Housing Independent Gender Violence Advocate (IGVA)

We are recruiting for a Housing IGVA to join our team in Barking & Dagenham; the scope on this job involves….

Job Title: Housing IGVA

Location: Barking & Dagenham
Salary: £29,701.36 per annum
Contract type: Full-time, Permanent

Hours: 37.5

We are seeking a committed and compassionate Housing Independent Gender Violence Advocate (IGVA) to join our service in Barking and Dagenham, supporting women who have experienced domestic abuse. This is a vital role that works in close partnership with the Housing Department, with the post‑holder co‑located three days per week in person to strengthen joint working and improve outcomes for survivors.

The Housing IGVA will provide specialist support and advocacy, working alongside housing colleagues to ensure survivors’ safety, needs, and experiences are fully understood and responded to. The role involves advocating on behalf of clients, conducting risk assessments, developing safety plans, and making appropriate referrals to internal and external support services. The post‑holder will also provide professional guidance and insight to housing staff to enhance trauma‑informed practice.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong communication and partnership‑working skills, the ability to maintain professional boundaries, and a clear commitment to empowering women on their recovery journey. Relevant lived experience and/or professional experience supporting survivors of domestic abuse will be highly valued, alongside empathy, resilience, and a solutions‑focused approach.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference at a critical point in survivors’ lives, while also developing specialist knowledge of housing systems and safeguarding practice.

Closing date: 9.00am on 13 May 2026

Interview date: 27 May 2026

Benefits

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