Independent victims advocate jobs

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 LGBT 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 growing national advocacy team, supporting survivors remotely across the UK. You will work directly with LGBT 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 LGBT 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.
 
This is a pivotal moment in Galop’s journey. We have grown quickly over the last five years and you will be part of the future of our work. You’ll help us reach, support and assist more of our community nationally. You’ll be helping to amplify the voices of LGBT survivors of abuse and ensure that they are at the centre of Galop’s service.
 
For more information on this role please download the attached job description.
 
Location: This is a remote post, working from home. The role will include travel to our London building and occasional travel across the UK.
Hours: Full Time (35 hours per week)
Contract: Until 31 March 2026 (extension subject to funding)
Reports to: Advocacy & Support Manager/Senior Advocate
Salary: Grade F: £27,230.31 - £31,878.96
 
Closing Date
 
Applications should be submitted by 10am on 20th May
Interviews will be held on week commencing 2nd June
 
REF-221199

We have an exciting opportunity for an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) to join the team in London, working 37.5 hours a week.  This role involves both face to face and virtual support in a hybrid model of working, you will work from home, Victim Support Office in London.

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 is based in Islington (plus any information about travel, hybrid working, flexible)

As an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate you will:

• Implement effective ways of working with victims and those supporting them to increase safety and reduce harm.
• Provide a high-quality, front-line service to victims of domestic abuse, delivering a premium service prioritised according to risk, primarily focusing on victim/survivors aged 16+
• 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.

You will need:

• Have a knowledge of help-seeking barriers and support needs of victims of domestic abuse (in heterosexual or same-sex relationships). 
• Have a good understanding of domestic abuse including the impact of domestic abuse on victims and their children.
• Understand the principles of risk assessment, safety planning and risk management for victims of domestic abuse and their children
• Understand safeguarding issues, and the legal responsibilities surrounding these issues.
• Direct service delivery to victims of domestic abuse or other vulnerable people.
• Have excellent communication, negotiation and advocacy skills, both written and verbal when interacting with a range of agencies and individuals. Understand and be committed to equal opportunities and diversity issues in policy and practice.
• Have a strong crisis management skills and the ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations.

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

About Us:

Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by our Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events. Working for VS gives you the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing high quality services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.

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.

Victim Support strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.
As part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.

If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best.

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 look forward to hearing from you.

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.

Job Title: Independent Domestic Violence Advocate

Location: Warwickshire
Salary: £25,857.12 per annum
Contract type: Full Time, Fixed Term Contract (21/01/2026)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

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: 6 May 2025

Interview Date: 15 May 2025

Job Title: Independent Domestic Violence Advocate

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

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

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: 09:00am 6 May 2025

Interview Date: 16 May 2025

We're Hiring: Senior Specialist ISVA (Independent Sexual Violence Advocate)

 Location: London / Hybrid
Full-time (35 hours/week) | Fixed term until March 2026

Salary: £30,615 per annum
Closing Date: 14/04/2025

Are you passionate about supporting adults with learning disabilities and autistic people affected by sexual violence?

Respond is looking for a compassionate and experienced Senior Specialist ISVA to support and lead our ISVA team, working with adults with complex needs. You’ll hold a caseload, offer trauma-informed advocacy, and help shape our ISVA services alongside the ISVA Manager.

This is a key role for someone ready to take the next step in service development, frontline support, and sector collaboration.

About You:
ISVA-trained with frontline experience
Skilled in advocacy for adults with learning disabilities and autistic people
Confident in partnership working and team supervision
Committed to trauma-informed, rights-based practice

Why Join Us? 

Be part of a specialist, trauma-informed team making a real difference. 
Receive ongoing training and professional development. 
Work in a supportive and collaborative environment. 
Hybrid/flexible working options available. 

How to Apply 
If you’re ready to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you! Send your CV and a cover letter outlining how you meet the criteria by 14th May 2025.

 Got questions? Get in touch at via Charity Job. 

Join us in creating a safer, more inclusive world for survivors of domestic abuse.

Apply now to be part of a passionate team making real change.
 

Be Part of Something Bigger: Join the Suzy Lamplugh Trust and Help Shape Safer Communities

Are you passionate about making a real, lasting difference in people's lives? Do you have the resilience, empathy, and adaptability to support victims and help drive real change?

