Independent victims advocate jobs in Bristol

Independent Domestic Violence Advocate

We are looking for a resilient and dedicated person to join the team in Avon & Somerset as an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) dealing with Adolescent and Child to Parent Violence (APV/CPV).  The service provides support across the whole geography of Avon & Somerset.

Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change and improvement for those who need it? Do you have resilience and adaptability?

If yes, then we’d love to hear from you…

Position: 6820 Independent Domestic Violence Advocate

Location: Avon and Somerset/Hybrid

Hours: Part-time, 18.75 hours per week. Hours to be discussed at interview, worked between 9.30am - 5.30pm during Monday to Friday

Contract: Fixed Term to 31st March 2028

Salary: Qualified £14,791.50 per annum (FTE £29,583.00 per annum), Unqualified £13,876.00 per annum (FTE £27,752.00 per annum)

Closing Date: 05/08/2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if enough suitable applications are received.

The Role

This role involves making initial contact with victims of adolescent and child to parent violence and providing initial support in a dynamic and ever-changing environment.

You will provide high quality support to all victims of APV/CPV, leading on completing initial impact and risk assessments that are comprehensive and holistic. You will also provide cover for the local VS Helpline.  If further funding became available there may be an opportunity for more hours.

Key responsibilities:

• Identify and assess the risks and needs of APV/CPV victims.
• Focus on and prioritise high risk cases and provide a pro-active, short to medium term crisis intervention service.
• Deliver individually appropriate tailored support and information, advocacy, and practical support.
• Work with victims of APV/CPV to assist them in accessing services to keep them and their family safe.
• Develop individual safety plans to meet victim’s needs as identified in the risks and needs assessment.
• Ensure each victim receives an individually appropriate tailored support and information service that fully meets their needs, keeping complex needs central to all processes and decisions.
• Work within the legal framework relating to the protection of children and vulnerable adults.
• Providing advocacy and information to victims.
• Support the empowerment of the victim.

About You

You will need:

• A good command of the English language both verbally and in writing.
• A good understanding of APV/CPV and/or domestic abuse including the impact of these on victims.
• Understand the principles of risk assessment, safety planning and risk management.
• Understand Safeguarding issues and the legal responsibilities surrounding these issues
• Direct service delivery experience to victims of domestic abuse or APV/CPV
• Experience of working within a multi-agency and legislative framework
• Experience of managing a complex caseload, to prioritise work and deal with competing demands
• Strong crisis management skills and the ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations

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.

You can view the full Job Description and Person Specification once you click to apply.

In Return…

Benefits include:

• 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 and 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 Organisation

This independent charity is dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales.  They are at the heart of the organisation and the support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.

The organisation is 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. As a Disability Confident Employer, they will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so and are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.

You may have experience in areas such as ISVA, IDVA, ISAC, Violence, Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Criminal Justice, Family Support Worker, Child Support Worker, Social Worker, Case Worker, Liaison.

Please note this role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of our client.  #INDNFP  

Job Title:

Victim Support Casework Team Lead 

Salary:

Actual salary is £27,200 per year (FTE £34,000). 

Contract/Hours:

Permanent. 4 days per week / 0.8 FTE. The normal working week is 30 hours.

Annual Leave:

FTE annual leave entitlement is 23 days pro rata plus public and bank holidays. 

Location:

NUM delivers its services UK-wide through a combination of digital resources, remote services and in-person hubs. Staff work on a hybrid basis, with the balance of home and location-based working depending on business needs. This role is primarily remote, with occasional travel possible for meetings, events, and outreach. If you are based in one of our hubs, Glasgow, Manchester or London then this is desirable.

About NUM:

National Ugly Mugs (NUM) is a UK-wide charity which delivers a holistic safety, wellbeing and economic support model for sex workers, combining digital harm prevention, specialist casework, mental health support and pathways to economic stability. Activities are delivered UK-wide via a digital platform, remote services, and in-person hubs. We run a wellbeing drop-in service in Glasgow and other in-person services and events in Manchester and London. We have developed Vocational Support Services for those exploring careers both in and outside of sex industries and we run a Racial Justice project and Youth Justice project that makes visible the lived experiences of harm among racialised and young (18-25) sex workers towards systems change. 

