Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA)

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

About Us

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

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

Why Join Us?

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

Key Responsibilities

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

About You

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

Essential

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

Desirable

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