If you thrive in an innovative, collaborative, and learning-focused environment, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
For nearly 40 years, the Suzy Lamplugh Trust has been at the forefront of personal safety, standing up for victims, influencing national policy, and raising awareness to creat safer, more confident communities. 
From launching award-winning services to being a trusted voice in national media, our work has real visibility, real credibility, and real impact.  When you join us, your work doesn't disappear into the background it makes headlines, shapes policy, and changes lives.

We're Hiring: Advocates - London Stalking Support Service, Stalking Threat Assessment Centre and National Advocacy
In partnership with MOPAC, this specialist role is your chance to support victims of stalking with expert advice and advocacy for London, all while hlping to shape a trauma-informed, survivor-led approach that leads the sector.  The Stalking Threat Assessment centre is a multi-agency partnership involving the Metropolitan Police, NHS mental health services and Probation services to effectively manage stalking perpetrators and support victims.  Advocates within this team are co-located within the STAC unit, minimum one day a week.

You will be:

• Part of a respected, mission-driven team
• Contributing to a legacy of nearly four decades of meaningful impact
• Part of a strong culture of learning, support, and inclusivity
• Working in a space where your voice matters, and your work truly counts

Initially office-based (London) for 3 months to support a meaningful induction, moving to a blended working model (40% office / 60% home). While London-based candidates are ideal, we'll consider applicants from nearby areas too.

What we offer in return:

In return for our staff’s commitment and dedication, we offer a range of Company Benefits:

• Hybrid working (minimum 40% in the office and agile working enabled to work from home) after 3 monts
• Flexitime Policy 
• 28 days annual leave (which increases after 3 and 5 years to a maximum of 33 days pro rata) + public holiday
• Special leave for life events, such as 1 day off for moving house and a paid day off for your birthday
• Pension scheme with 5% employer contribution 
• Health & Wellbeing App with access to advice, counselling, support and a wide range of discounts 
• Occupational Sick Pay (which increases after 3 years)
• Cycle to Work scheme (cycle racks on site) 
• Interest-free travel loan for annual season ticket 
• Regular all-staff off-site meetings and events

Hours: 35 per week
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £30,135

Deadline: 14th May end of day
First Interviews to take place week beginning 26th May

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to join the Bristol IDVA Service supporting male victims, 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 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 is hybrid between Bridewell Police Station and home (and therefore requires an appropriately confidential home space in which to work), with travel around the locality to meet with service users.

As a Senior IDVA you will:

• Identify and assess the risks and needs of male domestic abuse victims. Assist them in accessing services to keep them and their family safe, and develop individual safety plans to meet client's needs.
• Support the empowerment of clients, assisting them in recognising the features and dynamics of domestic abuse.
• Participate fully in the MARAC framework: refer clients to, attend and participate in meetings by being the voice of the client and follow up actions agreed, keeping the client's safety at the forefront.
• Take a lead in setting an example of good working practices and offer mentoring to colleagues. Be the initial contact for colleagues to provide advice and guidance on their casework.
• Provide information and advocacy to enable service users to navigate and understand the criminal justice process and ensure their rights are upheld in accordance with the Victims Code of Practice.
• Provide effective line management of staff to ensure performance targets and agreed outcomes are met by the service. Monitor and oversee quality of service provision provided by the team, and identify learning and development opportunities. Support performance auditing, interpret data for commissioners and report on this.
• Maintain accurate and confidential case management records and contribute to monitoring the service.

You will need:

• A SafeLives (or equivalent) IDVA qualification.
• Evidence of management capability.
• An ability to work independently and as part of a team, sharing, coaching and influencing others.
• An understanding of the principles of risk assessment, safety planning and risk management.
• Experience of working within a multi-agency and legislative framework.
• Experience of managing a complex caseload, and be able to prioritise work and deal with competing demands.
• The ability to use IT applications competently including, Microsoft Word, Excel etc. and Case Management systems in order to keep accurate records and undertake performance monitoring.
• This role involves regular travel and due to the location, a driving license and access to a vehicle is considered an essential requirement. If you are unable to drive because of a disability please indicate this in your application in your personal statement so we can explore the feasibility of alternative arrangements.

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

About Us:

Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by our Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events. Working for VS gives you the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing high quality services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.

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.

Victim Support strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.As part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we particularly welcome applicants fromBlack, Asian and minority ethnic communities. VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.