NUM values those with lived experience in sex industries and work with them to shape services and responses, conduct research, develop education packages, and participate in policy advocacy to change the conditions that lead to survival sex work, gain rights and recognition, and improve the safety of UK-based sex workers. 

Background and Responsibilities:

The casework team is at the heart of NUM. We provide vital support from assistance through the criminal justice journey to essential emergency financial support. We are looking for a Casework Team Lead to lead our casework team. If you are driven, have a keen eye for detail, can effectively motivate others in a demanding and emotive area of work with the ability to support people in an empathetic and trauma informed way then this could be the role for you. 

This role will specifically focus on the day-to-day running of the casework team alongside carrying your own caseload. The work involves utilising and monitoring our digital platform and CMS maintaining and monitoring the documentation of cases and coordinating responses to ensure sex workers received the high standard of support they deserve, to prevent and recover from violence as well as seek justice and recourse. The Victim Support Casework Team Lead is responsible for maintaining high standards for all digital, individualised and in-person support provided by the casework team. All responsibilities can be grouped under five umbrella categories. The successful candidate will evidence suitability for the role based on the strength areas below:

1) Management: Manage the operations and administration associated with victim and vocational support casework. 

2) Leadership: Lead and motivate the team of national case workers towards service excellence. The best leaders can also be led. The successful candidate will value the lived and learned experiences on the casework team and ensure that everyone works to their strengths and strives for the best outcomes for sex workers. 

3) High Standards: Support good performance and quality outcomes for sex workers.

4) Creative and Innovative: Ability to strategise and problem-solve. Sex workers experience forms of violence before and after accessing support. At NUM, our principle of 'Sex Workers First' means that we work with them to achieve the outcomes that they desire. Sex workers are in control of their healing and recovery, and it will be the successful candidate's job to ensure that lives are improved as a result of contact with NUM. 

5) Well-being Focused: Provide care for the health, safety and welfare of the case work team and the sex workers we serve. 

Day-to-day tasks include but are not limited to the following.

• Managing your own caseload, providing individualised support to sex workers alongside your leadership role ensuring that sex workers are put at the forefront of all services offered. Maintaining our high standard of support.

• Continued monitoring and development of the NUM platform backend functions to find efficiencies and boost productivity. Develop and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) based on new policies and service priorities, new platforms/ procedures, and new innovations or services. 

• Problem-solving to ensure the smooth and efficient operations of the casework team eg, managing resource and rota’s including leave and absences, delegation of task where appropriate to the casework team.

• Audit overview and quarterly reporting to Operations Manager with responsibility for data management and the production of case studies. 

• External communications with practitioners to ensure best practice of utilising NUM service, promoting NUM membership where possible and attending external meetings as a NUM representative where required. 

• Host or contribute to the ongoing meetings of the National ISVA/SWISVA forum and continue to foster useful and productive spaces for SWISVAs (specialist sex work ISVA’s) throughout the UK to share experiences, insights towards delivering quality support services to sex workers with maintaining high service standards and prioritising self-care. 

• Deliver weekly operations meetings, keep them short and concise to discuss operational updates NUM wide/internal. Analyse statistics and case work trends and discuss any issues or take aways with the Operations Manager to inform Casework Team strategy.

• Communicate and collaborate with other work streams and projects at NUM. Contribute to organisational priorities and support initiatives that strengthen National Ugly Mugs’ overall impact. 

• Lead 1-2-1 check-ins and appraisals with staff, acknowledging individual and team success in appropriate ways, motivating the team and resolving conflict and managing team dynamics (with support where needed).

• Onboard and train new members of the casework team.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Skills and Experience

• Demonstrable casework skills, with experience in delivering advice, information, emotional and practical support and advocacy in partnership with health, wellbeing and criminal justice outcomes for individuals who may have experienced traumatic events.

• Experience managing a team, providing line management support, and managing rotas and team resources.

• An understanding of coordination responsibilities and the requirements of middle management in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment.

