Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA)

Salary:
£29,701.36 per annum, inclusive of a London Weighting allowance, which may not be applicable depending on your home location and any agreed permanent homeworking arrangement

Terms:
Permanent

Location:
Hybrid with a requirement to work regularly from a range of locations within Wandsworth and Richmond, and once a month from Refuge’s Head Office in Vauxhall

Hours:
Full Time, 37.5 hours per week

About us

Refuge is the UK's largest provider of specialist services supporting women and children experiencing domestic abuse. The work we do is vital, life changing, and our people are at the heart of it. Joining us means you'll be part of an award-winning organisation of talented and committed individuals making an impact.

The role

We are looking for an IDVA to join our team in Wandsworth to provide high quality, trauma informed independent advocacy and support to survivors of domestic abuse, accessing support service. This is a challenging but highly rewarding role where you can make a real difference to the lives of survivors and their children. Alongside the satisfaction of helping people achieve safer and more positive outcomes, you'll gain valuable experience in advocacy, risk assessment, safeguarding, multi-agency working and navigating both criminal and civil justice processes. You'll build strong professional relationships across a range of services and develop specialist knowledge of domestic abuse, making this an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to grow their skills and experience within the sector. 

In this role you will:

• Establish the risks to and the needs of survivors of gender-based abuse, identify and prioritise those at the highest risk

• Develop bespoke safety planning in partnership with the survivor and provide ongoing advocacy support

• Support the empowerment of survivors, assist them to recognise the dynamics of gender-based abuse present in their own situation, and to help them regain control of their lives

• Provide practical and emotional support to survivors applying the principles of effective casework and advocating for survivors to ensure their needs are met

• Co-locate at the housing department to build partnerships with housing officers and provide direct support to survivors who present as homeless on the day 

Who we're looking for:

• In depth knowledge and understanding of the issues facing women who have experienced gender-based abuse 

• Knowledge of relevant legislation and options for and rights of those subjected to domestic abuse and other forms of gender-based abuse 

• An understanding of the impact of multiple, intersecting oppressions (e.g., sexism, racism, homophobia, ableism, etc) and the consequent barriers for some survivors of domestic abuse to accessing services

• Experience of conducting needs and risk assessments

• Evidence of ability to work under pressure, planning and prioritizing work activities

• Ability to communicate sensitively with women who may be distressed

• Experience of building and maintaining partnerships with other agencies

Benefits

Our benefits go beyond rewarding and meaningful work, find out more by downloading our Benefits Booklet.

Our commitment to inclusion

We are an intersectional feminist organisation committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment. Our vision is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities we serve and are committed to doing what we can to support our colleagues.

Important information

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.

We are committed to safeguarding and undertake DBS for all roles. We undertake an enhanced DBS check for our roles working directly with survivors.

Please note that the addresses of some of our services are confidential, therefore the postcode associated with this advert may not be accurate.

How to Apply

Click 'Apply' and submit your application by 11:59pm on Thursday 26 November. Interviews will be held remotely on Thursday 3 December.