy and support to survivors of domestic abuse, and additionally face multiple disadvantages in accessing support service across Wandsworth. Funded by MOPAC (Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime), this post focuses on improving access to justice, safety and holistic support for individuals affected by domestic abuse, including those navigating the criminal justice system.

We are looking for someone who is passionate, committed and cares about the work Refuge undertakes. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of domestic abuse and the impact this has on survivors and their children. They will be able to work under pressure to effectively manage risk and provide needs-led support to clients with a variety of support needs.

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. This is an opportunity to join a brand-new service and improve the local multi agency partnership to recognise, reject and respond to all forms of gender-based abuse.

Closing date: 9.00am on 3 February 2026

Interview date: 12 February 2026

Benefits

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.

We are recruiting for a Housing Advocate to join our team in Hertfordshire; the scope on this job involves….

Job Title: Housing Advocate

Location: Hertfordshire
Salary: £28,857.12 per annum
Contract type: Full-time, Permanent

Hours: 37.5

We want kind and empathic people to work at Refuge, who believe in equality, diversity, and inclusion, are experts in their area of knowledge, want to make a positive difference and improve the lives of the women and children we support.

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Housing Advocate to support women and children who are impacted by domestic abuse. You will work closely with victims of domestic abuse from the point of crisis, to provide high quality independent advocacy and support to survivors of domestic abuse at the highest risk and their children.

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

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: 9.00am on 13 February 2026

Interview date: 23 February 2026

Benefits

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.

Job Title: Eastern European IGVA

Location:Hybrid working with a requirement to occasionally work at Head Office (Vauxhall, London) and co-locations in three West London boroughs (Ealing, Brent, Hounslow)
Salary: £28,857.12 per annum (Inclusive of London Weighting, which may not be applicable depending on your home location and any agreed permanent homeworking arrangement)

Contract type: Permanent, Full-time

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

We are excited to share an opportunity to join Refuge as an Eastern European Independent Gender  Violence Advocate (IGVA) as we enter an important new chapter of growth, supported by funding from the National Lottery Community Fund. This is a vital role which provides high quality practical and emotional support to survivors of domestic abuse and their children in the community.

You will be part of a highly skilled and supportive team committed to collaborative working and continuous learning. This role offers the chance to strengthen multi-agency partnerships to enhance outreach and support for survivors, while also contributing to increasing professional understanding of the specific needs of Eastern European women and children affected by domestic abuse and violence.

You will provide capacity-building in the form of advice, advocacy, support, and briefings across three London boroughs to statutory agencies and community organizations around the needs of Eastern European domestic abuse survivors, to embed best practice across our communities.

It is essential for candidates to be proficient in one or more Eastern European languages.

We particularly encourage applications from Romanian, Lithuanian or Polish speaking candidates.

You will have proven experience of providing direct emotional and practical support to women as well as up-to-date knowledge of legislation relating to survivors of gender-based violence.

You will have excellent casework skills, good written and verbal communication skills, clear professional boundaries and be a proactive team player.

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: 9:00am on 9 February 2026

Interview dates: 16 and 17 February 2026

The Advocacy Team Leader is a key operational leadership role responsible for the day-to-day delivery, coordination, and quality assurance of Respond’s specialist ISVA and advocacy services for autistic people and people with learning disabilities affected by sexual violence, trauma, or abuse. 

This role combines operational leadership, case allocation and triage, supervision and quality oversight, alongside holding a small caseload of complex cases. You will help ensure high-quality, trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming advocacy in line with ISVA national minimum standards, safeguarding requirements and contract outcomes. 

The Team Leader plays a central role in embedding trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming practice, supporting safe and reflective decision-making, and representing Respond in key operational and steering forums and working groups. And plays a vital role in building a culture of safe, accountable, and reflective practice and in ensuring advocacy services are delivered with care, consistency, and impact.

An accredited ISVA qualification is essential. 

This advert closes at midnight Thursday 18th February 2026 and interviews will be held Tuesday 24th February 2026.

Main purpose of job: To provide emotional and practical support and information to victims and survivors of sexual violence who have reported to the police, or are considering reporting to the police. 

Location: Hybrid: working from home, with regular attendance at CARA premises in Colchester and regular travel across mid and north Essex.

Preferred start date: ASAP (subject to enhanced DBS Check and satisfactory references)

Salary: £32,151 - £34,020 (pro rata).

Contract: This is a permanent contract.

Hours: 28 - 35 hours per week.  

Holiday: 25 days per year pro-rata, plus additional gift days at Christmas.

To apply: Please complete the application form, which can be downloaded from our website, explaining how your skills and experience relate to the person specification.

Application deadline: 9am, Monday 2nd February 2026.

Interviews:  Wednesday 11th February 2026.  

This post is restricted to women applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1.