• Qualified ISVA or relevant casework support experience.

• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work with multiple partners on complex cases.

• Excellent administrative and organisation skills, able to manage both your own and other people’s workloads effectively.

• An understanding of Equal Opportunities, the diversity of sex workers and the impact of criminalisation, stigma, and marginalisation on sex workers and a team comprising those with lived experience.

• Effective communication skills and the ability to deliver training, guidance, advice and support to a diverse range of stakeholders to promote best practice in relation to supporting sex workers when they’re victims of crime.

• Experience of using online communication tools, CMS (Oasis), google workspace, MS suite, slack and other digital platforms to maximise efficiency and productivity of your own casework and that of the casework team. 

• Experience of dealing with internal and external complaints and having difficult conversations.

• Strong empathic and active listening skills.

• Willingness to undertake continued professional development. 

Desirable:

• Experience of the sex work community.

• Experience completing detailed reports on workstream productivity, both statistically and in written form.

• The ability to understand local, regional and national policy and evidence-based research in relation to community safety, health and social inclusion.

• Ability in languages other than English is beneficial but not required. 

If you are passionate about NUM’s mission to ‘end all forms of violence against sex workers’ we would love for you to hear from you!

HOW TO APPLY:

Applications close on 13th August 2026 at 11:30pm BST. We encourage applicants to apply before the deadline as interviews may be held on a rolling basis. You can apply via Charity Jobs or by emailing admin[at]nationaluglymugs[dot]org with your name and ‘Victim Support Casework Team Lead’ in the subject line. 

Please include a CV (max 3 pages) and a cover letter (max 2 pages) describing your suitability for the role. The cover letter should address the points in the ‘Personal Specification’ section of this posting. 

NUM is a diverse team committed to inclusion and equal opportunities in the workplace, and we actively encourage applicants of all different ages, genders, social and economic backgrounds, ethnicities, religions and sexual orientations, and from people with disabilities. If you have any access requirements related to applying, please contact admin[at]nationaluglymugs[dot]org.

We understand that everyone’s experience is different and encourage applications from those who may not meet all of the person specifications. If you’re passionate about equality, economic empowerment, and ending violence against sex workers, we want to hear from you.

Interviews are planned to take place remotely on week starting August 17th. We will let you know by August 18th if you have been selected for an interview. Please note that due to the high number of applications expected for this role if you do not hear back from NUM by the August 18th unfortunately your application has not been successful. We are not able to provide feedback on your application at the application stage.

One25 is a Bristol charity for women moving from crisis and trauma towards independence in the community. It is a highly respected charity working with some of the most vulnerable women to help them to heal and thrive. 

One25 services have been developed to meet women at their point of need, with love and practical support. We do this through our night outreach service which is a lifeline for women on Bristol’s streets. Our specialist caseworkers offer intensive one-to-one care in any area of need: from support in court to finding somewhere safe to live. Our Health Hub provides vital access for women to health services, supported by healthcare professionals.

This is an exciting opportunity to join One25 as we recruit a new Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Advisor (IDSVA) to join our specialist case work team. You will be supporting women who street sex work and are at a high risk of domestic and sexual violence. This role is key to coordinating a multi-agency response to women to improve their safety, while providing trauma informed practical and emotional support individually.

We are looking for someone who is creative, values person-centred support and a team player who is passionate about improving the safety of women.

One25 is committed to being an inclusive workplace that represents the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We particularly encourage applications from across the global majority, LGBTQ and disability groups, and those who have lived experience of multiple disadvantages as these groups are underrepresented within our workforce.

As part of our efforts to increase ethnic diversity, we are taking positive action under the Equality Act 2010 (Section 159). We will guarantee an interview to applicants from global majority backgrounds who meet the essential criteria for the role.  Applicants are therefore asked to ensure they complete the Equalities Form when submitting their details in order that their application can be considered appropriately. Please refer to One25’s Recruitment Data Privacy Policy for more information.

We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments individuals may require once in post, but also during the application and interview process to make it as inclusive as possible. This could include (but is not limited to) different ways of applying, sharing interview questions in advance, or allowing more time for tasks during the interview.