If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best.

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 look forward to hearing from you.

We reserve the right to close thisvacancy 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 (IDVA) to join the Domestic Abuse Specialist Service. They will be supporting survivors of domestic abuse in partnership with the Sussex High Harm Perpetrator Programme. This role is full time working 37.5 hours per week on a fixed term contract until 31st March 2026. The role is offered on a hybrid basis, working between home, our office in Brighton, and community locations throughout East Sussex and Brighton & Hove.

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 trauma-informed support 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 hybrid role includes a combination of home, office and community-based working. You will meet regularly with clients at safe locations of their choosing. There will be travel requirements across East Sussex and Brighton & Hove.

As an IDVA you will:

• Empower survivors, supporting them to identify features and dynamics of domestic abuse
• Work with clients referred to the DASS by the High Harm Perpetrator Programme, holding a caseload of varying complexity and prioritising high risk cases for support.
• Conduct comprehensive needs and risk assessments
• Provide individualized safety and support plans, advocacy, practical support and information
• Participate in the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC), acting as the voice of the survivor and delivering on actions agreed
• Use a person-centred, survivor-focused approach, being mindful of the effects of trauma and additional barriers to access survivors of domestic abuse may experience
• Attend the monthly High Harm Panel and other mandatory conferences (including contributing to the Multi-Agency Tasking and Coordination process where applicable), representing the voice of the survivor and sharing relevant information with key agencies to reduce risk and increase safety
• Assist in delivering training, and provide consultancy and advice to other agencies as required

You will need

:
• An understanding of the issues faced by survivors experiencing domestic abuse
• A good understanding of risk assessment, safety planning & risk management for survivors of domestic abuse
• An understanding of safeguarding issues & the legal responsibilities surrounding these
• Experience of delivering services to survivors of domestic abuse and/or other vulnerable people
• Experience of working within a multi-agency and legislative framework, including building relationships with statutory and voluntary service providers
• Experience of managing a complex caseload, prioritising work and dealing with competing demands demonstrating an organised and methodical approach to work
• Ability to deliver indvidualised safety and support plans, demonstrating sufficient knowledge of risk reduction regarding harmful practices and modern slavery
• Ability to deliver training sessions to professional agencies
• Understanding and knowledge of and active commitment to promoting equal opportunities and diversity
• Ability to self-reflect, identify own welfare needs, and put in place effective self-care strategies
• Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

About Us:
Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by our Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events. Working for VS gives you the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing high quality services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.

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.

Victim Support strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.

As part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.

If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best.

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 look forward to hearing from you.

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 Children & Young People Support Worker (internally known as an Independent Victim Advocate- Children & Young People) to join the Children & Young People team in Warwickshire , 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…

This role involves regular travel and due to the location, a driving license and access to a vehicle is considered an essential requirement. If you are unable to drive because of a disability please indicate this in your application in your personal statement so we can explore the feasibility of alternative arrangements.

What we offer:

At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:

• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
• An extra day off for your birthday
• Pension with 5% employer contribution
• Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
• High Street, retail, holiday, entertainment & leisure discounts
• Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
• Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
• Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression

About the role:

As a Children & Young People Independent Victim Advocate you will:

• Provide one to one support to children and young people
• Proactively promote the service, raise awareness of services & work collaboratively with professionals to improve the access to and quality of services for children & young people.
• Play a vital role in ensuring we provide high quality, end-to-end support to children & young people to help them to recover from the effects of crime.
• Undertake risk and needs assessments to address the specific needs of the client in line with VS operating procedures.
• To follow relevant safeguarding policies and procedures, working with safeguarding leads and other agencies to ensure an integrated approach to address any safeguarding concerns.

You will need:

• Experience of working with children and young people.
• Excellent communication skills
• A good understanding of the impact of Domestic Abuse

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

About Us:

Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by our Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events. Working for VS gives you the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing high quality services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.

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.

Victim Support strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.
As part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.

If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best.

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 look forward to hearing from you.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For this role we pay a Recruitment and Retention Allowance to external candidates of £1500 (pro rata for part time roles). This is paid in two payments – half on commencement in the role and the other half following the successful completion of probation. The allowance is subject to deduction for tax and NI.

