Independent mental health advocate jobs

Mind in Brighton and Hove empowers and supports people who have experience of mental health issues in Brighton and Hove, East Sussex and West Sussex. Our Advocacy Services take action to help people say what they want, secure their rights, represent their interests, and obtain services they need.

We are seeking an experienced, enthusiastic manager to support, develop and manage staff delivering high quality mental health advocacy services and ensure services reflect best practice. You will work closely with other agencies, delivering services in partnership and identify opportunities for service development.

The successful applicant will have excellent communication skills, knowledge of and commitment to advocacy services and experience of managing and delivering mental health services with a strong client focus.

In return, we offer a range of benefits including full induction, learning and development opportunities, and 29 days’ leave (pro rata) per year excluding bank holidays, 3% pension contribution and access to a confidential 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme.

Full job details and an application pack can be found on our website.

Closing date: 5pm on Monday 12th January 2026.

Interviews will take place on Wednesday 21st January 2026 at 51 New England St, Brighton BN1 4GQ.

Alternative interview dates may be available, if required.

We are committed to equal opportunities and we value diversity in our workforce and aim to recruit a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage applications from everyone irrespective of age, disability (including experience of living with mental health issues), gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership and pregnancy and maternity.

All successful applicants are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Be part of something new! Be a voice! Build change!

We are recruiting for motivated, values-driven advocates to join a new, innovative community gender-based abuse support service in Southwark. This is not a traditional role. You will support people of all genders and help shape a service built around prevention, creativity, and community voice.

The Role

You will work directly with people in community settings, carrying out risk and needs assessments, creating safety plans and using trauma-informed and coaching approaches. You’ll be part of a fast-paced, dynamic team working in new and flexible ways.

About You

We’re looking for people who are:

• Confident, reliable, and proactive

• Creative, solutions focused and adaptable

• Passionate about prevention and community-led work

• Strong at building trust and relationships

Experience in VAWG (violence against women and girls), domestic abuse, sexual violence or safeguarding is helpful, but your mindset, values and reliability matter most. We will provide full training, induction and support.

If you want purpose, challenge, and the chance to help build something new, this role is for you.

How to apply

If you are interested in applying, please:

1 – Download a copy of our standard application form 

2 – Return a completed copy.

3 – Include a covering letter up to 2 pages long, explaining how you meet the Person Specification for the role. The job description and person specification is available online

Deadline for applications is midnight, Sunday 11th January 2026.

Interviews will be held on 20th and 21st January 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a short written test on the day of interview.

Bede works with children and adults at risk of harm, and we have Safer Recruitment policies and procedures in place to ensure that they are protected from abuse. These roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check.
 

IDVA, Southwark, SE London

Salary: £28,860 FTE, review pending and rising with experience

Location: Southwark

Hours: 35hrs/week. Jobholders work with colleagues to cover core service hours of 8:00 am to 6:00pm, Monday to Friday.

Job Title: Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA)

Location: Warwickshire
Salary: £25,857.12 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 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.

The role will be part of increasing the ability of partner agencies to recognize, reject and respond appropriately and safely to all forms of gender-based violence (including domestic violence, sexual, financial, and emotional abuse, female genital mutilation, forced marriage and honor-based violence).

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 12 January 2026

Interview date: 22 January 2026

Do you want to work with a leading advocacy charity organisation supporting those in need?  

Do you have experience of working or volunteering in welfare, support or health and social care and are looking for a new challenge? 

Are you keen to make a difference to people who want to be heard? 

Then come and join us here at VoiceAbility. 

We have an exciting opportunity for an Advocate to join our team in Bradford.  Your role will require you to travel to locations such as hospitals and care homes across the area to meet with clients and professionals and be home based for administration; therefore, a suitable home internet connection is essential. 

About us 

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website. 

About you

Desirably you will have some experience of working as an Advocate, providing welfare, supporting, or caring for Adults or young people who have support needs, ideally for those with a variety of communication needs, mental ill health, physical health issues, or barriers to accessing education and support.

You should have worked or volunteered in health, social care, welfare, support services, education or young person’s services, or advice and guidance.