Occupational Requirement

This post is open to women only, as permitted under Schedule 9, Part 1, of the Equality Act 2010. Following the recent Supreme Court judgment, this part of the Equality Act now means we may only consider applications from women who were assigned female at birth for this role. We welcome applicants to get in touch with us if they’d like to discuss this further.

Enhanced DBS disclosure will be required.

Hours:  30 hours per week over 4 days. Caseworkers are required to complete a monthly van outreach shift (evening/night hours which can be taken back as TOIL) and to participate in the evening on-call rota (typically once every few months).
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £26,846.10 (£33,558 FTE)
Location: St Pauls, Bristol
Benefits: External supervision and reflective practice to support your mental wellbeing and professional development.
Generous leave allowances: 33 days holiday inc. bank holidays; additional holiday linked with length of service, up to 13 additional days’ time off in lieu; plus, additional time off on any working days that fall during the Christmas and New Year closure.
Option to join the 4 Day Week pilot at six months, subject to passing probation (work 20% less for the same salary).
Enhanced company sick pay.
Enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity/partner pay
Access to Employee Assistance Programme
Access to HSF Health Plan
Mental Health Champions
Reflective practice sessions
Cycle Scheme
Opt-out pension scheme.

Applications by: 9am, Friday 17th July
Ask Us Anything session: 12.30pm, Tuesday 7th July (please email us for a Teams link)
Interviews: Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th July
Start Date: As soon as possible

We are looking for a resilient and dedicated individual to join our Avon & Somerset team as a Caseworker, working within the VS team as part of the Avon & Somerset Victim Service partnership.

The service provides support to anyone aged over 18 affected by crime and anti-social behaviour across the whole geography of Avon & Somerset. This role is part-time, and is hybrid working both from home and 1 day a week in Keynsham Police Station (a suitable and confidential workspace at home is required).

Do you want the unique opportunity to work in a fast-paced service, delivering exceptional and tailored support? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it?

If yes, then we'd love to hear from you…

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 a Caseworker you will provide high quality support to victims of crime and anti-social behaviour, leading on completing initial impact and risk assessments that are comprehensive and holistic. You will also contribute to providing cover for the local VS Helpline.

During initial training and whilst awaiting police vetting the successful candidate will be required to work 1 day a week from our office based in the Vassall Centre in Fishponds, Bristol. When vetting has completed the job location will be Keynsham Police Station, with occasional working days from the Vassall Centre.

Key Responsibilities:

• Effectively manage a caseload of self-referrals or referred victims.
• Ensure each victim receives individually appropriate tailored support that fully meets their needs, keeping complex needs central to all processes and decisions.
• Throughout a support relationship consistently revisiting impacts and outcomes of the victim, addressing emerging support needs within an agreed framework.
• Undertake risk and needs assessments to address the specific needs of the victim in line with VS operating procedures.
• Follow relevant safeguarding policies and procedures, working with safeguarding leads and other agencies to ensure an integrated approach to address any safeguarding concerns.
• 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.
• Identify barriers to individuals accessing our services and determine solutions. Working with existing multi-agency partners to which victims can be referred for ongoing and specialist support.
• To work alongside a team of staff and volunteers to reflect the diverse community and the needs of the victims, including those with particular vulnerabilities, to deliver individual, bespoke services with respect, dignity and sensitivity.
• Maintain accurate and confidential case records, complying with data protection and all other legislation connected to your work and sharing protocols where necessary.

About You

You will need:

• An understanding of the impact of crime on victims such as anti-social behavior, domestic abuse, sexual violence and hate crime.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• The ability to use IT applications competently.
• An understanding and practical application of Equal opportunities and diversity and inclusivity.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering services and working directly within a statutory, voluntary or multi agency setting(s).
• An ability to balance competing needs and priorities.
• An ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• The ability to maintain professional boundaries.
• Knowledge and understanding of the requirement for confidentiality and safe working practices, maintaining records in accordance with the Data Protection Act and other legal requirements.
• A successful track record of building effective working relationships across internal and external stakeholders.

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.

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.