Job Description

Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs) provide emotional and practical support and information to victims and survivors of sexual violence who have reported to the police, or are considering reporting to the police. 

The role of an ISVA is to support victims and survivors by:

·Ensuring their voice is heard.

·Helping them make the choices that feel right for them.

·Accompanying them to important appointments and to court.

·Supporting them with their next steps after the legal process is over, regardless of the outcome of the case.

If victims and survivors are considering reporting to the police, ISVAs can also help them by:

·Providing impartial information to enable them to make an informed decision.

·Offering an overview of police processes and what to expect if they do decide to report.

·Supporting them in their next steps.

CARA provides an ISVA service to adults, young people and children who have been victims of sexual violence from across mid and North Essex, and Uttlesford.

Most ISVA clients are referred to CARA through the Police or the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC).  Clients can also refer themselves.

Duties and Responsibilities

For all clients

· To liaise with CARA’s Information and Referrals Coordinator and First Contact Navigators in supporting new referrals to the ISVA service.

· To undertake risk assessment and support needs analysis with clients.

· To develop individual service plans to address risks/support needs of clients. 

· To help clients access services to which they are entitled, e.g. through setting up fast-track referral systems to sexual health follow-up services, making referrals to mental health services, assisting with return to work/absence from work arrangements.

· To provide face-to-face and telephone support (non-therapeutic) to clients and their supporters where appropriate. 

· To help clients to develop their own support network.

· To explain criminal, legal and if relevant, civil remedies to clients.

· To provide information in relation to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.

· Where relevant and with client’s consent, to keep other agencies informed about important changes in client’s situation.

· To consider safeguarding issues and follow CARA’s safeguarding policy and procedures.

If a client reports to the Police

· To support the client throughout their time in the criminal justice system, explaining the procedures and their role and rights within it.

· Subject to local arrangements and their wishes, to support the client at every step; from the provision of their witness statement through to a trial.

· To liaise with the police and CPS on behalf of the client.  To keep them informed about the progress of their case on behalf of the police in line with the requirements of the Victims Code of Practice.

· To participate in case conferences with the police and CPS. 

· To understand and support the need for some clients to access special measures.

General

· To manage a caseload of around 50 clients (pro rata), including adults, young people and children.

· To travel to client meetings in a variety of settings, including outreach premises and clients’ homes.

· To maintain and monitor records, using a purpose-built online database.

· To follow procedures and protocols so that the safety of the client is kept central to any process.

· To note and feedback to other agencies any difficulties clients are having accessing their service.

· To contribute to the development of service policies, protocols, guidelines and strategies within areas of practice as necessary. 

· To develop and maintain effective communication systems with key partners including the police, CPS, HMCTS, social services, education, primary care trust (mental and sexual health), Victim Support, Witness Service, CAFCASS and voluntary sector organisations.

·To participate in team meetings, supervision, training and development. 

·To participate in co-location working within Colchester and Chelmsford police stations.

· To provide specialist advice to other workers and agencies, including participation in the delivery of training sessions.

· To have a clear understanding of the myths surrounding sexual violence, and the trauma and long-term mental health effects it creates, including self-harm, suicidal feelings and suicide attempts.

· To be aware of resources available regarding interpreters, signers etc.

· To attend regular team meetings and to work with colleagues to further the objectives of CARA.

· To adhere in full to all CARA’s organisational policies and procedures, including safeguarding.

· To report to the ISVA Manager, Head of Operations, CEO and Trustees as required, including the production of written reports.

· To be administratively self-servicing.

· To undertake any other related activities as required by the ISVA Manager, Head of Operations, CEO or Board of Trustees.

About CARA

CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse) works with victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs. 

CARA is a registered charity working with adults of all genders, young people and children from across mid and north Essex.  We have a head office in Colchester and outreach premises in Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton-on-Sea, Great Dunmow and Harwich.  We also provide remote services.

CARA seeks to be an inclusive organisation that actively encourages, supports and values diversity amongst both our service-users and our workers.  We wish to create a culture in which discrimination, in all its forms, is recognised and addressed.

You can read more about CARA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion on our website.  We encourage and welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds.

About Synergy East

CARA is part of Synergy East. We work closely with SERICC Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis) to deliver the contract for the Office for the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex for services for victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse across Essex.

Overview

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.

This ISAC role is set within the Wiltshire Domestic Abuse service, providing specialist stalking advice, consultancy and support to high risk victims of domestic abuse stalking across Wiltshire. You will be working in a multiagency environment including police, other statutory bodies and third sector organisations to respond to and safeguard high risk victims, bridging gaps in their support.

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.