How will you make a difference?

You will be responsible for ensuring the individual’s wishes, feelings, beliefs, needs, and values are met to create positive outcomes for the people you support.

You will support people to speak up for themselves and grow in confidence, equip them to understand and exercise their rights and options, and will assist them in the decision-making process relating to their care, treatment, and support.

You will work resourcefully and collaboratively with the individuals you support.  You’ll be creative in your approach to empower our clients by ensuring you meaningfully explain people’s options and rights to them.  You’ll support individuals to fully participate in decisions affecting them and will make sure they have their voices heard. 

Professional Development?

You will have plenty of opportunities to enhance your professional abilities and you will make a real difference every day. Advocates are expected to be willing to gain, or to already hold, the Level 3 Award in Independent Advocacy Practice with disciplines suitable for the role they work in.

Benefits

· 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time colleagues) rising to 30 days upon 5 years’ service

· 5% employer pension & minimum 3% employee contribution

· Salary sacrifices pension scheme

· Separate Life Assurance Cover (equivalent of two times your annual salary)

· Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays, gym membership etc

· 24/7 Employee Assistance programme

· Access to remote counselling service

· Paid Disability Leave

· Paid compassionate Leave

· Home Working Allowance 

Support with continuous professional development

Access to Clifton Strengths Coaching for development 

Personal Development Plans

How are staff supported to work remotely?

VoiceAbility has a small number of offices. Employees including Team Leaders are homebased for Administration and meetings will be held online as well as in person in the relevant community.

When you need to travel for work, expenses will be paid (mileage or public transport costs). 

VoiceAbility offers the usual regular manager one to ones, Staff forums and communities of practice depending on role. Team meetings with a mix of virtual and in person approach.

Equality and Diversity

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. 

How to apply

To apply for this role please sign up for a recruitment account by clicking the apply button on this page. Follow the instructions to create your account, upload your CV, and complete our short application form. 

Important Dates:

Closing date for applications; 9th January 2026 12:00

Don’t forget to read the person specification so you can tell us about yourself and how your skills, abilities and experiences match the criteria outlined in the person specification.

We look forward to hearing from you.

We are looking for an Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA) to support and empower adult survivors of sexual violence and abuse.

They will offer practical and emotional support and advice to survivors, helping them to understand and access their rights and any other services they might require. They will also help keep service users safe and support them through the criminal justice system, should they choose to report, which includes liaising with the police and other criminal justice agencies and keeping survivors informed of case progress.

This post is part of a countywide ISVA team providing a pro-active service to children, young people and adult survivors of sexual violence and abuse, within and outside of the criminal justice system.

Please note: It is an occupational requirement that the post holder is female, in line with the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1, Paragraph 1.

Job Title: Health Advocate Educator - Maternity Cover

Location: Warwickshire
Salary: £25,857.12 per annum
Contract type: Full Time, Fixed Term (from 1 March 2026 until 1 April 2027 - Maternity cover)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Domestic Abuse Health Advocate Educator 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.

The Health Advocate Educator will support healthcare teams to identify domestic abuse at an early stage and ensure appropriate responses and referral pathways are offered to female, male and non-binary survivors of domestic violence and abuse. In addition, the post holder will directly support survivors of domestic abuse and hold their own case load.

The post holder will collaborate with the local ICB and Service Manager to strengthen connections with healthcare teams and create effective partnerships that support survivors. 

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 6 January 2026

Interview Date: 15 January 2026

ob Title: Health Advocate Educator

Location: Warwickshire
Salary: £12,928.56 per annum 
Contract type: Part Time, Permanent

Hours: 18.75 hours per week. Monday and Tuesday – 9am-5pm and Wednesday – 9am-12:45pm. Occasional late shift: 12:30pm – 8:30pm on a rota basis (approximately 2-3 days a month) 

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Domestic Abuse Health Advocate Educator 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.

The Health Advocate Educator will support healthcare teams to identify domestic abuse at an early stage and ensure appropriate responses and referral pathways are offered to female, male and non-binary survivors of domestic violence and abuse. In addition, the post holder will directly support survivors of domestic abuse and hold their own case load.