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

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

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

 

We are looking for a Social Care IDVA - RBKC

 

Salary: £28,000 - £32,000

Location: Across three locations within RBKC and Hammersmith Head Office

Contract: Permanent

Hours p/w        35 hours per week (some working from home up to 2 days)

 

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

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

 

About us

 

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

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

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

About the role:

The Social Care IDVA 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 women whose families are involved with Family Children Services and risk to children is a factor.  You will work to make proactive contact and provide high quality advocacy and support based upon a client led needs and risk assessment to women, focusing on working with those aged 18 and over who access the domestic abuse service. This role is part advocacy, part training/education and project work to improve response to victim/survivors experiencing domestic abuse. You will be embedded in the local authority Family Children Services team, working with Social Care professionals to ensure they adopt a trauma informed approach, can recognise the dynamics of domestic abuse and are providing more holistic support. You will be the domestic abuse subject matter expert on site, upskilling fellow professionals and acting as a point of contact for any clients experiencing domestic abuse and support requirements from Family Children Services.

The Social Care project was established in 2021 and has been working in partnership with Hammersmith and Fulham Family Children Services, so the IDVAs will inherit strong working relationships and a commitment from all parties to offering more trauma-informed services.  The borough has a focus on prioritising and developing good DA work in social care and this is an opportunity to be a major player in institutional change, ensuring that women accessing Family Children services for their children have an improved experience and that the local authorities are leading the way for all survivors engaging with their services.

Advance delivers nationally accredited, quality marked services in Hammersmith & Fulham, Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea, Brent, Ealing, and across parts of East London. We work within a coordinated partnership response to domestic violence to provide independent domestic violence advocacy and support for women, children and young people and women’s community services for women who are involved in the criminal justice system, in anti-social behaviour or are at risk of breaking the law.

About You:

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

 

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

You will establish positive, proactive, and innovative working relationships with housing services and partner agencies.Provide high-quality crisis intervention, information, advocacy, and proactive support to women referred to the service, in respect to risk management and safety planning, criminal and civil remedies, housing, health, welfare rights, and children’s legislation.

Your abilities extend to assessing the needs and risks of survivors, carry out short and longer-term risk management, safety planning and support and identify and refer to services appropriate to their needs.Advising women of their rights and options for seeking help and support from other agencies and proactively advocate to ensure barriers to accessing support and protection are reduced. You will work as an advocate and educator to raise awareness and upskill professionals within Children Social Care plus work with colleagues to successfully develop and deliver training.

 

How to apply:

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

· Interviews are taking place on rolling basis

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

What we can offer you - Employee Benefits: 

• A 35-hour working week
• An exceptional 30 days of paid holiday per year (pro rata for part time), PLUS public holidays on top (that's nearly 40 days paid holiday per year!) 
• Additional days off to celebrate International Women’s Day, and for religious observance and moving home
• Perkbox - an employee discount platform where you can receive free rewards as well as take advantage of savings on clothes, groceries, travel, leisure and more
• Pension scheme
• Enhanced maternity/adoption provision
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee eye-care scheme
• Clinical supervision for front line staff and first line management roles
• Refer a Friend Scheme - £250 for each referral who passes probation
• Organisation wide away days
• Thorough induction and training
• Career development pathways 

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Under the Equality Act 2010, we are required to make any reasonable adjustments. If you have a disability as defined under this act and/or have special needs, please email contact the Talent team via our website and the Talent Acquisition Team 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.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Helpline Advisor (known internally as a Triage ISVA) to join the ISVA team in West Yorkshire, working 18.5 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 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 is based in our offices located in Shipley and Wakefield.

As a part-time Helpline Advisor (Triage ISVA) you will provide initial advice and information to clients accessing our service. You will ensure the referral meets our criteria and where this is not the case you have the ability to build strong links with referral pathways across the region. You will be required to provide continuity, advocacy and impartial advice and information about all options, such as reporting to the police, accessing Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) services, and specialist support such as pre-trial therapy and sexual violence counselling.

You will undertake risk assessments and support needs analysis with clients and address initial needs and risk.

To provide non-therapeutic emotional and practical support to victims/survivors. This will be delivered via telephone, text and/or email based on the preferences and need of the client. To build links with services across West Yorkshire to ensure wrap around support is available.

Provide information and advocacy to enable clients to navigate and understand the criminal justice process and ensure their rights are upheld in accordance with the Victims Code of Practice. Explain criminal, legal and if relevant, civil remedies to clients.