This role may include evening and weekend work when required.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with high risk victims of domestic abuse stalking, providing a targeted service, promoting safety as the central issue and thus reducing the risk of serious harm or death.
• To provide this service both at time of crisis and in longer term e.g. safety planning, risk assessing advocacy, support through the criminal justice/civil legal process and liaison with other statutory and voluntary agencies.
• Complete specialist risk assessments (SASH and DASH).
• Manage a caseload ensuring each person receives the appropriate service individual to their risk and needs.
• Provide proactive, trauma responsive and holistic support, with a focus on increasing safety and reducing risk.
• Work with criminal justice agencies as well as a variety of partners including Victim Support, Children’s Social Care and Housing, to ensure a comprehensive approach to risk.
• Provide specialist advocacy to victims going through the criminal justice process.
• Attend Multi Agency meetings (Stalking Clinic) and Multi-agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC) and Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) meetings as required.
• Give information and support to those experiencing stalking, enabling and empowering them to make positive choices about options available to them and assist them in regaining control of their lives.
• Support other agencies in the identification and referral of stalking issues via promotion of service and institutional advocacy.
• Offer professional consultancy, training and advice to other agencies on stalking.
• Respect and value the diversity of the community in which the services works in, and recognise the needs and concerns of a diverse range of survivors ensuring the service is accessible to all.
• Support colleagues and Head of Service to monitor data and report on quality outcomes.

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. 

We are looking for a new Independent Sexual Violence Advisor to join our team in providing advocacy and support to survivors of rape/sexual violence and sexual abuse.The ISVA will be based in our central Reading office, with the option of hybrid working. ISVAs will need to travel within Thames Valley to meet clients as required.

Main Purpose of the Role:

To provide advocacy and support to survivors of sexual violence.  The ISVA will support adults who have reported or are wishing to report this crime navigate the criminal justice system. The ISVA will work closely with the Police Service, Sexual Assault Referral Centre, CPS, and other relevant organisations. 

ISVA Main Duties

· Provide advice, guidance and information to adults who have experienced rape and sexual abuse.

· Support service users that have been referred to Trust House Reading.

· Support clients in making informed choices about their future options.

· Explain relevant criminal, legal and civil remedies and housing options to clients as required.

· Assess the risk and support needs of clients.

· Develop individual support plans to address risks /support needs of clients.

· Ensure that clients are aware of the services to which they are entitled and advocate for them to help them access services.

· Understand the legal framework relating to the protection of children and vulnerable adults including the policy and procedures in relation to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

· Support ISVA clients through the criminal justice system, explaining the procedures and their role and rights within that system, referring to Victim Support or the Witness Care Service as appropriate.

· Support the service user in making a witness statement and attending court.

· Keep the service user informed about case progress on behalf of the police in line with the requirements of the Service Code of Practice.

· Participate in case conferences with the police, CPS and prosecuting barrister.

· Assist clients accessing special measures.

· Liaise with the police, CPS and other service providers on behalf of the service user.

· Provide information and support in relation to Criminal Injuries Compensation.

· Help clients to develop their own support network.

· Refer on and arrange meetings with other agencies/services as necessary, for instance, sexual health services, mental health, drug and alcohol, counselling, housing etc.

· Actively and positively engage with other voluntary sector agencies, including sexual violence specialist agencies e.g. domestic violence service outreach, IDVA and refuge providers.

· Maintain and update records of all cases including initial referral, risk assessment, subsequent risk assessment, care and safety plans, and action taken.

· To understand and assess other support needs of clients, for example translation or interpretation needs and be fully aware of available resources.

· Where an assault is related to domestic violence and the client is assessed as high risk, refer on to Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) following locally agreed protocols (including working proactively with the Independent Domestic Violence Advisor Service), attend and participate in meetings and follow-up on actions agreed in MARAC.

· Contribute to the development of policies, protocols, guidelines, strategies within practice area if necessary.

· Collate areas of service gap and service inadequacy to feed back to the commissioner and the relevant strategic groups.

· Note and feed back to the commissioner and the relevant strategic groups or other appropriate body any consistent difficulties clients are having accessing services.

ISVA Person Specification

Essential:

· Educated to A-level standard.

· Experience of working with vulnerable clients.

· Knowledge of the impact of rape/sexual violence and sexual abuse on service.

· Knowledge of the criminal justice system for survivors of rape and sexual abuse.

· Understanding of the principles of risk assessment and safety planning.

· Pro-active.

· Empathic, with a non-judgmental approach.

· A good listener.

· Strong crisis management skills.

· Understanding of the process of seeking help and barriers to seeking help.

· Good written and verbal communication skills.

· Ability to work on own without close supervision.

· Ability to manage caseload and work priorities.

· Ability to share sensitive information, adhering to protocols.

· Understanding of child protection and safeguarding issues and legal responsibilities.

· Willingness to undertake regular training.

· Willingness and ability to work with clients of all genders.

· Commitment to continued professional development.

· Knowledge of and commitment to diversity issues.

· Ability to work safely and within boundaries.