The post holder will collaborate with the local ICB and Service Manager to strengthen connections with healthcare teams and create effective partnerships that support survivors. 

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 5 January 2026

Interview Date: 12 January 2026

We are looking for a proactive and compassionate Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) to support male victims and survivors of domestic abuse. This role is full-time and is based at the Victim Support office in Old Street with some opportunity for home working.

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

As an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate you will provide pro-active, high quality, frontline service to male victims of domestic abuse through on-going risk assessment, providing individual safety planning, trauma-informed support, guidance, information, and advocacy and enabling victim/survivors to access the services they need in the aftermath of the abuse and trauma they have experienced.

You may make initial contact with victims of crime, explaining our services and assessing the impact of crime, or receive referrals from colleagues, in order to provide on-going support and case management. You will work within a multi-agency framework consisting of the 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.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assess risks and needs using evidence-based checklists.
• Focus on high-risk cases with short to medium-term crisis intervention.
• Assist high-risk victims in accessing safety services.
• Deliver tailored support and information.
• Understand legal frameworks for protecting children and vulnerable adults.
• Provide advocacy on legal, housing, health, and financial options.
• Empower clients to recognize domestic abuse dynamics.
• Participate in Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC).
• Work with a team to deliver respectful, dignified, and sensitive services.
• Maintain accurate and confidential case records.
• Comply with data protection laws and organizational policies.
• Stay updated with procedures, policies, and professional codes.

About You:

Ideally, you will have knowledge about legal remedies for domestic abuse victims and have experience working with drug, alcohol, and mental health issues. An understanding of benefits, housing, and homelessness would also be beneficial.

You will need:

• Strong understanding of domestic abuse and its impact.
• Demonstrate proficiency in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Experience in statutory, voluntary, or multi-agency settings.
• Competency in risk and needs assessment frameworks.
• Understanding of safeguarding issues.
• Direct service delivery experience to victims or vulnerable people.
• Ability to manage complex caseloads and prioritize work.
• Strong crisis management skills.
• Effective communication, negotiation, and advisory skills.
• Commitment to equal opportunities and diversity.

Please note that we are committed to provide support where victims can choose to be supported by someone of their own gender and so this post is open to male applicants only as being male is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.

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 are looking for a proactive and compassionate Hospital Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) to support victims and survivors of domestic abuse within a hospital setting. This role is full-time to provide maternity cover. The role is based at West Middlesex Hospital along with some working from the Victim Support office in Old Street and some home working.

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

As an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate you will provide pro-active, high quality, frontline service to victims of domestic abuse through on-going risk assessment, providing individual safety planning, trauma-informed support, guidance, information, and advocacy and enabling victim/survivors to access the services they need in the aftermath of the abuse and trauma they have experienced.

You may work within a Hospital Trust's Safeguarding Team to support both patients and staff in an Acute Hospital setting, who have experienced Domestic Abuse. You will make initial contact with victims of domestic abuse, explaining our services and assessing the impact of crime, or receive referrals from colleagues, in order to provide on-going support and case management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assess risks and needs using evidence-based checklists.
• Focus on high-risk cases with short to medium-term crisis intervention.
• Assist high-risk victims in accessing safety services.
• Deliver tailored support and information.
• Understand legal frameworks for protecting children and vulnerable adults.
• Provide advocacy on legal, housing, health, and financial options.
• Empower clients to recognize domestic abuse dynamics.
• Participate in Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC).
• Work with a team to deliver respectful, dignified, and sensitive services.
• Maintain accurate and confidential case records.
• Comply with data protection laws and organizational policies.
• Stay updated with procedures, policies, and professional codes.

About You:

Ideally, you will have knowledge about legal remedies for domestic abuse victims and have experience working with drug, alcohol, and mental health issues. An understanding of benefits, housing, and homelessness would also be beneficial.

You will need:

• Strong understanding of domestic abuse and its impact.
• Demonstrate proficiency in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Experience in statutory, voluntary, or multi-agency settings.
• Competency in risk and needs assessment frameworks.
• Understanding of safeguarding issues.
• Direct service delivery experience to victims or vulnerable people.
• Ability to manage complex caseloads and prioritize work.
• Strong crisis management skills.
• Effective communication, negotiation, and advisory skills.
• Commitment to equal opportunities and diversity.