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

About Us:

Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by our Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events. Working for VS gives you the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing high quality services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.

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.

Victim Support strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.

As part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.

If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best.

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 look forward to hearing from you.

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 Adult Caseworker (known internally as an Independent Victim Advocate) to join the team in Wiltshire, 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 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
• Pension with 5% employer contribution
• Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
• High Street, retail, holiday, entertainment & leisure discounts
• Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
• Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
• Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression

About the role:

This role involves regular travel and due to the location, a driving license and access to a vehicle is considered an essential requirement. If you are unable to drive because of a disability please indicate this in your application in your personal statement so we can explore the feasibility of alternative arrangements.

As an adult caseworker you will:

• Ensure the delivery of excellent services to victims of crime through the direct provision of information and practical and emotional help from the point of crime, and onwards throughout the criminal justice process, where appropriate
• Ensure that the overall aim of helping people cope and recover from the effects of crime is achieved
• Act as a single point of contact, to undertake effective need and risk assessments of victims and their circumstances
• Coordinate the overall delivery of the cope and recovery plan and recovery journey, working closely with other service providers to meet the needs of victims to enable them to cope and recover from the impact of crime

You will need:

• Experience of delivering a service and working directly with service users in a statutory, voluntary or community work setting
• Experience of working with vulnerable adults and/or families
• Understanding and knowledge of an active commitment to promoting equal opportunities, inclusion and diversity
• Ability to work without direct supervision, prioritise work and deal with competing or conflicting demands/ needs and interests in an organised and methodical manner
• Ability to needs assess, risk assess and empathise with the victim

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

About Us:
Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by our Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events. Working for VS gives you the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing high quality services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.

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.
Victim Support strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.

As part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.

If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best.

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 look forward to hearing from you.

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.

Main purpose of job: To provide specialist advocacy support to a caseload of clients with complex mental health needs, including support around housing, finances, health, domestic abuse and other issues. The role may also involve occasionally supporting CARA groups.

Start date: As soon as possible (subject to Enhanced DBS Check and satisfactory references).

Salary: £28,344 - £30,469 per annum.

Contract: Permanent contract.

Hours: Full time, 35 hours a week.  

Place of work: To work flexibly across CARA premises in Colchester with regular travel across mid and north Essex, including Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton, Colchester and Dunmow. The post may also involve some remote working, if a suitable home working environment is available.

Holiday: 25 days per year pro-rata, plus additional closure days between Christmas and New Year.

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.  Applications must specifically address each essential and desirable criteria, giving evidence from previous experience or qualifications. 

Application deadline: as soon as possible. We will be reviewing applications and shortlisting candidates to interview as applications are received.

Interviews:  To be arranged as suitable applications received.

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

Job Description

To provide advocacy support to a caseload of clients with complex mental health needs, including support around housing, finances, health, domestic abuse and other issues. CARA’s advocacy service focuses primarily on meeting the needs of some of our most complex clients – victims and survivors who would be unable to access other advocacy services.  The role will also involve supporting the wider CARA team in signposting other clients to external advocacy agencies, as appropriate and attendance at CARA groups to provide a drop-in advocacy surgery.

Main Responsibilities

·To manage a caseload of complex clients seeking short and long-term advocacy support, including support around housing, finances, health, domestic abuse and other issues.

·To manage referrals in to CARA’s Advocacy service, ensuring clients meet the referral criteria.

·To provide line-management for CARA’s social care placement worker and potential future advocacy volunteers.

·To assess all new referrals to CARA’s advocacy services, allocating cases to members of the advocacy team, as appropriate.

·To liaise with other agencies, receiving and making referrals and ensuring that they understand CARA’s role and services.

·To gather information about local and national agencies and manage storage and display of this material at CARA.  To work with CARA’s Integrated Support and Advocacy Manager to create a directory of services that can be used by all the CARA team.

·To support CARA’s group work, including attendance to provide advocacy support and supporting other activities.

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

·To maintain and collate evaluation data, testimonials or case studies for distribution.

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

·To report to the Integrated Support and Advocacy Manager, Head of Operations, Chief Executive Officer and Trustees as required, including the production of written reports.

·To be administratively self-servicing.

·To undertake any other activities as required by the Integrated Support and Advocacy Manager, Head of Operations, Chief Executive Officer and 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 and 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.