· Completed accredited ISVA training course (or equivalent) or willingness to complete the training.

· Willingness and ability to travel across the Thames Valley when necessary.

· Computer literate: word-processing, emailing, data collection/spreadsheets.

· Ability and willingness to work in partnership and as part of a team.

Desirable:

· Professional qualification in social work or related field.

· Current full driving license and own vehicle.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Independent Domestic & Sexual Violence Adviser (IDSVA) to join the team in Cumbria, 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 are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent. Our competitive rewards and benefits package includes:

• Flexible Working Options: Including hybrid working.
• Generous Annual Leave: 28 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 33 days plus Bank Holidays, with options to buy or sell annual leave.
• Birthday Leave: An extra day off for your birthday.
• Pension Plan: 5% employer contribution.
• Enhanced Allowances: Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity payments.
• Exclusive Discounts: High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment, and leisure discounts.
• Financial Wellbeing: Access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary-deducted finance.
• Wellbeing Support: Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
• Inclusive Networks: Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes.
• Sustainable Travel: Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans.
• Career Development: Ongoing training and support with opportunities for career progression.

About the role:

We are looking for an Independent Domestic & Sexual Violence Advisor (IDSVA) to be based in our Cumbria team.

This is a 37.5 hour post. The aim of this role is to provide initial contact to victims of Domestic and/or Sexual abuse & provide ongoing support to victims and survivors referred to our Independent Sexual Violence service (ISVA).

As an IDSVA you will be:

• Providing a high quality support and advocacy service to victims of domestic and/or sexual abuse.
• Managing a caseload; identifying and assessing risks and needs, providing a tailored crisis intervention service through 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 across the support sector.

You will need:

• Experience of working in support and advocacy with victims of domestic and/or sexual abuse is advantageous
• 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 and/or sexual 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 is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.

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.

At Victim Support, we're proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We're committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.

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 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.

Birmingham and Solihull Women’s aid have for over 45 years supported women and children with services around domestic violence and abuse. Could you be a part of our team as we continue our mission to end domestic violence and abuse? 

The region’s leading charity in tackling violence against women and girls, BSWA offers a helpline, webchat, drop in and and community support as well as emergency accommodation in six refuges across the area.  

Projects supports women in the criminal justice system, in healthcare settings, and throughout the community, offering support to women and children experiencing domestic violence. Alongside this, we also have staff offering training and consultancy to businesses and health and social care professionals alike, raising awareness on gender based violence issues.  

We seek like-minded women to join our enthusiastic team of workers, all of us passionate about the vital and valuable work we do to support women and children who have experienced domestic abuse, and tackling the wider issues of violence against women and girls. 

·To plan and implement high quality support and advocacy services for women affected by domestic violence who are deemed as being high risk.

· To work within a multi-agency framework to ensure the safety of women is prioritised.

- Providing practical and emotional support to women and children affected by domestic violence.
- Offering advice and information and advocating for service users on a range of issues including homelessness, benefits, legal, social welfare issues etc.
- Developing and maintaining effective working relationships with external agencies
- Working within safeguarding guidelines to protect and promote the well-being of children and vulnerable adults.

Benefits  

• 31 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays) 

• Up to 6% matched pension contribution 

• Free access to Employee Assistance Programme 

• Life Assurance scheme while in employment (a lump sum of 4 times salary) 

• Cycle to Work scheme 

• Health Cash Plan scheme available to all employees from day one 

• Successful candidates may have the opportunity to work under hybrid working arrangements, subject to the role and to the terms of our Hybrid Working Policy 

BSWA is a Disability Confident Employer. We want everyone to have equal chance at being considered for our jobs. Should you be unable to submit your application online and would prefer an alternative method, or you are experiencing another barrier to completing your application, please contact our recruitment team.

These posts are covered by a Genuine Occupational Requirement (Schedule 9; Equality Act 2010) and women only need apply.  

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is at 12 noon on Monday 9th Feb. Interviews will take place weeks commencing 2nd and 9th March.  

We have an exciting opportunity for a Domestic Abuse Practitioner to join the New Era team to support victims of domestic abuse, working 37.5 hours a week. 9am -5pm Monday to Friday, with occasional Saturday working if required (day off in lieiu). This post is a fixed term role until the end of March 2027.

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 a Domestic Abuse Practitioner you will be:

• Providing pro-active, high quality, frontline service to victims of domestic violence and abuse through on-going risk assessment, individual safety planning, advocacy, emotional and practical support.
• Working within a multi-agency framework with a focus of keeping victims of domestic abuse safe.
• Working with survivors and other agencies to monitor the care pathway.

You will need:

• The ability to identify and assess the risks and needs of domestic abuse victims using an evidence-based risk identification checklist.

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

About Us:

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.

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.

At Victim Support, we're proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We're committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.

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 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.