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.

The CYP Link Counsellor role makes a real difference by providing children and young people who have experienced Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) or other forms of sexual violence and abuse with timely, appropriate, trauma-informed, and compassionate specialist support as part of our wider CYP Services.

• Deliver specialist, boundaried, relational, and trauma-informed counselling for children and young people aged 5–17 who have been subjected to or are at risk of CSE.
• Actively engage children and young people to rebuild trust and encourage participation in Counselling and Independent Sexual Violence Advocacy (ISVA) services.
• Provide counselling in safe, secure environments where young people feel supported.
• Tailor counselling and therapy to individual needs and abilities, including conducting assessments and creating therapeutic plans.
• Maintain awareness of contextual safeguarding issues and respond promptly and professionally to any concerns.

Job Title: Health Advocate Educator - Full Time

Location: Warwickshire
Salary: £25,857.12 per annum
Contract type: Full Time, Permanent 

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Domestic Abuse Health Advocate Educator 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.

The Health Advocate Educator will support healthcare teams to identify domestic abuse at an early stage and ensure appropriate responses and referral pathways are offered to female, male and non-binary survivors of domestic violence and abuse. In addition, the post holder will directly support survivors of domestic abuse and hold their own case load.

The post holder will collaborate with the local ICB and Service Manager to strengthen connections with healthcare teams and create effective partnerships that support survivors. 

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 January 2026

Interview Date: 19 January 2026

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

About us

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

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

Role

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

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

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

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

Benefits of Working with Us

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

How to apply

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

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

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

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

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

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

We are looking for a proactive and compassionate Independent Domestic & Sexual Violence Advocate (IDSVA) to support victims and survivors of domestic abuse within a hospital setting in conjunction with Sexual Health London. This role is full-time to on a temporary contract. The role is based at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital along with some working from the Victim Support office in Old Street and some home working.

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

As an Independent Domestic & Sexual Violence Advocate you will provide pro-active, high quality, frontline service to victims of domestic and sexual abuse through on-going risk assessment, providing individual safety planning, trauma-informed support, guidance, information, and advocacy and enabling victim/survivors to access the services they need in the aftermath of the abuse and trauma they have experienced.

You will work within a hospital setting to support both patients and staff. You will make initial contact with victims of domestic and sexual abuse, explaining our services and assessing the impact of crime, or receive referrals from colleagues, in order to provide on-going support and case management. Support could include empowering the client to report to the police, accessing Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) services, and specialist support such as pretrial therapy and sexual violence counselling.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assess risks and needs using evidence-based checklists.
• Focus on high-risk cases with short to medium-term crisis intervention.
• Assist high-risk victims in accessing safety services.
• Deliver tailored support and information.
• Understand legal frameworks for protecting children and vulnerable adults.
• Provide advocacy on legal, housing, health, and financial options.
• Empower clients to recognize domestic abuse dynamics.
• Participate in Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC).
• Work with a team to deliver respectful, dignified, and sensitive services.
• Maintain accurate and confidential case records.
• Comply with data protection laws and organizational policies.
• Stay updated with procedures, policies, and professional codes.

About You:

Ideally, you will have knowledge about legal remedies for domestic abuse victims and have experience working with drug, alcohol, and mental health issues. An understanding of benefits, housing, and homelessness would also be beneficial.

You will need:

• Strong understanding of domestic and sexual abuse and its impact.
• Demonstrate proficiency in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Experience in statutory, voluntary, or multi-agency settings.
• Competency in risk and needs assessment frameworks.
• Understanding of safeguarding issues.
• Direct service delivery experience to victims or vulnerable people.
• Ability to manage complex caseloads and prioritize work.
• Strong crisis management skills.
• Effective communication, negotiation, and advisory skills.
• Commitment to equal opportunities and diversity.

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.

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

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

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

Key Responsibilities

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

General Responsibilities

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

Application

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

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

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

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